What Age is Best for Kids to Fly?
A hot air balloon flight over Melbourne is an unforgettable experience for all ages — peaceful, exciting, and full of wonder.
But parents often ask us the same question: “What’s the best age for children to go ballooning?”
Here’s everything you need to know to help decide when your kids are ready for their first flight.
The Minimum Age Requirement 🎈
For safety and comfort, children must be at least 6 years old to fly.
At this age, most kids are tall enough (around 120 cm) to see comfortably over the edge of the basket and enjoy the full experience.
Younger children may not be tall enough to safely see outside — and part of the magic of ballooning is watching the world drift by beneath you.
👧 Tip: If your child is close to that height, check in advance — our team can help you decide if they’ll be comfortable standing during the flight.
Why Age (and Height) Matter
Ballooning is gentle and smooth, but passengers do need to:
Stand for the duration of the flight (usually 45–60 minutes).
Hold on to the basket handles during landing.
Follow simple safety instructions from the pilot and crew.
That’s why we recommend waiting until children are old enough to listen carefully and tall enough to enjoy the view.
For most families, ages 6 to 12 are the perfect years for a first balloon flight — kids are curious, engaged, and full of wonder at everything they see.
What Kids Love Most ✨
Children absolutely love:
Watching the balloon inflate — it’s like seeing a giant rainbow come to life.
Hearing the burners roar and feeling the warmth.
Spotting landmarks, animals, or tiny cars from the sky.
Celebrating after landing with a special “juice toast” while parents enjoy champagne.
The excitement, combined with the calmness of floating, makes ballooning magical for both kids and parents.
Tips for Parents 👨👩👧👦
Dress warmly: Flights happen at sunrise when the air can be chilly.
Early wake-up: Be prepared for a very early start — most flights meet before dawn.
Bring a camera: The expressions on your kids’ faces at take-off are priceless!
Reassure them: Explain that the balloon doesn’t “drop” or move fast — it drifts gently with the wind.
Most children who are a little nervous at first quickly become amazed — often declaring it the “best morning ever.”
A Memory They’ll Never Forget
There’s something special about sharing a hot air balloon experience as a family — the teamwork, the views, and the peacefulness of being together in the sky.
It’s one of those rare adventures that creates a lifelong memory for both kids and parents.
So if your child is 6 years or older, tall enough to see over the basket, and ready for a little morning magic — the sky is waiting.
✨Ready to make their first flight unforgettable?
Book your family-friendly sunrise hot air balloon flight over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley and give your kids a story they’ll be telling for years.