The Highland Village Balloon Festival is bigger and better than ever! We had a great time, but as always, there are things I would have done different, and I’m here to give you my tips for having your BEST time!
It’s a lot of walking, so bring a wagon to carry a blanket and chairs for the Balloon Glow, and a little cooler for water. There are plenty of food and drink vendors, but the line were a little long, and better to be prepared then have a thirsty child.
Take cash, because many of the vendors and parking doesn’t take plastic!
The North Texas Child Kid Zone
We caught a golf cart shuttle from the parking area, and they let us off at the Kid Zone, and like a flash my kid was gone! I hadn’t yet paid before he was bouncing in a bounce house!
A wrist band gave him unlimited access to all the bounce houses, petting zoo and the Boogie Woogie Choo-Choo!
Even though we ate an early dinner before we went, the festival food makes everyone hungry! The lines were a little long, so while I stood in line, my kids went to play on the big Castle wooden playground! We love wooden playgrounds, and this one is terrific!
Of course, I didn’t get a picture of the food.
Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides
A chance to go up in a Hot Air Balloon is a once in a lifetime opportunity for most! $20/adult and $15/child, the ride last about 5 minutes. The line was LONG, but the view was amazing!
The Tethered Balloon Rides end at dusk, before the Balloon Glow, so if you have your heart set on a balloon ride, go early!
Balloon Glow
For me, the best part of any Balloon Festival is the Balloon Glow! A Hot Air Balloon Glow is when all the balloons, tethered down, and lit up by the fire! It is so pretty! They don’t fly at night, it’s just a neat thing to watch!
Find a place to sit while it’s still light, and spread out your blanket and chairs and get ready for the falling light and the balloons to rise!
Bring a long some cut grapes to feed the ducks!
I walked around, looking for the best place to watch, and I loved sitting on this little pier! The reflection off the water was incredible!
They do a countdown before each glow, which only last a couple of minutes. They’ll do it about many times throughout the Glow!
You’ll have time for pictures, too! This was taken up on the line, as close as we could get to the balloons!
Balloon Lift Off
We didn’t get a chance to watch the balloons take off, but each morning of the festival they will do a Mass Lift Off at about 7am! It’s incredible to watch as they all take off into the skies!
Dog Friendly
The festival is Dog Friendly, too! Bring a little bowl, some water and don’t forget your clean-up bags!
Parking
Parking is a $5 donation, and there is a BIG parking lot!
Traffic was much lighter coming off Higland Village Blvd, and turning south on Briarhill Dr. Parking Attendants will direct you.
We caught a ride on a golf cart shuttle.
FYI, the parking area had a lot of grass burs. It was a short walk through the grass to the paved walking trail, but we had to stop and pick a few out!
Know Before You Go
It rained earlier in the day, and it was a little muddy. From personal experience, I don’t suggest sandals!
There are both port-a-pottys and restrooms.
Things To Do in Highland Village
Play
Paddleboard on Lake Lewisville with Bluet SUP! Click HERE to visit their website.
Doubletree Ranch Park has a unique splash pad to keep you cool! Click HERE to visit their website.
Eat
Fresco’s Mexicana is a fun and colorful restaurant, with a great staff! Click HERE to read more.
Stay
The Best Western Plus Lake Dallas Inn & Suites and the Comfort Inn & Suites Near Lake Lewisville are both just North of the bridge. There are also plenty of hotels just south in Grapevine.
Pine Knoll Park offers RV and tent camping on the shores of Lake Lewisville. Click HERE to visit their website.
Highland Village Balloon Festival
2200 Briarhill Blvd, Highland Village
Click HERE to visit their website.
Keep Having Fun in the Texas Sun!
Michelle
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