AP

HOUSTON – With the power out in thousands of homes and many schools still not in session, children in the Houston area have time to kill.

Before they start complaining of boredom, get them out of the house. Lots of Houston businesses are open and they offer plenty to keep kids busy.

Here are some ideas to get started:

The Children's Museum

http://www.cmhouston.org/

1500 Binz
Houston, TX 77004, (713) 522-1138

The Children's Museum is operating on normal hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission fees are waived on "Free Family Nights," each Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m.

More Houston museums

The Houston Museum District has published a list of museums that have reopened, including the Contemporary Arts Museum and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Visit www.houstonmuseumdistric.org.

The Downtown Aquarium

410 Bagby St
Houston, TX 77002, (713) 223-3474

Hours are fluctuating this week at the aquarium, so be sure to call first. The venue is offering a discounted $5 adventure pass through Sept. 24. The pass gives kids access to all exhibits and rides.

Houston Zoo

http://www.houstonzoo.org/

6200 Golf Course Drive
Houston, Texas 77030, (713) 533-6500

The Houston Zoo is back to its regular hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is $6 for children 2-11 and guests 12 and up can get in for $10. The zoo offers kids activities throughout the day.

Public libraries

Click here for a list of Houston Public Library branches that are open.

The Galleria mall

http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=805

5085 Westheimer Rd., Suite 4850
Houston, TX 77056, (713) 622-0663

Go iceskating or shopping. The Galleria is operating on its normal schedule, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Spend a day at the park

Many local parks need help cleaning up after Ike. To learn more about how you can spend a day volunteering, visit this Web site:

http://www.texasoutside.com/houston/Parks-Recreation.htm

Spend a day at the ballpark

Watch the Astros at home.

Visit: http://houston.astros.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=HOU

See a show

The Houston Theater District’s Web site has details on the Houston Ballet, the symphony and more.

Visit: http://www.houstontheaterdistrict.org/

Volunteer to help Ike victims

Spend a day helping the Red Cross, a local food bank or more.

Visit: http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou080915_tnt_volunteer.7bc8ff6e.html

Find a daycare center

List of child care centers from Houston.com:

http://www.houston.com/day-care/business-directory

List of daycares from Citysearch.com:

http://houston.citysearch.com/yellowpages/directory/Houston_TX/80/134/page1.html

Fun indoor activities

Rainy day activities from familyfun.go.com:

http://familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/season/specialfeature/spring-rainy-day-activities-ms/

Craft ideas from amazingmoms.com:

http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/kidsart.htm

Help children impacted by Hurricane Ike:

https://secure.ga4.org/01/web_e_ike_08

Tips: Helping children deal with crisis:

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=141&id=1560