IKEA051

This Swedish import specializes in thoughtfully designed but inexpensive home furnishings of every kind. It's also a reasonable place to shop with and for kids, as long as you can find a way to avoid weekends. On weekends, the phrase "cattle call" comes to mind.

IKEA has everything you need to furnish your baby or child's room or playroom. Items here aren't the kind that you'll want to pass on to your grandchildren, but most things will stand up to at least one generation of use and abuse. Textiles, furniture, and storage options are bright-colored, distinctive-looking, and often very cute, and they're designed with tight living spaces and slim budgets in mind.

Kids are free to play in the children's section displays, or to spend an hour in the play area. The large, clean playroom, located at the entrance, is secure, well-staffed, decorated with murals and store items, and stuffed with interesting activities for ages three-nine. Kids must be fully toilet trained to enter.

Stop at the kid-friendly cafeteria for lunch. The children's meal includes a choice of Swedish meatballs and fries, PB&J, or hot dog with drink in a lidded cup. Look for Jell-O or rice pudding with lingonberries for dessert. Grownups can choose between daily hot entrees, a traditional smorgasbord, or those addictive meatballs with lingonberries and potatoes.