You can usually get balloons inflated at several common places, depending on whether you want air or helium and whether you already have the balloons.

Fast answer

Most people go to:

  • Party stores
  • Supermarkets or big-box stores with party aisles
  • Dollar-type / discount stores
  • Florists and gift shops
  • Specialized balloon decorators
  • DIY helium tanks at home

Below are the main options and what to expect.

1. Party and balloon stores

These are often the easiest and most reliable.

  • Dedicated balloon/party shops can fill latex and foil balloons with helium or air, often even if you bring your own.
  • Some stores offer:
    • Helium balloon bouquets
    • Arches, columns, and garlands
    • Add‑ons like Hi-Float for longer float time.
  • Pricing is usually per balloon and depends on size and type (latex vs foil).

Tip: Call ahead to ask:

  • Do they fill customer‑supplied balloons?
  • Helium, air, or both?
  • Price per balloon and any minimum order.

2. Big retail chains and supermarkets

Many large retailers and grocery chains have balloon inflation services at their customer service or party desk.

  • Some supermarkets and general retailers offer helium inflation, especially around weekends and holidays.
  • Certain big chains may:
    • Fill balloons bought in‑store only.
    • Charge a small fee per balloon (for example, a few dollars each in some forum reports).

Tip: Check the store’s website or phone the specific location—policies can vary widely even within the same chain.

3. Dollar / discount and variety stores

These are often mentioned in forum discussions because they’re cheap and easy to find.

  • Some discount chains (like dollar-type stores) will inflate balloons, but very often only if you bought the balloon from them.
  • Prices are usually low, but helium availability can be hit‑or‑miss, especially when helium is expensive or in short supply.

Tip: If you bring your own Amazon/online balloons, don’t assume they’ll fill them—ask first.

4. Florists, gift shops, and mall kiosks

If you’re near a shopping area:

  • Florists, gift boutiques, and mall kiosks that sell balloons for birthdays and events often offer helium inflation.
  • They may:
    • Fill both in‑store and customer-provided balloons.
    • Charge a bit more than discount stores, but often provide nicer ribbons, weights, and arrangements.

Tip: If you want a polished bouquet for a party or surprise, this is often the nicest-looking option.

5. Balloon artists and decorators

For parties, showers, or corporate events:

  • Professional balloon decorators and “balloon artists” typically:
    • Bring portable pumps.
    • Create arches, columns, sculptures, and centerpieces.
    • Inflate everything on site as part of a decor package.
  • Many do not fill random customer-provided balloons with helium only, because of quality and helium cost issues, but may air‑fill as part of a job.

Tip: Great if you want full decor, not just a handful of balloons.

6. DIY options (at home)

If you can’t find a place to fill them—or want flexibility:

  • Single‑use helium tanks are sold at large retailers and party stores; they come with a nozzle for filling latex and foil balloons.
  • You can also:
    • Use an electric air pump for garlands and balloon walls.
    • Inflate by mouth or with a hand pump for non‑floating decorations.

When DIY is best:

  • You have many balloons for a party.
  • You don’t want to transport inflated balloons in a car.
  • Local stores won’t fill balloons you bought online.

7. Non‑traditional options (use with caution)

Some guides and forums mention a few extra possibilities:

  • Some gas stations have air pumps that can technically inflate balloons, but:
    • Pressure may be too strong, so they pop easily.
    • It’s regular air, not helium, so they won’t float.
  • Occasional public pumps in parks or recreational areas can be used for air‑filled balloons, but this is uncommon and not guaranteed.

Safety tip: Don’t let children use high‑pressure pumps alone, and never inhale gas from any source.

8. Quick checklist before you go

  1. Decide: floating (helium) or just decoration (air).
  2. Call nearby:
    • Party/balloon stores
    • Supermarkets with party aisles
    • Discount/dollar stores
    • Florists or gift shops
  3. Ask:
    • Do you fill balloons I bring?
    • Helium or air?
    • Price per balloon and any minimum?
  4. If options are limited, consider a small helium tank for home use.

TL;DR: Search local party shops, supermarkets, and discount stores first, ask if they fill outside balloons and use helium, and fall back on a DIY helium tank if you can’t find a nearby service.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.