For most of us, it is hard to imagine, let alone remember, life before “apps.” How did we ever find anything or know what was going on? A lot can be said about technology and how it has changed our lives, but I am a firm believer of everything in moderation. Like most parents, I find myself always on the go, so technological advances that can make life even a little bit easier are always welcome. Here are some of my favorite free apps that I think are “download deserving.”

Mom Maps: This is a great app for parents on the go in their own city or while traveling. The app uses your location to give you a list of kid-friendly spots that are close by, including playgrounds, restaurants or indoor play areas. Under each category is a list of places that includes the address, website, phone number, and even ratings and reviews by other parents. It was created by Jill Seman, a San Francisco mom who programmed the app during nap times. There are close to 200 locations in the Marina and Cow Hollow alone and over 5,000 in the Bay Area. It also includes over two dozen cities in the U.S. and Europe. This is a great app for parents who want to explore different parts of the City, and it may come in very handy while traveling this summer when you need to find a family-friendly place to eat quickly.

SFPark: This app is brand new but is already one of my favorites. It aims to make parking on Chestnut Street and many other places around the City much easier by providing real-time information on available parking spots. For now, this app is only available for the iPhone, but they hope to launch other formats in the next few weeks. The maps color-code blocks so available parking spots are shown in dark blue, light blue indicates fewer spots, and red means you should walk or look elsewhere. Pricing information is also included. The idea is that you check parking availability before you get to your destination or you pull over – there is an automatic warning that pops up if the phone is moving faster than ten miles per hour. Stay tuned, because later this summer SFMTA hopes customers will be able to pay for SFpark meters and garages by phone. The best part about this is your phone would be able to give you updates when your meter is about to run out and allow you to pay for more time with just the touch of a button. No more leaving lunch to feed a meter and no more excuses for that $55 parking ticket.

SitorSquat: As a parent, the one thing I am always looking for, even more often than a good parking spot, is a clean bathroom. For those of us with toddlers who are just beginning the potty training process, you know how important it is to know where the closest bathroom is at all times. I am sure we have all been in a situation where a bathroom request from the backseat resulted in dangerous driving. SitorSquat tells you where the nearest bathroom is located. This app includes pictures, ratings, and there are even reviews from actual restroom users. It also includes information on which bathrooms have changing tables. Even those without young children who may just be a bit pickier about their restrooms will find this app very helpful.

These are three navigational apps that I have found help me save time. Saving time is important, but being safe is even more important. Remember that these and all other apps should not be used while driving. Trust me, the ticket is not a cheap one. I hope you find these apps helpful and you have some fun exploring new places with your children, get a few less parking tickets, and your quest for a clean bathroom is a little easier.

Liz Farrell lives in San Francisco and is the mother of two young children. She was formerly a television producer in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. E-mail: [email protected]