DC Weekdays June 25-29 | KidFriendly DC

Play mega Jenga by the Potomac at The Wharf

Monday – Hit the playground at Wheaton Regional Park. Two levels of slides, climbing nets, monkey bars, swings, and more fun features will appeal to all ages and abilities. Pack lunch to eat at nearby picnic tables under the lofty trees. Take a ride on the miniature train and carousel if they’re operating. The park is open sunrise to sunset, and admission is free.

Tuesday – Hang out at The District Wharf. Let kiddos run through the in-ground fountain sprays, play large-scale Jenga and board games, grab lunch at one of the many eateries, cruise the Potomac on a free Jitney ride, and enjoy the waterfront scenery. Just about all of it is accessible all day and evening, and it’s all free (though plan to pay for your meals, of course.)

Wednesday – Get on board the Regal Summer Movie Express! The series begins this week, presenting family films for just $1 every Tuesday and Wednesday at participating theaters during the summer. See what’s playing at a theater near you — there are two movie choices every week. Tickets are available for purchase at the box office, and all movies in most locations start at 10am.

Thursday – Spend the day at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, an annual celebration of living cultural heritage. Highlighting Armenia and Catalonia this year, the event will be full of hands-on activities, performances, demos, and much more from June 27 – July 1 and July 4-8, 11am – 5pm each day, plus evening concerts most nights at 6:30pm. Find it all on the National Mall. Admission is free.

Friday – See The Pop-Ups perform under a canopy of trees at Wolf Trap in Vienna, VA. The Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods summer series brings entertainment to the outdoor stage every Tuesday – Saturday at 10:30am through August 4. Recommended for ages 1-8, tickets are $8-12.

One of many flight-related hands-on activities at the College Park Aviation Museum

Monday – Explore the history of flight at the College Park Aviation Museum. Guests can view early airplanes up close, dress up like aviators, create flight-inspired art, and more. Hours are 10am – 5pm, admission is $4/adults, $2/children, free for ages 2 and under.

Tuesday – Attend the kick-off performance of Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods, Wolf Trap’s summer series of kids entertainment. Musical group Hot Peas ‘n Butter will be playing the first two days, and a variety of other great acts are in the series line-up through mid-August. Showtime is 10:30am, and tickets are $8 (free for 2 and under). Pack lunch and stay after to picnic in the big grassy field nearby (there are very few concessions, so be sure to BYO).

Wednesday – Head to the National Mall for the start of the 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival. There will be several activities for kids to enjoy throughout the day, including storytelling programs, hip hop performances, art workshops, and more. See the schedule for times and details. The Festival will take place June 27 – July 1 and July 4-8.

Thursday – Rock out at Discovery Theater! Kids’ fave Billy Jonas is taking the stage during this month’s “Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian” series, Discovery Theater’s partnership with Jammin’ Java. Along with the music, there is complimentary coffee and snacks for grown-ups. Showtimes are 10:15am and 11:30am. Tickets are $6/ages 2 and up, $3/babes under 2.

Friday – It’s going to be a hot one — the advance forecast has temps at 100! — so keep your cool in the comfort of the great indoors (ie, AC). Start with this post listing more than 50 ideas for fun out of the sun.