Portland International Airport

Outing: Portland International Airport

Cost: $3/hour in the short-term parking by the terminal. Prices here. 

Travel time: About 30 minutes from NW Portland if you go when it isn't rush hour (which I recommend). See directions here.

Age: Any age, but keep in mind the airport is busy

Reason to go: It's a cheap, easy way for kids to see all kind of transportation.

When traveling, the airport can be really stressful. Go to the airport for non-travel reasons, and a whole new set of opportunities emerge.

Check out the parking level 4 bridge to the terminal.

Buses.

Cars.

Airplanes (of course).

That's all before you even enter the building!

Inside, there's lots to see without needing to go through the security checkpoint. See the brown section on the map here.

Go for lunch or coffee (or other options here, but note that some are behind security), and sit near the windows to see the planes leaving the terminal.

Help your kids understand arrivals and departures. What a great opportunity for a little geography and chart-reading.

Play games of 'Where's that traveler going?'

Or even shop! With a multitude to choose from (see options here, but note that some are behind security), you can get some clothes or...

...books!

For just $3 an hour, the airport is a great destination with so much to see and do. And without the concerns of tickets, luggage, and full-body scanners, it's an outing full of possibilities.

Thanks to Noelle Johnson for the original idea.