Have you always wanted go up in a hot air balloon but you’re a little too nervous? Or maybe you don’t want to shell out hundreds of dollars for the flight? The Great Park Balloon in Orange County, California provides the perfect solution!
Orange County Great Balloon (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)
What is the Orange County Great Balloon?
This helium balloon is FREE to anyone who wants to soar 400 feet in the air over Orange County. It is always tethered to the ground by a steel cable with the strength of 99,000 pounds, making it a safe adventure for all ages.
Great Park Balloon is one of six such helium balloons in the United States, and is the only one on which you can ride for free. Those in wheelchairs can roll right on board. This orange balloon is also “green” – it is environmentally-friendly and non-polluting.
The balloon is used to draw interest to the Great Park. Plans for the 165-acre park include botanical gardens, a sports park and fields, picnic areas, and the Great Park Air Museum, where vintage aircraft will be displayed on remnants of former runways.
Aerial view from the Orange County Great Balloon (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)
Orange County Great Balloon with Kids
My toddler clung to me and said, “No! No! No!” as we entered the 30-passenger metal basket, but he quickly settled down and enjoyed our ascent. My roller-coaster-loving kindergartner had no qualms about taking to the air in the giant orange balloon. Although I tend to get airsick, the ride was mellow and short enough that I felt fine throughout. The whole family enjoyed the aerial view of the Great Park and beyond.
My kids aboard the Great Balloon (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)
After our balloon adventure, we wandered through the park’s Farmers Market, purchasing some healthy snacks to munch along the way. There were also food trucks peddling more substantial fare like tacos and crepes. The Farmers Market is held every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
We didn’t have time to take a spin on the Great Park Carousel, but that’s free as well.
Food trucks at the Sunday Farmers Market (Photo credit: Colleen Lanin)
Many say the flame used to lift a hot air balloon is disturbingly noisy, but this balloon ride was quite peaceful. I still would like to take a ride in a hot air balloon someday (loud or not) but the Orange County Great Balloon in Irvine was a fun taste of flying up, up, up in the air like the Wizard of Oz.
What is one of your favorite free attractions? Please share your recommendations in the comments!
About Colleen Lanin
