Here's a place to perilously (and legally) launch your own fireworks in D-FW this 4th of July

If you're like me then professionally run fireworks shows are just as dull as staring at a wall for 15 minutes. Most of the time you sit far away from the launch site, and all you do is watch. But why watch when you can shoot fireworks off yourself?

I began buying and launching my own fireworks three years ago, and the best place I've found to legally play with these combustible toys is Palmer's Fireworks.

At each of its two D-FW locations, Palmer's offers several acres of land for you and everyone else to spread out and enjoy the experience of literally playing with fire.

Not only do they provide you space to launch your fireworks, but you can also buy fireworks directly from them. I wouldn't suggest going anywhere else for your combustible toys because Palmer's charges a $20 per car fee if you bring your own.

Don't worry about variety either, because when it comes to buying, Palmer's has the best selection and some of the best prices.

If you're looking for some family friendly enjoyment, stick with watching professional shows; it's a lot less perilous. But if you're looking to go out with friends then head to Palmer's.

Also, don't ever shoot fireworks at your friends. Watching an explosion is fun. Being part of one is not. 

To prepare, make sure you bring a lighter, a lot of water and bug spray. But do not use a lighter to light fireworks. When you make your purchase at the fireworks stand they hand you punks. Once lit, punks give you a constant ember that fuses love. While this may seem odd, fuses do not like lighters or matches, and the wind doesn't either.

Punks also reach farther than most lighters which discourages you from putting your hand close to where you will be lighting the fuse. Sparks won't kill you, but they do sting.

With my safety tips aside, here's what each firework gives you, along with average prices ($ = 0-20. $$ = 20-100. $$$ = 100+):

1. Sparklers. If your heart's desire is to post Snapchat videos of you dancing around in circles with a sparkler then I suggest buying neon sparklers. They are the brightest, most colorful and they last the longest. Plus, each pack offers at least four different colors like pink, blue, green and orange. $
2. Artillery shells. These give you the chance to relive professional firework shows, but on a smaller scale. They're only about a quarter of the power of professional shells, but when you're that close to the excitement, you won't notice the difference. $$-$$$
3. Class C Bombs. I like to call these grenades without shrapnel. They are meant to be thrown, so do not hold onto them just to see what happens. Most of the time they result in a small boom, lots of sparks and some smoke. $-$$
4. Fountains. There are two main types of fountains: single fuse or double fuse. They're pretty self-explanatory. Single fuses require one person while double fuses require two people. I call double fuse fountains "friendship fountains" because offer the chance for you and a friend to test your trust for one another. Good friends stay and help if you experience trouble lighting your end. Fountains release a lot of sparks and last about 15 seconds, so don't stand right next to them. $-$$
5. Firecrackers. Don't buy these. There are better things to spend your money on. They just make a lot of noise and serve as an exceptional way to light grass on fire. Remember, we are playing with fireworks, not fire. $
6. Heavy weights. If you're too lazy to fire off artillery shells individually then you can buy one of these. They can get pricey, but that's because they hold up to 40 shells that launch in a predetermined sequence to give you the closest thing you available to a hands off fireworks show. $$-$$$
7. Multiple shots. Basically the same thing as a heavy weight, but with smaller explosions and fewer shells. $$
8. Missiles. These are probably the loudest fireworks next to firecrackers. You light one fuse, and watch as anywhere from 100 to 750 rockets literally scream as they streak through the air. $$
9. Tanks. As the name implies, these are literally tanks. Usually about three inches long, these roll on wheels and use "guns" to barrage enemy tanks with sparks. They are great for battling with friends and are best used while there is still light out. You don't need darkness to see these mini war machines gloriously destroy one another. Also, I do suggest buying at least three boxes when you first arrive. Palmer's will run out before the end of the night because everyone loves tanks, and you will too. $-$$
10. Sky Lanterns. Sit back and watch as the most gentle of fireworks floats away, never to be seen again. Maybe take a second to drink some water. Texas heat sneaks up on you, and calling 911 because you had a heat stroke is just as bad as a third degree burn from an artillery shell explosion. $
11. Parachutes. Basically the opposite of a sky lantern. After launch, this one floats right back down to join the rest of the explosive debris surrounding your group. $
12. Roman Candles. Another staple of the fourth (just like sparklers), roman candles are one of the few handheld fireworks. But remember to point them in the air because they will light dry grass on fire, and be sure to figure out which end launches each shell. Getting hit by a roman candle feels like getting punched by a branding iron. $
13. Smoke balls. Most of the other fireworks offer you all the smoke you want, but if you would like to (hopefully) make all of your friends stop firing for a few minutes then you should break out one of these and blind all of them. They do come in multiple colors, so maybe light a few and toss them near each other to make a rainbow. $
14. Spinners. Falling into the category of fireworks with high-pitched sound effects, these screech, spiral through the air and throw sparks. They also serve as temporary overhead lights in case you forgot your own. $
15. Fliers. Anything with wings falls into this category. All of these either use spinning wings or firecrackers to temporarily soar through the air. $

Personally, I prefer tanks, artillery shells, fountains and sparklers. These are the best for launching with friends, and they're the least dangerous as long as they remain standing.

Plus, if you buy these in bulk early on then they'll last you all night.

Also, don't launch fireworks (except tanks) when there's still daylight. You can't see them most of the time, so don't let the sun outshine your spectacular show.

If you want to launch your own fireworks and attend a professional show then launch on the third and sit back on the fourth. Palmer's is one of the only companies in the area that offers space for you to legally launch your newly bought toys, so hundreds will go there on the fourth.

If you've found that after reading this that launching fireworks just isn't for you, I still suggest going to Palmer's. There are enough people there to ensure that you always have something to watch. It can be a bit chaotic, but as long as you keep your eyes open for stray fireworks then you'll stay safe and adore the show.