Yes and no.  Both children and adults mount fevers for a wide variety of reasons, most frequently, though, due to infections.  The body increases its temperature because heat kills germs.  However, children may be less likely to be able to verbalize their illness either because they are too young to speak or because their frame of reference prevents them from adequately describing their symptoms.

Because children can't express themselves as well, it is considered standard practice to be a little more conservative and perform a more extensive work-up, especially on children under the age of three which may include blood tests, urinalysis, X-rays, and even a spinal tap.

Both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) are effective in reducing fevers and are probably equivalent in effectiveness.  Interestingly, they work by different mechanisms so can be given simultaneously if one alone is not effective.

The dosage is weight based and is typically 15mg/kg orally for acetaminophen and 10mg/kg for ibuprofen.