Balloon Discovery Center

How do balloons fly? Balloons operate through the basic principles of gravity and hot air rising. As air inside the balloon is heated, it rises. As the air inside the balloon cools, it descends. To inflate the balloon... read more ...

Each year at Balloon Fiesta® balloon enthusiasts can get hands-on experience at the Balloon Discovery Center. Located at the north end of Balloon Fiesta Park, the Balloon Discovery Center draws more than 30,000 visitors of all ages each year.

Interactive exhibits illustrate the principles of lighter-than-air flight, the history of the sport, and safety aspects of ballooning. A hot air balloon exhibit has a basket in which kids can "burn" the burners and simulate a balloon flight. Another exhibit demonstrates the "Albuquerque Box" effect.

The theater area features speakers from all aspects of ballooning, story time, puppet shows, videos about ballooning, and tissue paper balloon classes where you can build your own hot air balloon.

Visit the Balloon Discovery Center at Balloon Fiesta Park! It is open from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.during morning events and from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. during evening events. Visiting the Center is free with admission to the Balloon Fiesta.

If interested in sponsorship opportunities, please visit our Sponsor section.