Doug Wells wrote:
I'm looking for a fun airplane to introduce my two young kids to
aviation. Here is what fun means to me....

- flies low and slow
- can get into small grass fields
- good STOL performance
- Dependable
- Relatively decent number of planes available to buy
- low operating costs
- OK if it tie down outside
- Homebuilt or Certified OK
- Under $30k

I learned to fly when I was 12 in a C-152 and am now a 40 year old ATP
rated pilot with several thousand hours. I've done a ton of XC
flights in Mooneys, twins, etc. Cool but not viceral fun. Looking
back over the years, flying my friends Piper Cub into grass fields,
small airports and such was probably some of the best shear joy
moments in my flying career.

I want to get my 7-year old EXCITED about aviation and don't have many
ideas outside of a J-3 cub. I'd greatly appreciated any thoughts on
aircraft that I should consider.

Thanks for your thoughts

Sounds like you might have already found it in the 150/152 Cessna area.
It's great for low and slow, there are a ton of them out here still
flying, they're economical to own, and can operate out of fairly short
fields.
Add to that that they are comfortable for a small child and you have at
least a starting point in your search. Sitting on a cushion, the child
is right next to you so you can see everything he's doing and allow him
some latitude to actually fly the airplane. As he gets a bit older and
can reach the pedals, it should all come together for him.
I can honestly say that for giving primary instruction, I have always
favored Cessna 150/152's.
Dudley Henriques