I have often been in the Balboa Fun Zone and heard tourists say they are on Balboa Island, which is incorrect. The Balboa Fun Zone is a section of the Balboa Peninsula bayfront, looking toward Balboa Island. The Balboa Island Ferry crossing, located next to the Balboa Ferris Wheel on the peninsula, will help you head east to Balboa Island. $1 per person.

The Balboa Fun Zone consists of the Ferris Wheel, Arcade games, Restaurants, the Catalina Flyer, whale watching companies and more… It’s a great place to play arcade games and grab a bite to eat. After you exhaust all of your dollars in the arcade, I recommend crossing Balboa Blvd over to the ocean… specifically the Balboa Pier, which is home of Ruby’s Shake Shack. Grab a bite to eat there or at Cabo Cantina or Cruisers on the peninsula.

Hours of Operation

Sun – Thur: 11 am to 6 pm
Fri: 11 am to 9 pm
Sat: 11 am to 10 pm

Thanksgiving: 11 am to 4 pm

Typically, they are open ALL holidays except Christmas day.
Hours may change due to weather and business (open later if busy!)