The impact of urban financial crises on the provision of recreational and cultural services for children, primarily by local governments, is explored. Emphasis is on the effects upon California's children's services of Proposition 13, a tax relief initiative limiting property taxes in that State. Data from an Oakland, California, survey are presented to provide background on the characteristics of children who use such services as parks, museums, libraries, and zoos, and on the frequency of service use. This is followed by a description of the political and economic contexts of services provision, including decision making processes and financial considerations. It is emphasized that, while public support of Proposition 13 was not a mandate to reduce or eliminate children's services, the resulting reduction in government revenues had that adverse effect. County and local government responses to the need for austerity in a period of financial crisis (such as closing of service site, staff reductions, user fees, and private sponsorship), and the inadequate consequences of these responses for different children, are described. In conclusion, the future of children's services is considered. (Author/MJL)