PORTLAND -- Stretching your dollar gets even better as we try to help parents entertain and educate their kids (in some cases for free)!

Take art museums. Who says they are only for quiet contemplation? They are a great place for kids to learn and experience what defines us, says Brian Ferriso with the Portland Art Museum.

"I think art is the most universal language there is! It transcends culture and it transcends time. So, for children to understand and see and appreciate the great artistic treasures of mankind is really something that is essential to their lives and education."

At the Portland Art Museum you can really stretch those dollars. Kids go free!

"Art connects them to all kids of different cultures and history all different kids of perspectives. They can come to the museum and see a world they otherwise could never inhabit," says Tina Olsen with the Portland Art Museum.

And when it comes to offering this kind of education-- on the cheap-- it's not just the Portland Art Museum.

Thanks to the fine folks at nwkids.com for recently putting together a great list of all the museums, gardens, interpretive centers, OMSI, and more across the metro area that offer free or discounted prices for children.

Travel Portland

A child enjoys her adventure at OMSI.

You can also check directly with the places you might like to visit as a family. Think of it as education cleverly disguised as family entertainment and all at prices that will help you stretch your dollar.

By the way, the Portland Art Museum offers free art-making classes for kids on Sundays. They'd love to see more families take advantage of that program.