The good news is that most hot air balloon companies are more than happy to give kids their first taste of flight hot air balloon style. However, no reputable hot air company should be willing to take a child who is younger than seven-years-old, or shorter than 4' 6” for safety reasons.

Yes, children can go up in a hot air balloon, but most operators around the world enforce a minimum age of 6 or 7 years and a minimum height requirement of 120 cm (approx. 47 inches). These rules are in place for both safety and enjoyment; children must be tall enough to see over the edge of the high wicker basket without being held up or standing on stools, which would be dangerous during the landing. Furthermore, the burners that heat the air in the balloon are extremely loud and can be frightening for very young children or those with sensory sensitivities. Parents should also consider that a typical balloon flight lasts about an hour, and once the balloon is in the air, there is no way to "land early" if a child becomes bored or distressed. For those who meet the requirements, it is a magical experience that is surprisingly smooth and peaceful. It is important to dress children in layers, as it can be chilly before sunrise, and to ensure they are wearing sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Because landings can sometimes involve a "tip-over" where the basket ends up on its side, children must be old enough to follow the pilot's safety instructions and hold onto the internal handles firmly.