grouppartyplanningetiquette
How do I plan a family reunion at a splash pad?
Quick answer
Book the largest shelter or rent multiple adjacent ones for 30-100 people. Plan a 4-6 hour event with rotating activities — splash, BBQ, organized games. Designate water-watching adults in shifts. Send a logistics email with parking, food assignments, and arrival times. Cost: $200-1,000.
Family reunions at splash pads are common for groups of 30-100 people because they entertain three generations at once. Booking: most parks have shelter capacities of 50-150 — call the parks department 2-6 months ahead, especially for July-August weekends. For very large groups, rent two adjacent shelters or the entire picnic grove. Cost typically $200-1,000 depending on city and shelter size. Logistics: send a full email two weeks out covering park address, parking, gate code if applicable, arrival window, food assignments (potluck signup), shelter location relative to splash pad, and emergency contact. Schedule a 4-6 hour event: arrival and lunch (1 hour), free play and splash (2 hours), organized activities like sack races or family photos (1 hour), dessert and goodbyes (1 hour). Designate two water-watching adults in 30-minute shifts so no one misses the reunion conversation. Bring large coolers, multiple grills if allowed (verify; many cities prohibit), sound system at conversational volume, lots of trash bags. Take a group photo as soon as possible after arrival before anyone is wet or tired.