Whether you're headed to London, New York, or places in between, you'll know as much as the adults with information from these helpful, kid-friendly travel guides.

Around [Name Your Place] With Kids
Published by Fodor's, $11.00

is a series of tiny flip art paperbacks featuring 68 neat activities or attractions in major cities. Listed one to a page, each venue gets a sidebar which might be a neat nearby restaurant, or a tip for parents, or a little known funky fact for kids. Titles to date include Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Rome, Atlanta, Denver, Seattle, Orlando, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington DC. worthwhile for locals or visitors.

Fodor's Around London with Kids
by Jacqueline Brown (Fodors, 2006, $9.95)

This is an informative, illustrated read for passing time on the way to London. Best suited for both children and adults of all ages, this book presents 68 great places and activities to experience with the kids in this beautiful city. It not only tells about the London Zoo, Sherlock Holmes Museum and other cultural attractions, but it also discusses details for planning, such as visitor's information, age appropriateness. In addition, the book includes fun facts, games, and activities for the kids.

Pick Your Brains about...
by Cadogan Guides, $9.95 (children and their parents)

This is an excellent series in which each paperback book provides fun and informative historical and cultural lessons for a child’s perspective about a European country. The four books in the series cover the grounds of England, France, Italy, and Spain extensively, with easily read tables and cartoons that bring the facts to life. The books touch upon “Vital Facts and Figures,” a typical school day in each country, customs, famous people and buildings from each country, as well as lists “Good Books and Wicked Websites” where inquisitive minds can learn more. The books are written from a British perspective, but the informal style and useful hints about weather and behaviors of people in the country make these guides useful to British and Non-British travelers who want to be able to appreciate all of the differences that a new country has to offer, by learning about the country in advance.

The Kid’s Guide to New York City
by Eileen Ogintz with Reggie Yemma (Insiders’ Guide, $8.95, 2004)

Combining explanations of New York City's diverse neighborhoods, “Did you know?” facts, and kids’ (both New Yorkers and tourists) perspectives of the city, this guide will provide young readers an opportunity to teach adults and maybe even native New Yorkers a thing or to about the Empire City. Sections that parents will appreciate include “New York Museums That Kids Love” and “A Little Culture: Music, Dance, and Opera.”  Young readers will appreciate “Where Kids Like to Eat and Shop,” “Must See Sights,” and “Play Ball.” In addition to factoids and insiders’ perspectives, the guide serves as an activity planner and a place for readers to reflect on their vacation.

The Kid’s Guide Cruising Alaska
by Eileen Ogintz with Reggie Yemma (Insiders’ Guide, $8.95, 2004)

With tips on what to do on a daily basis on a summer Alaskan cruise plus factoids about Alaskan wildlife and weather, this guide can be useful on and before the trip.  It tells what to bring, how to make friends, and what might be seen, then provides space for travel notes and pictures.  Its mixture of travel guide and travel journal, in addition to Alaskan kids’ perspectives, and “Did you know?” facts, make it a guide that kids will use in anticipation of their cruise and then in (hopefully) fond remembrance of their journey.