legalphotographyetiquettesafety
Is it legal to photograph other people's kids at a splash pad?
Quick answer
In public splash pads, photography of people in plain view is generally legal under the First Amendment, but commercial use requires a model release. Most operators post no-photography rules to protect families, and many state child-protection laws criminalize images intended to sexually exploit minors regardless of intent.
US law historically allows photography in public spaces, including municipal splash pads, without consent for personal or journalistic use. However, splash pads occupy a gray zone because subjects are children in swimwear. Most municipalities and HOAs post no-photography or photos-of-your-own-children-only rules under their authority as property owners; violators can be ejected and trespassed. Commercial use — selling stock photos, advertising, social media monetization — always requires written model releases from a parent or legal guardian. Federal child-exploitation statutes (18 USC 2256) and every state's child-pornography laws criminalize images created for sexual purposes, even of clothed minors. Practical advice: ask before photographing other people's kids, never post identifiable images of strangers' children to social media, and respect any posted facility rules. When in doubt, photograph only your own family.