Take Stroller to San Francisco for 4 & 6 yr old?
 

Hi All,
We are going to be in San Francisco next week, and I wanted to get opinions on whether or not to take a stroller for our daughters, who are 4 & 6. It is a double jogging type stroller, so it is wider than a regular front/back type. I am just nervous that they will not be up for walking quite as much as my husband and I will be. Although we are an active family, I anticipate that we will want to me walking most days for long stretches. Also, for our flight, we arrive quite late and have one layover, so I was thinking that I could gate check the stroller and use it in the airport as well.
Any suggestions or opinions would be helpful.
Thank you.

Most sidewalks in SF will not be able to accommodate that stroller; you might as well try to drive a Volkswagen along the sidewalk. You and DH will probably just have to accomodate yourselves to the kids' limits.

Could you take two light umbrella type folding strollers instead?

I am just thinking that even as an in-shape adult, sometimes those hills in SF killed me.

Two lightweight strollers would give you more mobility, but still allow the kids to sit out some of the walking.

And you could easily fold them up when you go into restaurants and things.

totally agree with Blue Swimmer -- you should buy 2 "disposable" umbrella strollers (or even just one and they can take turns resting)If it's a cheapie, you won't worry about losing/checking it. A stroller is almost a necessity in SF but not such a big jogging one

Thank you for the replies!

I also have a front/back double stroller--more of a mall-type stroller (trying to think of what I already own that I could maybe use).

Any opinions on that, or are the umbrella strollers probably still better?

My front/back double is harder to steer outside than the jogger, which is my only hesitation.

AnneCS, if you plan on walking everywhere, up and down those hills, yes, the front/back stroller will be fine. The sidewalks are kinda stroller-friendly, on every corner there is that thing where the curb goes down to the road level for wheelchairs.

If you plan on taking buses - you need 2 folding strollers.

Will a 6-year-old agree to sit in a stroller?

We have a four and a six year old and get by with the four year old in an umbrella stroller and the six year old walking. I think those front/back strollers get really hard to steer with two big kids, don't they?

And either you or your husband will have to push it UP the hills!

At least with two, that halves the weight each person has to push.

Could you get some cheapies then resell them on ebay since you won't need them at home?

We have twins and when they were 5 months old we went to SF. We took 2 sinlge light umbrella strollers instead of their big double stroller. The umbrella ones were great because walking up those hills was challenge enough, so I was very happy we took the "light" strollers. Plus, it was easier to quickly fold up and jump on the trolleys.

I would probably take 1 umbrella stroller and the kids can take turns. I think even the 4-year old will "want" to walk sometimes.

I agree with those who recommend two light strollers, and other pedestrians will be grateful as well. There will be times when you will find it more convenient for both kids to walk, and it will be easier to carry two smaller, umbrella-style strollers than one big one.

Thank you again, I really appreciate the feedback!
We are really looking forward to our visit.