Re: advice, help, info.....

Mom,
It sounds like you and your family are Nature lovers who are fit enough to make this trip.
First of all the Bradford ridge is a steep hill with a 600 foot change in elevation. It is on a 2.9 mile hike just before you get to Deep creek. Your jeep should make this trip just fine as it is paved the whole way.
Secondly, most people at the hot spring prefer to bath naked. But it is clothing optional so if you or your girls are shy, be warned.
Also, it is not uncommon to see sick people smoking their medicine (Marijuana).
Yes, the Hot Springs are hot 24/7 all year. The San Bernardino Forest rules make it a day use only area. So plan on getting there in the morning for best results. And yes, it is in the S.B. National Forest. That means it belongs to all American citizens, you too.
If you go bring at least 1 gallon of water per person. Food if you like eating and some sun block if you don't want to burn.
On the Bradford ridge path there is no cold creek crossing. To get there from Running springs Go as you are going to the Mall in Lake Arrowhead. When you get to the 5 way stop sign just before the Mall turn right onto hwy. 173. Follow it past all the houses and past the sign that says Snow not removed past this sign. When you get to Grass Valley road look for the S.B. National forest service maintenance building on the right. Go @ 1 mile and there is a rifle/gun shooting range on the left. Go @ 1 more mile and there is a concrete bridge at a turn in the road. Park near here. On the north side of the road is a fence with a opening in it. Go through the opening and follow the trail through the canyon and down hill. It is a total of 900 feet change in elevation from there to the hot springs. You will find yourself transferring from the forest into the desert.
You might be best to print out these directions for your trip.
Please post a trip report back here so we can all know how it went for you and yours.
And Please haul out more trash than you bring in.