Does Walmart Fill Helium Balloons? (Yes, Here’s the Cost & Policy)

In this guide I will give you the real deal on Walmart’s balloon policy, the cost, the rules, and a few pro tips to make it all go smoothly.

By the way, Walmart is just one of many great options. For a full comparison of prices and policies at all the major stores, be sure to check out my main guide on where to get balloons filled.

Call Your Local Walmart First

Before you gather up your balloons and head to the car, you absolutely must call your local Walmart store.

Here’s the thing…

Not every single Walmart store fills balloons.

It’s usually only offered at the bigger Walmart Supercenters that have a dedicated Party Supply or Floral department with a helium tank on-site. Many of the smaller stores and Neighborhood Markets do not offer this service at all.

A quick, 10-second phone call will save you from a completely wasted trip.

Just use this simple script:

“Hi, I have a quick question. Do you offer a helium balloon inflation service at your store?”

That’s it!

They’ll give you a yes or no answer right away.

Walmart’s Helium Policy: What You Need to Know

So, assuming your local store does offer the service, you’ll need to know the specifics.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the cost, what types of balloons they’ll fill, and what to expect.

Can You Bring Your Own Balloons?

Yes, in most cases, Walmart will fill balloons that you have purchased somewhere else. This is great if you bought custom or themed balloons online. Just be aware that the price for filling balloons you bring in is usually different from the price of filling balloons you buy directly in the store.

How Much Does It Cost to Fill Balloons at Walmart?

The cost is one of the best parts, it’s very affordable.

While prices can vary slightly by location, here is what you can generally expect:

• Foil/Mylar Balloons (bought at Walmart): Around $1.50 – $3.00 per balloon.
• Foil/Mylar Balloons (brought from home): Around $2.00 – $4.00 per balloon.
• Latex Balloons (bought at Walmart): Around $0.50 per balloon.
• Latex Balloons (brought from home): Around $0.75 – $1.00 per balloon.

What Kind of Balloons Do They Fill?

Walmart’s party section is equipped to handle the two most common types of party balloons.

They will typically fill both standard latex balloons and the shiny foil (or mylar) balloons.

How Long Do Helium Balloons from Walmart Stay Inflated?

This is a super important question for party planning! How long they last depends entirely on the type of balloon.

• Foil/Mylar Balloons: These are the champions. A foil balloon filled with helium can last anywhere from several days to a week or even longer.
• Latex Balloons: These have a much shorter lifespan because latex is porous and helium molecules are tiny enough to escape. You can typically expect a standard latex balloon to stay afloat for about 8 to 12 hours. This means you should always plan to get your latex balloons filled on the same day as your party.

Pro Tip: Some Walmart stores offer a treatment called “Hi-Float” for latex balloons, which coats the inside and can extend the float time to a full day or more. It costs a little extra, but it’s absolutely worth asking about if you need your balloons to last longer.

How to Get Balloons Filled: A Quick Guide & Pro Tips

Once you’ve confirmed your local Walmart offers the service, the process is pretty straightforward, but knowing where to go and what to do can save you a lot of time.

Here’s a quick guide and a few of my favorite insider tips.

1. Step 1: Go to the Right Department. This is the step most people get wrong. Do not go to the Customer Service desk at the front of the store. Instead, go directly to the Party Supply aisle or the Floral/Greeting Card section. This is where the helium tank and balloon counter are located.
2. Step 2: Find the Right Associate. Not every employee is trained to use the helium tank. You’ll need to find an associate who works in that specific department. If no one is around, you can use a store phone or press the in-aisle “assistance” button to have someone paged to the balloon counter. Be prepared for a potential wait, as this isn’t always their primary task.

My Pro Tip: The best time to go is on a weekday morning. The store is quieter, and the associates are less rushed. If you try to go at 3 PM on a Saturday, you’re going to be waiting in line behind everyone else planning a party. Avoid Saturday afternoons if you’re in a hurry!

Bonus Tip: Before you walk away, give your balloons a quick quality check. For latex balloons, politely ask the employee not to overfill them, as this can make them pop easily. For foil balloons, just give the seams a quick once-over to make sure they’re sealed properly. A little check right there at the counter is much better than discovering a leak on your way home.

Is Buying a Helium Tank at Walmart a Better Deal?

As you’re standing in the party aisle, you’ll probably see the DIY helium tank kits for sale and wonder if it’s just cheaper to do it yourself.

This is the next logical question, and the answer really depends on how many balloons you need.

Here’s the breakdown:

A standard helium tank kit from Walmart typically costs around $30 to $50 and can fill about 30-50 standard latex balloons.

This breaks down to roughly $1 per balloon, which is more expensive than having the store fill them for you.

• Pros of a DIY Tank: The biggest advantage is convenience. You can fill the balloons at home, right before your party, and it’s a great option if you have a very large number of balloons to inflate.
• Cons of a DIY Tank: It is almost always a higher cost per balloon. Additionally, the helium in these disposable tanks is often not 100% pure, which can sometimes result in a slightly shorter float time compared to the professional tanks used by the store.

The bottom line: If you only need a handful of balloons, having Walmart fill them is the cheaper and easier option. If you need to fill 50+ balloons for a big event, buying your own tank might be worth the extra cost for the convenience.

Top Alternatives to Walmart for Helium Balloons

While Walmart is a great, low-cost option, it’s not the only game in town.

If your local store doesn’t offer the service or you’re looking for something different, these are your other best bets.

Dollar Tree

Dollar Tree is famous for its unbeatable value.

You can buy a huge variety of foil balloons there for just $1.25, and they will fill them with helium for free right at the checkout.

The major catch is that, according to their official policy, they will only fill foil balloons that are purchased at their store. They will not fill latex balloons or any balloons you bring in from the outside.

For a more detailed look, see my guide on the Dollar Tree balloon policy.

Party City

This is the “professional” choice. Party City has the largest selection of balloons anywhere, and their staff is fully trained in everything helium-related (including special treatments like Hi-Float).

It is almost always more expensive than Walmart, but you’re paying for a wider selection and guaranteed service.

It’s the best option if you need a specific, custom balloon bouquet.

Your Local Grocery Store

Don’t overlook this one! Many larger grocery store chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix have a dedicated floral or party department that also offers helium balloon services.

The prices are usually competitive with Walmart, making it a fantastic and convenient backup plan, especially if you’re already there picking up the cake and ice cream.

The Bottom Line

So, what’s the final verdict?

Is Walmart the right place to get your balloons filled?

Absolutely.

It’s a fantastic, low-cost, and super convenient option, especially since you can get your party supplies, decorations, and balloons all handled in one easy trip, which is one of my favorite Walmart savings hacks.

Just remember that the service isn’t available at every store. So make sure to call your local Walmart store first to confirm. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle.

So, the next time you’re planning a party and wondering does Walmart fill balloons, the answer is a solid yes, as long as you call ahead!