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6 fireworks alternatives that will light up your Fourth of July

Just because you ditched the fireworks doesn't mean you have to ditch the fun.

 

Marisa Losciale

IRL

Posted on Jul 1, 2016   Updated on May 26, 2021, 12:39 pm CDT

Fireworks are a patriotic staple in Fourth of July celebrations, but they’re cause for concern. You’re causing a giant flammable object to explode for sheer joy. After a full day celebrating in the sun, potentially even a few beers, and what could possibly go wrong?

Between the safety hazards and the toxicity to the air, it’s no wonder many states have outlawed the selling and distribution of these colorful fire-sticks.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Ditch the fireworks and try one of these safer, colorful alternatives instead.

1) Fake it with a fireworks light show.

Uncle Milton’s fireworks light show projector is like a Nerf gun, but instead of darts, it releases dazzling fireworks on your ceiling. At the squeeze of a trigger, it sounds off crackling fireworks sounds. Price on Amazon: $21.41

Buy it here

2) Get a projector and blow up firework YouTube videos.

 

This mini projector is about the size of a smartphone but is one of the best projectors you can buy for well under $100. You can use it to watch fireworks shows (Disney’s are particularly magical), and then get plenty of mileage out of it for movie nights the rest of the year.

Price on Amazon: $53.89

Buy it here

3) Shoot LEDs into the sky with Galaxy Shooters.

If the projectile light is your favorite part of fireworks, replace the flying embers with LED. These Galaxy Shooters are glow-in-the-dark rockets that slingshot into the sky. It’s just as fun as running for your life from a freshly lit fuse.

Price on Amazon: $19.99

Buy it here

4) Light up the night with 200 glow sticks.

You’d be surprised by how fun glow sticks can be again, when you have 200 illuminating your backyard in the dark. Also good for patriotic raves.

Price on Amazon: $15.99

Buy it here

5) Become your own fireworks by using glow-in-the-dark body paint.

Hey, it’s your Fourth of July party, and you can take a Katy Perry song as literal as you want to. That’s the beauty of freedom.

Price on Amazon: $16.95

Buy it here

6) If you absolutely need some pyrotechnics, go with sparklers.

Yes, Amazon really does sell everything. Good old-fashioned sparklers are less dangerous than most fireworks, but that doesn’t mean they can’t do harm. More importantly some states consider these illegal, so check your local laws here before lighting up.

Price on Amazon: $13.86

Buy it here

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*First Published: Jul 1, 2016, 4:55 pm CDT