Some Comfort Zones for Consumers With Children

OK, you house-bound parents, you gotta get out more. And a number of Valley businesses are making jaunts with junior much easier. Here are a few examples, although the list is far from comprehensive.

Grocery shopping: Most of the major chains, including Ralphs, Vons and Albertson’s, offer child-size shopping carts at some of their Valley locations that can turn a trip to the market into play time for your youngster. If your regular store doesn’t have them, call another--or a competitor--nearby.

And for parents with more than one young one in tow, many stores offer shopping carts with seats to accommodate two children.

Ralphs also is incorporating children’s reading centers into its new and remodeled stores, including its outlet at 2500 W. Victory Blvd. in Burbank and the store at 4754 Commons Way in Calabasas, according to Barbara Janeway, a spokeswoman for Ralphs.

Dining out (beyond Chuck E. Cheese’s):

If you’re craving something best eaten with a fork, without the strains of arcade games serenading you, there are some kid-friendly options.

At the top of my list is the Sunday brunch at the Caribou restaurant, in the Sportsmen’s Lodge at 12833 Ventura Blvd. at Coldwater Canyon Avenue in Studio City. Children 5 and under eat free and kids between 6 and 12 pay half of the adult price of $19.95 ($24.95 on Mother’s Day). Live ducks, swans and fish cavorting in the ponds surrounding the restaurant provide free entertainment.

Many parents like Buca di Beppo, 17500 Ventura Blvd., in Encino [(818) 995-3288], which serves family-size portions meant to be shared but also dishes up free side orders of pasta for children seven and under.

Car washing: To help you arrive at your destination in a clean car, Cruisers Car Wash and Diner, 8870 Tampa Ave. in Northridge, offers an indoor play area that includes a Little Tikes castle and house, coin-operated cars and toys.

On the way: Georgia-based Carter’s, one of the leading children’s clothing makers, is opening new “Imagination Shops” that will incorporate interactive play areas into children’s departments at department stores. The play areas will open in July at Macy’s stores in San Francisco and New York. A company spokeswoman said the program should arrive in Los Angeles in the fall, but the location has not been determined, she said.