99 Red Luftballoons In Discovery Green, Except There's Only One And It's Not Red

Photo by Olivia Flores Alvarez

​The holidays are over (unless you count Valentine's Day), but the Administaff Holiday Balloon is still flying at Discovery Green. The balloon goes up in a controlled float, reaching as high as 35 stories and giving riders a 360 degree view of the city (we sure have a lot of parking lots, don't we?).

The balloon is silent (it's filled with helium, not hot air so there's no fire roaring over your head), and the ride exceptionally smooth. There's usually a line of waiting riders, especially during peak hours, so give yourself plenty of time. And be sure to call the balloon's weather line to check on flying conditions because foggy and windy conditions mean the whole operation is grounded.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays. Through February 28. For information, call 713-400-7336 or visit www.discoverygreen.com. $10 to $20.

For more photos from our balloon trip, check out our slideshow.