Map & Compass is always good but you need to continually update so you stay found. The vast majority will rely on signs, will get lost and then when they pull out the map & compass (if they have them), won't be able to locate themselves on the map. They'll be able to find North and that may help, but not always. At least they can stay lost in one direction.

A cheap GPS OTOH, can tell them exactly where the parking lot is located, IF they remembered to mark the car; a mapping GPS might actually show the parking lot. OTOOH, the folks who marked their car will probably forget to turn the GPS off, so when they really need it the batteries are already dead.

Face it, most folks with a decent plan either don't get lost or self-rescue. Most folks don't have a plan, or a map, or a compass, or spare batteries...

Sorry, taking small kids in the backcountry without a plan borders on child endangerment; I have no sympathy.