Booking choice: The sunrise flight with breakfast, from $239 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Families fly every day in Phoenix, and reviewers often describe grandchildren's faces as the highlight. The limits are practical: children must be old enough to stand for an hour, tall enough to see over the basket edge, and able to follow the landing instructions.
The quick answer
Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders take children from 5 (Hot Air Expeditions also asks for 48 inches tall); Arizona Balloon Safaris from 6. Children 5 to 12 cost $189 direct with Hot Air Expeditions, against $239 for adults. Every passenger must stand for about an hour and follow the landing briefing.
What is the minimum age for a balloon ride in Phoenix?
Five with Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders, six with Arizona Balloon Safaris.
| Operator | Minimum age | Other rules |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Expeditions | 5 | At least 48 inches tall |
| Rainbow Ryders | 5 | Must stand unassisted for about 60 minutes |
| Arizona Balloon Safaris | 6 | Children must be with an adult |
Planning a family flight? Check dates for the sunrise flight with breakfast.
Check dates for the sunrise flight with breakfastHow much do children pay?
Hot Air Expeditions charges $189 for children 5 to 12 on its own site; on Viator all three flights list a child band, priced on the booking calendar.
Children count as full passengers in the basket, so discounts are modest compared with attractions on the ground. Under-21s get juice or cider at the toast.
Why is there a height rule?
So that children can see over the basket wall and brace safely during landing.
Basket walls are roughly chest height on an adult. A child under about 4 feet would see little and could be knocked over in a bumpy landing, which is why Hot Air Expeditions sets 48 inches.
Can kids handle the early start?
Most can, especially visitors from further east whose body clocks are ahead; plan an early night and a nap afterwards.
Check-in is about an hour before sunrise, so you may wake children at 3:30 or 4 AM in summer. Bring a snack for the drive. Winter flights start later, closer to 6 AM.
Is a balloon ride safe for children?
Balloon flights with licensed commercial pilots have a strong safety culture, and operators will only fly in calm conditions.
Rainbow Ryders says its pilots hold FAA commercial licences with at least 500 flight hours. The biggest risk is a bumpy landing, so children must hold on and follow the crew's instructions. Landings can tip the basket onto its side.
Want a family-friendly crew? Rainbow Ryders' sunrise flight rates 4.9 and lets you help inflate.
Explore Rainbow Ryders at sunriseWhat will kids enjoy most?
Usually the inflation: the giant envelope filling with air and the roar of the burner.
Rainbow Ryders offers the option of helping the crew hold the envelope open. In the air, children love spotting desert wildlife and waving to people on the ground far below.
Who should not fly?
Anyone pregnant, and people with back or heart problems, recent surgery or broken bones; very young children cannot fly.
Passengers must also be able to climb in and out of a tall basket. Crews help, and reviewers mention elderly parents getting in with assistance, but tell the operator about mobility issues when booking.
What if your children are too young?
Watch a launch from the ground, or take an easy guided desert walk at sunrise instead.
The guided sunrise or sunset hike adapts its pace and route to the group. See what to wear for the morning kit.
Kids old enough to fly? Book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check dates for the sunrise flight with breakfastFrequently asked questions
Can a 4-year-old go on a hot air balloon ride in Phoenix?
No. The minimum age is 5 with Hot Air Expeditions and Rainbow Ryders, and 6 with Arizona Balloon Safaris.
Do kids get champagne?
No. Guests under 21 get juice or sparkling cider at the landing toast.
Can a baby come along for the ride out?
Not in the balloon. Ask the operator about ride-along options for non-flying family members.
Ready to book
Choose your flight
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Sunrise Balloon Ride with Champagne Breakfast
- A 45 to 60 minute sunrise flight with an FAA-licensed pilot
- Champagne or sparkling cider toast at the landing site
- Catered breakfast in the desert, served at tables
Rainbow Ryders Sunrise Balloon Flight
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight of about 45 to 60 minutes
- Live commentary from the pilot
- Option to help the crew inflate the balloon
Sonoran Desert Sunrise or Sunset Guided Hike
The desert sunrise from a summit, without the basket
