How do I plan a group photo at a splash pad?

Group photos at splash pads are deceptively hard — by hour two everyone is wet, sunscreen-streaked, sunburned, or having a meltdown. Take the photo within 10 minutes of arrival before play begins. Choose a backdrop with even shade (not patchy tree dapple which photographs poorly), with the splash pad visible in the background. Line up tallest people in back, shorter and kids in front, and squeeze in tighter than feels natural — group shots look distant. Assign one designated photographer with the best phone or a real camera plus a tripod for self-timer self-included shots. Take 5-10 shots in a row to catch one with everyone's eyes open. For wet action shots later, use a waterproof phone case (Lifeproof, OtterBox) or a long zoom lens from outside the splash zone — never bring a non-waterproof phone or DSLR onto wet surfaces. For 30+ person groups, consider hiring a local family photographer for $150-400 — they handle ratio, light, and corralling. Get permission to post group photos publicly; some families do not consent to social media.