See more photos of Chicago fountains here.

1. They’re world-class
With a 1.5 million gallon capacity, 134 powerful jets and 820 lights that may well be visible from outer space (or at least a faraway really tall building), Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park does nothing in half measures and lures gawking tourists from all over creation — many of whom have never seen an episode of “Married With Children.”

2. They’re an excellent alternative to wimpy backyard sprinklers.
The Crown Fountains at Millennium Park are a tot favorite for just that reason. Glass towers that stand 50 feet tall, they sport blinking, smiling, kinda creepy human faces that intermittently gush forth cool aqua into a shallow and barefoot-friendly wading pool. Ah, summer bliss.

3. They’re much-needed settings of serenity.
Wherever the fountain is — whether it’s in the Chicago Women’s Park, 1827 S. Indiana (behind the Clarke House Museum), or the one on the southern end of Loyola University’s lake shore campus — they offer a tranquil respite from the breakneck pace that is city life.

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Tell us your three favorite things about Chicago fountains!