Here's a small list of best pizza places that kids love. Now foodies, before you get all exercised about what's below, remember that this isn't necessarily the best pizza -- though some of these places rank up there. It's a list of places where families like to dine and everyone is reasonably happy.

Often all we can hope for, as parents. And the absence of even these basic conditions is why many parents told me they don't have a place to go for pizza -- they just take it out.

For example, according to my unscientific observation, the No. 1 kid favorite pizza variety is likely cheese. Just ... cheese. Second favorite: pepperoni. So it's good when a place has both plenty of basic pizza and some fancy-schmantzy stuff for the adults.

--Amer's Cafe, Fullerton. Jason K raved about this place early on. Make-your-own-pizza parties, belly dancing, and a location in the same shopping center as the Beltway Movies 6 movie theater, which shows lots of family-friendly matinees.

--Carmine's in Hunt Valley gets props from Annelies and mgb. I like the sound of a gelato shop in the back.

--Bertucci's, various locations in the area. Yes, it's a chain. I've not been, but I've heard good things from several parents, particularly about the Timonium location on York Road. 

--If it's not busy, Iggies Pizza in Mount Vernon has gotten kudos from Chowhound readers for kid-friendliness (and from Dining at Large readers for its gourmet, thin-crust pizzas). I've never taken my kids, but I do like the pizza and the atmosphere. But Chowhounders recommend avoiding Saturday nights. They also have a "take and bake" option that might work if you think the kids (or you, for that matter) aren't up to restaurant manners that night.

--LIVE! restaurant reviewer and mom Karen Nitkin likes Matthew's Pizza in Highlandtown and S'ghetti Eddies in Roland Park. I second the S'ghetti Eddie's shoutout because I liked its Colors of Italy pie last time we were there -- and because, according to the web site, they now serve ice cream with free sprinkles.

--Edamommy likes another Timonium place, Pasta Blitz (49 Aylesbury Road, 410-453-6603). In a 2006 Sun review, which may not apply anymore, Karen praised the food and said there were lots of pizzas available by the slice.

--If we're going for takeout, our family has become fond of Vito's Pizza, 6304 York Road, Towson, 410-323-8486. Their cheese version pleases the kids, and the adults like the veggie pizza.

Now, I do realize that there aren't any Anne Arundel or Howard County places on this list that aren't chains, so I'm fervently hoping that some readers from those parts will chime in with good recommendations. And if there's anyplace else that should be mentioned, please tell us in the comments below.