Big Orange Balloon Ride Great Park Irvine

The Great Orange Balloon is the first attraction to open at the Great Park in Irvine, California. Balloon riders climb the 30-passenger gondola and float 400 feet in the air. Visitors enjoy a birds-eye view of the Irvine Valley to Santiago Peak to the east and Quail Hill to the west.

The balloon operates Thursday – Thursday–Friday Sessions: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Saturday–Sunday Sessions: 9 a.m.–3 p.m. and 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Balloon rides are Free, sponsored by FivePoint. Age 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult on Balloon flights.

The Great Balloon Ride

The nominal operating height is 400 feet, the same as a forty-story building. If the wind kicks up, the balloon will fly lower or be grounded until conditions are favorable. The balloon is attached to the ground by a steel cable to raise and lower the giant orange orb. If the line breaks, the pilot can free-fly the balloon to the ground.

Before you take a flight, you must register and the visitor center and fill out a release form. Registration for each period starts 30 minutes before the first session flight. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. The balloon ride lasts 15 – 20 minutes—enough time to take in the view and enjoy flying in a giant orange balloon.

Great Orange Balloon is wheelchair accessible, allowing guests with wheelchairs to remain in their seats during the flight. The balloon ride is not dog-friendly, so you must leave your four-legged friend at home if you intend to fly in the Orange Balloon.

Great Park Irvine Carousel

Another fun attraction for families near the balloon ride is the Great Park Carousel. Up to 36 passengers can ride the Carousel, and it’s also wheelchair-accessible. The Great Park Carousel operates Thursday – Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; 7 p.m.–10 p.m. Rides are three or ten dollars for an all-day pass.

Kids Rock Playground

Kids Rock is a climbing structure at the 27.5-acre Balloon Park. Children can play on rocks or squeeze through underground tunnels in this environmentally friendly park area.

Palm Court Arts Complex

The Palm Court Arts Complex is a canopy of date palms with various artworks and sculptures on display. Hanger 224, an original building from El Toro Marine Airbase, is adjacent to the Palm Court and is used for events and displays historic aircraft and artifacts.

Sunday Farmers Market

Finally, each Sunday from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., a Farmers Market is held at the Balloon Park. There is usually a food truck or two, plus vendors selling food and fresh produce at the farmer’s market.

Getting There

Directions to the Irvine Balloon Ride: exit the five freeway at Sand Canyon and enter the old El Toro base on Marine Way. Follow the signs to the Great Balloon. Reservations for groups are available upon request. Call ahead or visit the park website to ensure the balloon ride is open the day you plan on visiting.

Final Thoughts

The Great Park Balloon is a great way to view the Irvine Valley. Plans for the Great Park have been scaled back considerably, and it looks like it will end up being the Great Irvine Housing Tract instead of a vast park that rivals central park in New York. But it’s still a fun place to take kids, and there are enough things to do and see to take up half a day at least.

Fun Orange County Day Trip ideas

Angels Flight Railway

Napa Valley Day Trip