Functional MR imaging (MRI) is a valuable tool for presurgical planning and is well established in adult patients. The use of task-based fMRI is increasing in pediatric populations because it provides similar benefits for pre-surgical planning in children. This article reviews special adaptations that are required for successful applications of task-based fMRI in children, especially in the motor and language systems. The more recently introduced method of resting state fMRI is reviewed and its relative advantages and disadvantages discussed. Common pitfalls and other systems and networks that may be of interest in special circumstances also are reviewed.