Fly High On The Great Park Balloon In Irvine, California, By Leroy Worley

Fun and free, the Great Park Balloon in Orange County, California is a great way to soar high in the sky on your vacation. And, yes, it is FREE. Take a trip up 400 feet in the air over Orange County on this tethered helium balloon, which is one of six found across the nation. Although, it is the only one offering free admission. 

Fun For Everyone At Great Park

The Great Park Balloon is also accessible for those in wheelchairs, who can roll right on board, and enjoy the ride. And, the great thing for kids is that there are no age, height, or health restrictions to fly on the Great Park Balloon.

While at the Orange County Great Park Next to Farm & Food Lab you can also visit the Farmers Market, and select from a wide variety of fresh produce and other locally made items. The Orange County Great Park is located at 6990 Marine Way in Irvine.

Another activity to enjoy is the Great Park Movie on the Lawn, which recently presented the animated movie How to Train Your Dragon. Other movies are planned for May 7 and June 4. Then there are the recreational programs to enjoy at the Great Park that include Stargazing, Great Park in Motion, as well as Jiu Jitsu Demonstrations.

Orange County Children Give Back

Earlier this spring, children from the community of Irvine and Orange County gathered to help those effected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

With the aid of the Orange County Great Park Farmers Market, children set up a Team Kids LemonAID store, which allowed shoppers to enjoy lemonade and donate to the relief efforts to help children and families in Japan.

We thank all the children, the Orange County Great Park Farmers Market, and Team Kids, an Irvine-based nonprofit that focuses on mobilizing children as powerful community leaders, ready to come to the aid of others, for their great work and compassion!

Plan Your California Getaway

To plan your trip to Irvine, California call the Irvine Chamber Visitors Bureau at 1-877-478-4637 or www.destinationirvine.com. 

To learn more about events and attractions throughout California, visit the California Travel and Tourism Commission for packages and to order a Free Vacation Guide at www. visitcalifornia.com.