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NewsIn response to the current COVID situation and consistent with Balloon Fiesta’s focus on staging a safe event for our pilots, balloon crews, volunteers and guests, we have made the decision to not host the Balloon Discovery Center in 2021. This decision was due to the indoor venue and the multiple touch points associated with the activities. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Balloon Discovery Center next year.
Each year at Balloon Fiesta, balloon enthusiasts can get hands-on experience to learn about the sport and science of ballooning, and a behind-the-scenes look at Balloon Fiesta event operations. Located at the north end of Balloon Fiesta Park, the Balloon Discovery Center draws more than 30,000 visitors of all ages each year.
Admission is FREE once inside Balloon Fiesta® gates.
Hours:
6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
3:30 PM to 7:00 PM
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, and an Arts & Crafts area tickles the imagination of youngsters about the beauty of balloons.
These are examples of just a few of the exhibits that you’ll find:
PARTS OF A BALLOON
How is a balloon made and constructed? If you don’t know the parts of the balloon, this is the perfect exhibit. Larger-than-life graphics and a real hands-on balloon system highlight the critical components for each balloon to safely take flight and return to earth.
ALBUQUERQUE BOX
What makes Albuquerque the Balloon Capital of the world? The Albuquerque Box and its unique weather and wind patterns make our city unlike any other – and perfect for flying balloons. This interactive exhibit illustrates how the “box effect” sits over Balloon Fiesta Park and surrounding areas.
WICKER WEAVING
Some aspects of ballooning remains low-tech, and the basket, also called the gondola, is one of them. Most gondolas are made from wicker to minimize the additional weight that the balloon must lift. This exhibit allows you to try your hand at weaving large-radius rattan into a gondola. When the wicker is soaked in water, it becomes pliable. It is woven in a pattern in and out of the vertical supports. As it dries, it becomes rigid.
WEATHER STATION
Weather conditions are critical in determining if a balloon can fly. The Weather Station is a working weather station used by our meteorologists and Balloonmeister to actually determine if balloons will fly or not.
QUIZ TABLES
How much do you think you know about ballooning? Let’s test your knowledge with the interactive touchscreen quiz tables.
