Can I bring a headlamp for evening visits?

Evening splash pad visits are great in summer heat but lighting varies wildly between facilities. Newer or themed pads have full LED lighting and synchronized shows; older neighborhood pads often have just a single overhead pole light that creates harsh shadows and dark drainage corners. A small headlamp or clip-on light helps for spotting kids, finding lost shoes, and walking back to the car. Use red-light mode if your headlamp has one — it preserves night vision and doesn't blast other visitors directly. Keep the beam pointed at the ground, not at faces. Avoid using a phone flashlight at full brightness; it's far harsher than a dedicated headlamp. Many pads close at sunset specifically because the lighting isn't adequate for safe play, so check posted hours.