Great Park Balloon & Carousel
Irvine, CA
Balloon free; carousel $4
By Simir Shah
Updated September 18, 2026
★★★★★4.6(146 Google reviews)
From our editor — we've been
Great Park keeps growing — we used to go to their Sunday farmers market all the time and it was a lot of fun. We have yet to go on the balloon due to my fear of heights, but it looks like a ton of fun, and on a clear day you get views of everything. They've added so much to this park, from an amphitheater to an ice skating rink. It's the go-to destination for people in the area — something to do every day, or just go for a walk.
💡 Local tip: Heads up: the Sunday farmers market has moved to a temporary site while the park works through a big new construction phase, so double-check the current location before you go.
What parents say
AI summary of 4 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
The carousel charges a small fee for children, with adults standing free, and there is a waiver to sign. Balloon ride slots book out on weekends, so reviewers say to arrive early or miss them. Parking is ample. Weekdays are far quieter, with some reviewers having the carousel to themselves.
Ride a tethered helium balloon 400 feet up for skyline views, then a spin on the carousel and a romp at the huge play areas. At 118 feet tall and filled with 210,000 cubic feet of helium, it's one of the largest tethered helium balloons in the country and carries up to 16 passengers at a time. The Great Park Carousel nearby got a full repaint in 2021 and rides are free.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Stroller-friendly
- Free parking
- Nap-schedule friendly
- Restrooms
- Works for a wide age range
Happening near here
- Fall-O-Ween at Heritage HillLake Forest · 4 mi
- Pumpkin City Pumpkin Farm (Laguna Hills Mall)Laguna Hills · 5 mi
- Aliso Viejo Movie Night: Monsters, Inc.Aliso Viejo · 6 miFree
- Weekend Night Market Mission Viejo (Third Saturdays)Mission Viejo · 6 mi · 3rd Saturdays 5–9pmFree
8000 Great Park Blvd, Irvine, CA 92618, USA
Map
What visitors say
- Kyle Tucker★★★★★
It's $3 for the kiddos, and hey, adults get to stand for free! I guess we're just too mature to be sitting on magical horses, right? But don't worry, folks, you'll have to sign a waiver before hopping on this wild ride. Safety first, people! For just $10, you can ride this carousel all day long. Yep, you heard it right. ALL. DAY. LONG. I don't know about you, but that's a pretty sweet deal if you ask me. I mean, who needs a boring 9-to-5 job when you can spend your entire day spinning in circles? Rumor has it that this carousel holds the key to all the hidden secrets of Orange County. From buried treasure to secret tunnels that lead to Disneyland (shh, don't tell Mickey!), you never know what you might uncover during your carousel adventure. Just remember to keep your eyes peeled and your imagination turned up to 11. This carousel is the real deal, surpassing even the one at the Irvine Spectrum. Yes, folks, we're talking next-level carousel technology here. The horses gallop faster, the music is catchier, and the painted scenery will make you believe you're riding through the magical land of unicorns and rainbows. If you're up for a wild ride through the hidden secrets of Orange County, buckle up and head straight to the Great Park Carousel. It's a carousel experience like no other, filled with laughter, magic, and a whole lot of spinning. Trust me, you won't regret it!
2 years ago
- Sunil Hirawat★★★★★
Good spot for day out, famous for balloon ride and farmer's market, ample of parking space, need not worry for parking, on weekend reach a bit early for balloon ride passes, i have not got as all the slots are fully booked for the day.
7 years ago
Showing 2 of 5 Google reviews · Read them all on Google Maps
Nearby places
Keep planning
Eat nearby in Irvine
- Saiga Vietnamese EateryAsian · $$
- First Class PizzaPizza & Italian · $$
- HiroNori Craft RamenAsian · $$
- Soup ShopAsian · $$