IKEA551

Sweden's favorite home furnishings store has taken the US by storm. And the only deterrent to getting inexpensive furniture, children's toys, and household accessories is the crowd. If you persevere - and plot your trip for any day but Saturday and Sunday - the pay-off is simple, contemporary furniture and merchandise, including toys. (No surprise that the store favors the wooden variety.)

While you shop, your kids can hang out in designated play areas around the store. They're invited to touch any product, and the in-store restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks when they're hungry. The menu features Swedish meatballs, shrimp sandwiches, salmon platters, plus pasta, chicken, and vegetarian dishes. Child portions of meatballs and mac and cheese - as well as baby food, bottle warmers, and bibs - are available. A bistro near the exit serves hot dogs, cinnamon buns, frozen yogurt, and beverages.

There is also Smaland, a free, fully supervised activity area where kids who meet the 37"-54" height requirement can play, draw, and watch movies while you shop for up to an hour. When you check your kids in, you'll get a beeper that'll go off if there's an emergency or it's time for pick-up.