Great Park Balloon - Image 1
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Great Park Balloon

4.5
·1k reviews·Irvine, United States

Soar 400 feet above Orange County on a unique helium balloon for breathtaking 360° views. A memorable experience for all ages.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Thursday-Friday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical sunset views

CrowdLow
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Great Park Balloon - Image 1

Great Park Balloon

Best Time

Thursday-Friday evenings

Fewer crowds, magical sunset views

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Soar 400 feet above Orange County on a unique helium balloon for breathtaking 360° views. A memorable experience for all ages.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"It was so peaceful. It was fun. It was exciting all of those things wrapped into one I felt very secure."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends. Check hours as they can change!

☁️ Weather Dependent Operation

The balloon can close due to weather. Always check official sources before your visit.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Views from 400 Feet

Panoramic Views from 400 Feet

Great Park Balloon

Soar 400 feet for breathtaking 360° views of Orange County, stretching up to 40 miles on clear days.

Instagram+1
A Unique Helium Balloon Experience

A Unique Helium Balloon Experience

Great Park Balloon

Experience one of the largest tethered helium balloons in the US, offering a peaceful and exciting ride.

Instagram
Sunset & Evening Flights

Sunset & Evening Flights

Great Park Balloon

Enjoy magical sunset rides or evening flights, offering a different perspective of the park and surrounding areas.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Check operating hours and weather closures before you go, as they can change! Arriving early is key, especially on weekends, to avoid long waits. Instagram

Ticket & Pricing Updates

While historically free, the Great Park Balloon now has a fee for adults ($10) and is free for kids 13 and under. Confirm current pricing and policies. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Thursday-Friday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, magical sunset views
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday-Sunday mornings
Why
Good weather, family fun
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Potentially shorter waits
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Great Park Balloon at Sunset, has amazing views of the mountains and the park! Irvine Great Park is absolutely a local mecca but so much fun for a date night also! ©SoCal Nation® #socalnation #socalblogger #socallife #socalliving #orangecounty #orangecountyca #irvine #irvinecalifornia #datideas #dateidea
socalnation
1.7K likes • 95.6K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends. Check hours as they can change! Instagram

☁️ Weather Dependent Operation

The balloon can close due to weather. Always check official sources before your visit. Instagram

I’m taking over the Great Park Balloon! Join us tomorrow from 1-3pm PT at Great Park Gallery for a meet and greet and see ME soaring high in the sky on the Balloon! More info in bio.
officialpacman
3K likes • 77.5K views
W H A T /// a ride 🎈 Today we rode the Great Park Balloon Ride in @destinationirvine . It was only $10 and it was so much fun.
localemagazine
439 likes • 34.3K views

💰 Confirm Ticket Prices

Adult tickets are $10, kids 13 & under are free. Verify current pricing before you go. Instagram+1

⏳ Be Prepared to Wait

Even with early arrival, waits can occur. Enjoy the carousel or park amenities while you queue. Reddit

How to Ride the GREAT PARK BALLOON in Irvine, CA! When I say “Get there early” — it’s probably my best tip! Make sure you check @yourgreatpark for the latest information because: 🤷🏻‍♀️ price & hours change, 🤷🏻‍♀️ the balloon undergoes maintenance, 🤷🏻‍♀️ and it can close due to weather conditions. ⭐️ Plus, you should always count on OFFICIAL INFORMATION rather than social media posts! ❗️For up-...
ocplayparks
246 likes • 16K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Best Experience

Beat the crowds by arriving early, especially on weekends. Check hours as they can change! Instagram

☁️ Weather Dependent Operation

The balloon can close due to weather. Always check official sources before your visit. Instagram

💰 Confirm Ticket Prices

Adult tickets are $10, kids 13 & under are free. Verify current pricing before you go. Instagram+1

⏳ Be Prepared to Wait

Even with early arrival, waits can occur. Enjoy the carousel or park amenities while you queue. Reddit

📸 Capture the Views

Bring your phone or camera for stunning 360° photos from high above. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally praise the Great Park Balloon for its stunning panoramic views and unique experience, especially during sunset flights. The affordability for families is a significant plus. However, some have been disappointed by unexpected closures or long waits due to operational issues or lack of clear reservation policies.

"A fun park to go and walk your dog they have a carousel and a balloon ride. It’s great for kids and adults a like. We went on a Saturday just to check out the park and the huge balloon that you can ride on for $10. They have a visitor center that caters some snacks and drinks for purchase. The staff were friendly and accommodating. They also have this merry go round to ride on for everyone. They play good background music that was really entertaining."

Roberto T

"I had such an amazing time. I was a little apprehensive about being that high in the air but something in my gut told me to just go forward and do it and I’m glad I did. It was so peaceful. It was fun. It was exciting all of those things wrapped into one I felt very secure. The weather was perfect. The cost was $10 for the ride and while you wait for your turn, you have the choice to get on the merry-go-round. There’s also a park for children to play while you wait I definitely plan on going again"

N K

"Took my nephews to the Great Park Balloon for the rides—what a beautiful day! The views were amazing, and it was such a wonderful way to spend time with family. Highly recommend for a fun family outing!"

A

What People Like

Amazing panoramic views
Unique helium balloon ride
Affordable for families

What People Dislike

Weather-dependent closures
Long wait times
Unclear booking policies

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Great Park Balloon is located at the Orange County Great Park in Irvine, CA. The address is 8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618. Parking is available and generally free. Instagram+1

Yes, parking is available at the Great Park. Specific lot numbers like 'Parking lot 3' are mentioned for easier access to the balloon. Instagram

While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, Irvine is served by public transit. It's recommended to check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.

