Borders050

Borders is one of the big chains, but your kids won't care. It carries books, videos, and CDs with many discounted offerings. The store offers a few cozy places to curl up with a book, a great kids' section, and a decent selection of books - though it's thin on classics.

A nice enough cafe provides a rest stop if you're lucky enough to find a seat; the chairs are guarded jealously by people leafing through new purchases. Another plus: The hours...Borders is almost always open.

The store periodically offers storytimes, author events, and special events for kids of all ages.