Great Park Balloon

The Great Park Balloon is Irvine's tethered helium observation balloon, rising as high as 400 feet above the park for a weather-dependent panoramic ride near the Visitors Center and Carousel. Navigate to the exact Great Park Balloon pin rather than the general Great Park marker. Use Great Park Lot 3 and check in when registration opens 30 minutes before the session. Rides are first come, first served, waits can reach three hours, flights last about 10-12 minutes, and wind or other conditions can stop operation at any time. Call the Visitors Center at 949-724-6247 for current flight status.

Parking is free. Use Great Park Lot 3 and follow signs to the Balloon Line near the Visitors Center; do not navigate only to the park's general address.

Regular sessions are Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 7-10 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.; the Balloon is closed Monday-Wednesday. Holiday hours and weather can change operation.

The Great Park Visitors Center beside the Balloon and Carousel includes public restrooms. Its operating schedule differs from the surrounding general park areas.

Balloon rides are $10 for adults and free for children. Parking is free, payment is cashless, and completing the same-day waiver does not reserve a place or guarantee a flight.

Great Park has accessible parking and developed paths near major public facilities, while individual sports fields, playgrounds, arts spaces, leased attractions, and construction zones have destination-specific routes. Contact the Visitors Center when a particular mobility need depends on exact access.

Dogs may accompany visitors in ordinary Great Park outdoor areas when controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and owners must remove waste. Great Park is not Irvine's off-leash dog park; Central Bark at 6405 Oak Canyon is the City's designated facility for off-leash exercise. Sports fields, playgrounds, buildings, shuttles, and major events may prohibit pets or limit access, including events that admit only service animals. Separately operated buildings, beaches, gardens, and attractions can set stricter rules.

Children may ride, but children younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult and a parent or guardian must sign for riders younger than 18. Capacity and wait times vary with flight conditions.

Use Great Park Lot 3 and check in when registration opens 30 minutes before the session. Rides are first come, first served, waits can reach three hours, flights last about 10-12 minutes, and wind or other conditions can stop operation at any time. Call the Visitors Center at 949-724-6247 for current flight status.