The Great Park is generally accessible. The balloon ride itself is designed to be secure, and the park offers amenities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Reddit

The Great Park Balloon is located in Irvine, Orange County, which is about an hour's drive south of Los Angeles, depending on traffic. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As of recent updates, adult tickets are $10, and children aged 13 and under ride for free with a paid adult. It's always best to confirm current pricing on their official website. Instagram+1

Reservations are generally not required, but it's recommended to call ahead or check their official channels, especially if you're planning a visit during peak times or have a specific group size. Some visitors have reported disappointment due to being turned away when they assumed walk-ups were always available. Reddit

Hours vary. Typically, it's closed Monday-Wednesday. Thursday-Friday hours are often 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday hours are usually 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Always check @yourgreatpark for the latest schedule. Instagram+1

Information on refunds is not explicitly provided, but given the weather-dependent nature of the ride, it's advisable to inquire about their cancellation policy when purchasing tickets or upon arrival if conditions are uncertain.

Admission to the Great Park is generally free, and parking is also typically free, making it an accessible destination for a day out. Instagram+1

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

The ride typically lasts about 10-20 minutes, offering ample time to enjoy the stunning panoramic views. InstagramReddit

From 400 feet up, you can enjoy a 360° view that spans up to 40 miles, offering sights of the surrounding Orange County landscape. Instagram+1

Many visitors report feeling secure and finding the experience peaceful, even if they were initially apprehensive about heights. The balloon is tethered and designed for safety. Reddit

Yes, the Great Park features a carousel, a children's play area, and other park amenities that can be enjoyed while waiting for your balloon ride or as part of a larger visit. Reddit

The Great Park Balloon is a tethered helium balloon, which is different from a hot air balloon. Helium balloons are generally more stable and easier to operate in a fixed location. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There is a visitor center that offers snacks and drinks for purchase. You can also bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the park. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park's open spaces. This is a great option for families or those looking to save money. Reddit

The Great Park is located in Irvine, which has a wide variety of restaurants and dining options nearby, ranging from casual eateries to more upscale establishments.

📸 📸 Photography

Sunset and evening flights offer dramatic lighting for photography. Clear mornings can also provide excellent visibility for capturing the expansive views. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Many visitors capture stunning photos and videos of the panoramic views from the balloon. Ensure your device is secure. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and respect any posted guidelines.

You can capture wide-angle shots of the Orange County landscape, aerial views of the park, and unique perspectives of the surrounding urban and natural environments. Instagram

While clear days offer the best visibility for long-distance shots, cloudy days can create dramatic skies and unique lighting conditions that can still result in interesting photographs.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Great Park Balloon is a fantastic outing for families. Kids 13 and under ride for free with a paying adult, making it an affordable option. Instagram The ride itself is exciting yet gentle, perfect for younger children who might be a little nervous about heights. While waiting for your turn, kids can enjoy the nearby carousel or play in the park's designated areas. Reddit

Family-Friendly Highlights:
* Free for Kids: Children 13 and under ride free. Instagram
* Safe & Gentle Ride: Suitable for all ages.
* On-site Entertainment: Carousel and play areas available. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Great Park Balloon offers excellent value. The adult ticket price of $10 is reasonable for the unique experience and stunning views. Instagram+1 Plus, admission to the Great Park itself is free, and parking is typically complimentary, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings without extra cost. Instagram+1

Budget Tips:
* Affordable Ride: $10 for adults, free for kids. Instagram
* Free Park Admission: Enjoy the park grounds at no cost. Instagram
* Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack a picnic to save on food expenses. Reddit

💑 Couples & Date Nights

The Great Park Balloon offers a romantic setting, especially during sunset or evening flights. The panoramic views create a memorable backdrop for a date. Instagram Consider combining your balloon ride with a stroll through the park or enjoying a picnic as the sun sets. Instagram

Romantic Ideas:
* Sunset Flights: Experience breathtaking views as the day ends. Instagram+1
* Evening Ambiance: Enjoy the park lights from above.
* Picnic in the Park: Combine with a romantic meal.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Great Park Balloon: A Unique Engineering Marvel

The Great Park Balloon isn't your typical hot air balloon. It's one of the largest tethered helium balloons in the United States and the first of its kind in the country. This unique design allows it to ascend to 400 feet, providing a stable and consistent platform for breathtaking views. Unlike hot air balloons that rely on heat to ascend, helium provides lift, making it an environmentally conscious and reliable option for aerial sightseeing. Instagram+1

The ride itself is a gentle ascent, offering a serene experience as you float above the landscape. The 360° perspective allows visitors to see for miles, encompassing the diverse scenery of Orange County. This makes it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking for a memorable experience. Reddit

Key Features:
* Tethered Helium Design: Ensures stability and safety.
* Altitude: Reaches up to 400 feet.
* View Range: Up to 40 miles on clear days.
* Duration: Approximately 10-20 minutes per ride. Instagram

Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community

Visiting the Great Park Balloon requires a bit of planning to ensure a smooth experience. Many travelers emphasize the importance of checking operating hours and weather conditions, as the balloon's operation is highly dependent on the weather. Closures due to maintenance or adverse weather are not uncommon. Instagram

Arriving early, especially on weekends, is a recurring piece of advice to avoid long queues. While the balloon ride has a fee for adults ($10), it's considered a fair price for the experience, with children 13 and under riding for free. Instagram+1 Some visitors have expressed frustration with unexpected closures or full bookings, highlighting the need to confirm availability. Reddit

Pro-Tips from Visitors:
* Check Official Sources: Always verify hours and operational status before heading out. Instagram
* Arrive Early: Beat the crowds, particularly on weekends. Instagram
* Confirm Pricing: Adult tickets are $10; kids 13 & under are free. Instagram
* Be Flexible: Weather can impact operations, so have a backup plan.

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