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Having one parent travel in the back seat while the other drives can let you keep the kids amused with books and games and eliminate the ‘He crossed the lii-i-i-ine!’ dilemma.

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NIGHT-NIGHT

Hotels and motels commonly have rooms with two double beds or a double and a sofa bed. For families who prefer more space, many properties have ‘adjoining’ rooms (two rooms attached via an internal door). Alternatively, one- or two-bedroom suites may end up being more economical. Most places provide rollaway beds, usually for a small extra charge.

Whichever room type you want, request it on booking. If you wait until you arrive, you might not get what you want.

Often larger chain hotels offer ‘kids stay free’ promotions; others include breakfast in the rates. Inquire about these promotions when booking. Some smaller B&Bs don’t welcome children.

Some resort hotels, such as Loews Coronado Bay Resort and the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, offer activity programs for kids, particularly during summer. Fees can be cheaper than babysitting and everyone may enjoy the change of pace.

Babysitting

If you need a four-hour vacation from your kids and aren’t lucky enough to have family or friends nearby in SoCal, here’s a list of babysitting services in Los Angeles; if you’re outside of LA, ask at your hotel for a recommendation. Rates may fluctuate based on factors such as the number of children and whether the kids have a cold or there’s driving involved. Most services prefer at least 24 hours’ advance notice.

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For information on everything from traveling with kids to how to store their artwork, www.peachheadfamilies.com is a highly regarded local discussion group website.

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Babysitters Agency of West LA ( 310-306-5437; per hr from $15; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat) In business for half a century (formerly Santa Monica Babysitters). Four-hour booking minimum Sunday to Friday, and a five-hour minimum Saturdays.

Babysitters Guild ( 310-837-1800; per hr $10-16, plus $6 transportation fee; 10:30am-4:30pm Mon-Fri) The oldest and largest agency in the city (since the 1940s). All sitters are screened, over 21 and fluent in English. Four-hour booking minimum (five hours on Saturdays).

Buckingham Nannies ( 310-247-1877, 800-393-4844; www.buckinghamnannies.com; per hr $12-25; 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri) Uses fully qualified nannies with at least two years’ experience. In addition to hourly fees, there’s a $75/150 registration fee (valid three months/one year) and a $25 daily fee.

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WHINING & DINING

Most SoCal restaurants – not just fast-food places – are easygoing with kids. A good measure is the noise level: the louder it is, the more kid-friendly it will be. Casual eateries in well-trafficked neighborhoods typically have high chairs available and many have specific children’s menus, sometimes printed on a take-home coloring book or placemat – our favorite places provide crayons too. Even restaurants without kids’ menus can usually whip up something your children will call yummy. Generally, earlier (before 6pm) is better for families with young ones.

If your server has gone to a lot of extra effort on your behalf, a generous tip is definitely in order (20% or more). This will also help endear you to the server for your next visit – get his or her name if you can, and even mention to the manager that they went above and beyond.

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The website of LA Parent (http://losangeles.parenthood.com) includes a calendar of events and listings. The print version of this monthly magazine is distributed free in child-oriented places throughout town (the website lists locations).

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Theme parks have dozens of ways to get the kids hopped-up on sugar and salt at expensive prices, and many don’t permit picnics or outside food to be brought in. One way to get around this: carry a cooler in the car and have a picnic in the parking lot (though be sure to get a hand-stamp for reentry).

One place kids are generally unwelcome