
Great Park Balloon
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical sunset views

Great Park Balloon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical sunset views
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.
"It was so peaceful. It was fun. It was exciting all of those things wrapped into one I felt very secure."

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

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.

Sunset & Evening Flights
Great Park Balloon
Enjoy magical sunset rides or evening flights, offering a different perspective of the park and surrounding areas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Ticket & Pricing Updates
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
💰 Confirm Ticket Prices
Adult tickets are $10, kids 13 & under are free. Verify current pricing before you go.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Even with early arrival, waits can occur. Enjoy the carousel or park amenities while you queue.
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!
☁️ Weather Dependent Operation
The balloon can close due to weather. Always check official sources before your visit.
💰 Confirm Ticket Prices
Adult tickets are $10, kids 13 & under are free. Verify current pricing before you go.
⏳ Be Prepared to Wait
Even with early arrival, waits can occur. Enjoy the carousel or park amenities while you queue.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your phone or camera for stunning 360° photos from high above.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, parking is available at the Great Park. Specific lot numbers like 'Parking lot 3' are mentioned for easier access to the balloon.
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.
The Great Park Balloon is located in Irvine, Orange County, which is about an hour's drive south of Los Angeles, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The ride typically lasts about 10-20 minutes, offering ample time to enjoy the stunning panoramic views.
From 400 feet up, you can enjoy a 360° view that spans up to 40 miles, offering sights of the surrounding Orange County landscape.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Many visitors capture stunning photos and videos of the panoramic views from the balloon. Ensure your device is secure.
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.
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
Family-Friendly Highlights:
* Free for Kids: Children 13 and under ride free.
* Safe & Gentle Ride: Suitable for all ages.
* On-site Entertainment: Carousel and play areas available.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget Tips:
* Affordable Ride: $10 for adults, free for kids.
* Free Park Admission: Enjoy the park grounds at no cost.
* Bring Your Own Snacks: Pack a picnic to save on food expenses.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
Romantic Ideas:
* Sunset Flights: Experience breathtaking views as the day ends.
* 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 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.
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.
Planning Your Visit: Tips from the Community
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. Some visitors have expressed frustration with unexpected closures or full bookings, highlighting the need to confirm availability.
Pro-Tips from Visitors:
* Check Official Sources: Always verify hours and operational status before heading out.
* Arrive Early: Beat the crowds, particularly on weekends.
* Confirm Pricing: Adult tickets are $10; kids 13 & under are free.
* Be Flexible: Weather can impact operations, so have a backup plan.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit