Here's our list of stuff to do with the family this weekend. You won't find fireworks events here because we're saving them for Tip Sheet Thursday later today. (There's still a little time to post nominations for that one.)

But there are plenty of other goings-on this holiday weekend:

Thursday, July 3:

Aly & AJ: The teen sisters, who opened for Hannah Montana’s The Best of Both Worlds Tour, perform from 7 p.m.-9 p.m at Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave., Bowie/Mitchellville. Call 301-249-1500 or go to sixflags.com. Tickets required. Free with admission, which is $24.99 and free for ages 2 and younger.

First Friday Outdoor Festival: The event, which features live rock and dance music performed by Spiral, a beer and wine garden and local vendors and retailers, takes place on Thursday this month, due to Fourth of July festivities. The festival takes place 5 p.m.-9 p.m. along Office Street in Bel Air. Call 410-638-1023 or go to downtownbelair.com. Free.

Fourth of July Fun: Children can create patriotic crafts and listen to patriotic stories at the Patterson Park branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 158 N. Linwood Ave, at 1 p.m. For ages 6-12. Call 410-396-9068 or go to prattlibrary.org. Free.

Friday, July 4:

AVAM’s Visionary Pets on Parade: The program, beginning at 10 a.m., includes various pet contests. Pet registration opens at 9:30 a.m. The American Visionary Art Museum is at 800 Key Highway. Pets must be leashed or carried. Call 410-244-1900 or go to avam.org. Free for participants and spectators.

Saturday (July 5):

Drop-In Art Activities: As part of "Tasty Delights," visitors can make artwork creations based on ancient dried foods and traditional foods from around the globe. The event runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Call 410-547-9000 or go to thewalters.org. Free.

Family Building Sidewalk Arts Festival: Individuals and groups can create chalk art for fun and competition at assigned spots in Centennial Park, 10000 Rt. 108, Ellicott City, from 9 a.m.-noon. Reservations required by July 5. Call 443-896-6504 or go to cadefoundation.org. On-site registration is $25. Up to four people can share a sidewalk. Each registration includes one t-shirt, and one box of chalk.

Greater Baltimore Antique & Collectible Summer Toy Show: The show, which features dealers from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, takes place 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tall Cedars Hall, 2501 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville. Call 443-506-5205 or go to davehartshows.com. $4. Free for children younger than 12 with adult.

Healthy First Saturdays: Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, hosts activities and presentations focused on healthy living. Tickets Required. Call 410-727-8120 or go to portdiscovery.org. $11.75. Free admission for children younger than 2.

Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series: Country music group The Basement Band performs Bob Dylan songs as well as pieces from its own repertoire. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Alcoholic beverages not allowed. Quiet Waters Park is at 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis. The performance runs 6p.m.-8 p.m. Call 410-222-1777 or go to aacounty.org/recparks. Free.

Sunday (July 6):

First Sunday Arts Festival: Visitors can view dance performances, painting and artisanry while checking out the shops along West Street in Annapolis, from noon-5 p.m. Call 410-741-3267 or go to goweststreet.com. Free.

Patriotic Program: Hancock’s Resolution, 2795 Bayside Beach Road, Pasadena, hosts the Historic U.S. and Maryland Colonial Flag presentation and provides live patriotic music. Events run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 410-255-4048 or go to historichancocksresolution.org. Free.

Summer Concert Series: Jericho Bridge, a Baltimore-based Bluegrass group, performs at 6 p.m. at Jerusalem Mill Village, 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville. Call 410-877-3560 or go to jerusalemmill.org. $5. Free for children younger than 12.

Summer Concert Series 2008: Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, hosts a performance by Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra. The concert runs 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Tickets Required. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 410-557-9570 or go to ladewgardens.com. $13-$15. $7 for members. $3 for children 12 and younger.

(2006 photo of the pet parade courtesy of the American Visionary Arts Museum)