Amenities & Attractions

Great Park features facilities, programs, on-site amenities, and attractions that reflect the City of Irvine's dedication toward historical preservation, sustainable practices, and family-friendly activities.

See a list of things to do and see at the Great Park below. For a more detailed breakdown of current features at the Great Park, visit our current Great Park Features web page.

Camps & Classes

For information on camps and ongoing recreational programs at the park, visit the Camps & Activities web page.

Calendar of Events

For current special events at the Great Park, visit the Great Park Calendar of Events.

Interactive Map

Explore the Great Park through our interactive map here.

Visitors Center

The 4,762-square-foot Visitors Center provides guests with a welcoming first stop for rides on the Great Park Balloon and Carousel. It features a large lobby, restroom facilities, and office space. 

Runway Café

Located inside the Great Park Visitors Center, Runway Café is the perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a snack with your friends and family. Stop by the Runway Café Friday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m., to enjoy a variety of pre-packaged treats and beverages. 
*Runway Café is subject to closures due to inclement weather and/or City programming.



Great Park Balloon 

The Great Park Balloon, is Great Park’s iconic attraction, soaring 400 feet above the surrounding landscape. Learn more about the balloon and flight hours here.

Great Park Carousel

An Orange County tradition, updated with vintage-inspired scenic artwork, is a favorite for kids of all ages. Learn more about the carousel here.

Carousel Hours of Operation:

Thursdays & Fridays: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturdays & Sundays: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

Farm + Food Lab

A unique hands-on outdoor agricultural classroom featuring themed planters and information displays. Learn more about the Farm + Food Lab here.

 

Farmer's Market

As of November 10, 2024, the Certified Farmer's Market (previously the Great Park Farmers Market) has been relocated to Stonegate Elementary located at 100 Honors. The Farmers Market will operate Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn More.

Children's Play Areas

Great Park features various themed playgrounds across multiple locations, including newly opened play areas near the Sports Complex, and Kids Rock, which aims to educate young guests about conservation ecology and the water cycle while they have fun. For more information, call the Visitors Center at 949-724-6247.

Palm Court Arts Complex

The Palm Court Arts Complex is home to the Great Park Gallery and the Great Park Studio. This civic space also features Hangar 244, a 10,000-square-foot event center; a shaded outdoor performance plaza enhanced by 54 Canary Islands date palms; and the Great Park’s first site-specific permanent public art installation.

Visitors will discover that the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro’s World War II-era atmosphere and architecture have been preserved by means of adaptive reuse of existing buildings, a strategy that aligns with the park’s ecological values. The Palm Court’s repurposed military structures now form a cultural campus supporting the development of a fresh approach to establishing an interdisciplinary, public arts program.

*Great Park Studio and Hangar 244 are subject to closures due to private event rentals and/or larger city-wide events. For building closure status, please call 949-724-6599. 

Exhibitions

The Great Park Gallery, Great Park Studio, and Hangar 244 tie the history of the park with its future through a robust exhibition calendar. 

Learn more about the Irvine Fine Arts Center and City Hall exhibitions.

As part of the City of Irvine Fine Arts Program, the Great Park Gallery and Great Park Studio present a varied exhibition program from year to year, with shows scheduled 12 to 24 months in advance. For more information, see the Exhibition Proposal Requirement form here. 

Learn more at yourgreatpark.org/arts.

The Layover

The Layover at the Great Park is no longer being offered. We would like to thank those who have attended in the past. Keep up to date on all Great Park Live happenings at greatparklive.com.

Great Park Trails

The Great Park Trails feature 1.5 miles of walking and biking space throughout the Upper Bee and Bosque area.  For a trail map and more information, visit the trails page.