CLUBS : CLUB HOPPIN’ : Ixnay on the Baby-Sitter

Night life options when you’re married with children . . .

* Children’s Time Machine. For eight bucks, little Johnny or Suzy can check out this new kiddie wonderland, complete with virtual reality video games, space-age climbing machines, a post-mod monkey bar and lots of arcade-type stuff. There’s a health-oriented restaurant for parents and a global-themed gift shop. Open until 8 p.m., Tuesdays-Sundays. Closed Mondays. 14652 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, (818) 788-4779. All ages, $8 per child.

* Home. Sick of Chuck E. Cheese? Well, Home is where it’s at, homey. Parents who just want to stretch out over a cup of coffee or a veggie burrito, can let their bambinos run loose in this Los Feliz restaurant’s rumpus room, carefully crafted by padre Steve Edelson (the owner of such nightclubs as the Garage and Martini Lounge). Kids can make a mess in their own private Idaho, featuring two jumbo toy boxes, a TV and TV trays. As a bonus, the outdoor patio area has a fish fountain. Somehow, fish fountains always seem to intrigue the young’uns. 1760 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, (323) 669-0211. All ages, no cover.

* Key Club. Worried Junior’s listening to a little too much Backstreet Boys, or dressing a little too much like ‘N Sync, knowwhat-I’msaying? Why don’t you take him to shows where the real soul grows, like the following at the Key Club: Israel Vibrations, appearing Tuesday, is a legendary reggae band from Jamaica featuring three lead singers who each have overcome handicaps to tour for decades. Wailing Souls, another fabulous reggae team that lives up to its name, appears Sept. 19. Taking your kids to shows like these may save you from watching a puberty of bad hair and fashion choices. Key Club, 9039 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Israel Vibrations, $20. Wailing Souls, $17. (310) 274-5800. All ages.

* Marvel Mania. Want a place louder than your kids? CityWalk’s Marvel Mania is just the spot. This cartoon-themed restaurant is insane--from the jumbo screen blasting shows from Marvel’s past and present, to the numerous games and even louder primary color scheme. The restaurant--and bar, mind you--is open till 11 p.m. on weekends, and 10 p.m. on weeknights. 1000 Universal Center Drive, (818) 762-7835. All ages, no cover.