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NYC's iconic Armory building is transformed into a playful dreamland of epic inflatable and eco-friendly balloon art. 

What Is Balloon Story?

Balloon Story is an interactive art experience created from more than 600,000 biodegradable balloons that sprawls out over many scenes and vignettes inside the 55,000-square-foot drill hall at the Park Avenue Armory.

While much of the experience is look-don't-touch, there are enough interactive elements to engage little art lovers, too.

More than 200 artists joined forces to create the larger-than-life balloon installations at Balloon Story, and it's undeniably eye-popping and social media-friendly!

Swim through the balloon-pit jungle to see larger than life balloon creatures

The Balloon Story Experience

Balloon Story is a timed-entry experience, and it's best to buy your tickets online in advance before you visit. Organizers suggest setting aside just over an hour for your journey through Balloon Story, and I'd say that's just about right!

Kids who love ball pits may want to spend more time swimming through the ball-and-balloon pit in the jungle under the gaze of larger-than-life creatures like gorillas, flamingos, hippos, lions, and more—all carefully crafted from a colorful array of inflatables. We were wowed by the balloon rocks, which were perfectly pebble-shaped.

Tweens will get a kick out of the first large gallery, where balloon-filled backdrops beckon visitors for selfies, and everyone can appreciate the oversized installations of familiar and far-off places and creatures.

About midway through Balloon Story, you'll have a chance to purchase snacks or dance in the Balloon Story Balloon Cage—which is filled with supersized balloons kids can play with. Be forewarned: More than a few of these popped while we were there, and the boom reverberated through the hall. Jumpy kids might be scared! We also had a blast playing video games here, which all involved hurling ball pit balls at jumbo screens to hit a variety of targets.

Be prepared for the cotton candy vending machines here. They are practically guaranteed to solicit a case of the "gimmes" from little ones!

Know Before You Go to Balloon Story

• Balloon Story is open daily through Saturday, August 24, 2024.
• Purchase your tickets online in advance. Tickets start at $30 for kids ages 4-12, and $39 for adults.
• There is stroller parking before you enter the exhibit, so keep in mind you'll be carrying little ones or toddling at their speed. 
• No outside food or drink is allowed.
• There are bathrooms on the lower level of the building.
• Like other pop-up installations, you'll exit through the gift shop, so set your expectations before you enter!

All photos by author