Does anybody know of a decent place where I can go with the children to
watch planes? I like to take my scanner so that I can follow along with
the action.

One of the best places, if the wind is blowing from the South or
Southwest is at Lincoln Park Airport. If you pass the airport heading
west, there is an area with picnic tables right along side the
threshold. Also, you can sit on the porch at the Restaurant at the
Airport.