RUG RAT WRANGLERS

The frequently beleaguered young parents with three kids (and another on the way), headed for a visit with grandparents or a theme park. They’re looking for order in the chaos, including anything that might be a diversion for the kiddies (and a break for themselves), as well as a smart place to set up base camp and an inexpensive, quality meal.

EAT: About a dozen restaurants have special menus for children (Firewood Grill, Lark Creek Grill, Napa Farms), but the Andale

Mexican 1 in Terminal 2 is near group seating and the Kids’ Spot. There are a few options nearby, including Burger Joint (although their idea of a mini-cheeseburger is still a quarter pounder). Terminal 2, near Gate 59, post-security.

SHOP: While the SF Museum of Modern Art store 2 is geared toward adult art lovers, there’s a surprising amount of books, games, puzzles and gadgets meant for youngsters (many of them low-tech solutions for when the family iPad runs out of power on a 10-hour flight). International Terminal, Main Hall, pre-security.

DIVERSION: The SFO Museum exhibits 3 throughout the airport are visual enough (not just signs and pictures) to captivate kids; the International Terminal (pre-security) has the biggest concentration so there’s less dragging the brood from point to point. Sites around the airport; see www.flysfo.com/museum.

ALTERNATE: If they get museum burnout, just take them up to the

AirT rain 4 and stay on board for a loop or two. (Take the red line unless you really want to see the car rental center.)

HANGOUT: Kids’ Spots 5 in Terminals 2 and 3 are enclaves of art-based diversions for youngsters and are close to enough seating for a family to set up base camp nearby. Terminal 2, near Gates 54A; Terminal 3, near Gate 60.

DRUG OF CHOICE: Three

Twins Ice Cream 6. Terminal 1, near Gate 43, post-security.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Fly SFO.com site offers plenty of suggestions for families with children, including downloadable tours of portions of the airport.