If you’re in town this weekend, there’s a whole lot of fun going on.

First off, here’s The Washington Post’s guide to celebrating 4th of July on The National Mall – use the interactive map to stake your claim on where to see the fireworks, parades and musical guests.

(Because there’s nothing more patriotic than parking a blanket on the Mall all day, getting a sunburn and then listening to Reba McEntire, Gladys Knight and American Idol’s David Archuleta belt out Grand Ol’ Flag along with the National Symphony Orchestra before fireworks explode around West Lawn of the Capitol in a burst of patriotic pride.)

If you’re still doing that with little kids in tow, I tip my hat to you.

However, rather than roasting all day, you can take the family to the cool tents of the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival before the evening show.

We’re more of a parade and bbq and maybe local fireworks show if the kids aren’t passed out type of household. I wish we could light some sparklers in the backyard, but sadly or smartly (depending on your maturity level) private purchase and use of fireworks is illegal in the MoCo and PG County. Small novelty fireworks and sparklers are legal in The District and Virginia…nothing big and explosive though.

But enough chatter, here are my personal family favorites for celebrating Uncle Sam’s birthday:

The Takoma Park Independence Day Parade
I adore this hometown parade and we take our kids every year to see the rescue vehicles, marching bands, Caribbean kettle drums and floats. The parade kicks off at Carroll & Ethan Allen Ave., proceeds south along Carroll Avenue to Maple Avenue, then turns right on Maple Avenue and ends at Sherman Avenue. There’s also a fireworks show at Takoma Park Middle School at 7611 Piney Branch Road at approximately 9:30pm.

Launch Zone of National Childrens Museum Fireworks Art and Fun on Friday and Saturday 11am-4pm at National Harbor
Celebrate Independence Day with astonishing firework art. Designs feature images of the Washington Monument, so you can create art that looks like the firework spectacle you might see in and around the nation’s capital!

The Palisades 4th of July Parade
This local tradition is a DC-insider fave. The parade starts at 11am at the corner of Whitehaven Pkwy NW and MacArthur Blvd. and ends at the Palisades Recreation Center on Sherier Place NW. If you would like to participate in the parade, no registration is necessary. Just line up starting at 10:15am on Whitehaven Pkwy. Free picnic following the parade at the Palisades Rec Center with hot dogs, juice, moon bounces, pony rides and live music under a big tent!

Montgomery County Fairground Grand Fireworks Show
The festivities will include a two hour performance by Maryland area variety band, Appaloosa. Speeches from the mayor and city council will follow shortly after. Then, of course, come the fireworks at dusk, just a few minutes before 9:30. In the unfortunate event of a rain-out, the firework celebration will be held on the following day at dusk.

Mid-County Sparkles: Wheaton/Kensington Fireworks at Einstein High School in Kensington
Children’s carnival and activities begin at 7:30pm, along with performances. Fireworks start around 9:15 pm. The viewing areas will be at the front of the school on the ball field and at Einstein High School, 11135 Newport Mill Road, Kensington, MD. No on site parking at the school or nearby properties is allowed except for handicapped parking, but shuttle buses will pick up passengers beginning at 6:15 pm at Westfield Wheaton and the Wheaton Metro Station. Low lawn chairs and coolers are welcome but booze is not. For more information call the 240-777-8115.

Monday July 5th Town of Kensington Bike, Scooter & Wagon Parade
Kids are invited to decorate their bikes, scooters, wagons and mom and dad can pretty up the stroller and march through the streets. Line up at St. Paul Park at 9:45 a.m. and follow the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department truck and then return to St. Paul Park for prizes, ice cream and soda for all. To volunteer, or for more information, please contact the Town at 301-949-2424.

Have a safe, wonderful weekend!