Frugal Families: Kid Fests

You don't have to Metro all the way down to a Smithsonian museum for free fun with the kids - these local shopping districts offer regular free family celebrations.

1. Westfield Wheaton Family Fun Days

Typically two Fridays a month, head to the upper level of the mall near Target for arts, crafts and story time. The next event this month is this Friday, July 22 at 11 a.m. Cool event swag: Every child who attends the event receives a coupon for a free kids' meal at Quiznos.

Good through: Ongoing, see calendar.

2. Little Tots Downtown Silver Spring 

Wednesdays in summer are all about the kids on Ellsworth Plaza in Silver Spring. Head out in the morning at 10:30 a.m., or take the kids after work at 6:30 pm. - there's two shows each Wednesday. The big draw is free performances by national acts like Milkshake and local favorites like John Henry England, but there's also activites for the kids, kids' meal deals and of course, water play in the Ellsworth Fountain. Full schedule.

Good through: August 10, 2011.

3. Mommy & Me and Daddies Too Congressional Plaza

On the second Thursday of the month, April through October, Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike hosts a party for parents and kids. The fun happens 10 a.m. to noon, and most activities stations are set up near the Starbucks Coffee breezeway.

Good through: October 27, 2011.

4. Good Morning Tots and Twilight Tots Concerts at Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg

Every Wednesday the Washingtonian Center rolls out the red carpet for families with puppet shows, concerts by popular children's performers and special activities for families. The Wednesday fun alternates morning and evening events  - check the schedule.

Good through: Sept. 21, 2011.

5. Westfield Montgomery Family Fun Days

The second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the "Montgomery Mall" hosts free singalongs, crafts and other kids' activities.

Good through: Ongoing, see calendar.