The TV in the kids room is really lacking the volume we would like, we don't have the need for a full audio setup, but I was thinking a sound bar may improve the overall watching experience. Anyone have any experience with them or recommendations?

I was looking at these at BestBuy a while back for someone that only wanted a minimal system and didn't have room for speakers. So, I found this Polk soundbar and sub that would probably work.

Sorry Cat, I'm going to disagree. I have not heard a sound bar yet, even ones so called "professionally calibrated" that truly simulates surround sound that separate speakers can produce. I'd suggest a cheap HTiB before I recommended a soundbar. Just my opinion.

I would just recommend a single or dual M3s....maybe in wall/on walls.

Go to a place like best buy and see if they have a return period on them. They might even have one on display to listen to. Some have DSP incorporated to provide a "virtual surround" experience, while not high fidelity it should improve the overall watching experience from the television speakers. I'm pretty sure they hook right up to the television optical input. So they don't need any electronics. These types of units are fairly inexpensive and have a small footprint (even the ones with small subs). It should work well for your application.

I bought a (used) Yamaha YSP-800 "sound projector" for our bedroom after hearing it at a friend's house. I think it is really quite amazing.

This one wasn't all that bad and didn't take up much space. Sound bar was the topic, after all. Something that sounded better than the TV speakers. It's the one I suggested a GF to buy for her living room. (She didn't want the hassle of a receiver and speakers sticking out of the wall in tight spots.)

There's one on Woot.com right now for $38.

But Michael never said that anyone was looking for a surround effect.

Thanks everyone for the replies, while a HTiB or the M3's would probably be the best overall for sound, I just don't have the room to add another receiver or a bunch of equipment. I'm trying to keep it as minimalist as possible and get something that will be an improvement over the TVs speakers that I can just place in front of the TV.