Hot Air Balloon Dubai with Kids: Ages, Height & Tips

Children can fly with us in Dubai from age 5, with an adult, subject to a minimum height of around 1.1 meters so they can see over the basket wall and hold on safely for takeoff and landing. Child pricing applies for ages 5 to 11. The honest challenge with a family flight isn’t the balloon itself, it’s getting everyone out the door for a 3:45 AM pickup, and that’s mostly a matter of planning the night before.

What age can children fly in a hot air balloon in Dubai?

From age 5, accompanied by an adult, with a minimum height of roughly 1.1 meters. There’s no upper age limit, older children and teenagers fly the same way adults do. The age and height requirements exist because everyone stands in the basket for the flight, and a child needs to be tall enough to see over the wall comfortably and hold the rim during takeoff and landing.

If your child is close to the age or height requirement but not quite there, the honest answer is to contact us directly rather than guess. We can talk through what’s realistic for your specific situation.

Is there a child price, and how do I book for a family?

Yes, child pricing is available for ages 5 to 11 across all three packages. Contact us with your dates and the ages of everyone flying, and we’ll confirm exact pricing and pickup arrangements for your group. Booking for a family works the same way as any other booking, you’ll just want to mention the children’s ages upfront so we can plan pickup and the basket compartment properly.

How do you get a young child through a 3:45 AM pickup?

Honestly, the same way you’d manage any very early departure: prepare the night before. Lay out clothes, pack the bag, and let your child sleep in comfortable clothes if that makes the transition easier. Most kids doze again in the car during the drive out to the reserve, so the early start tends to be less painful than parents expect.

A light jacket is worth packing regardless of the season, since the desert is cool before sunrise even in warmer months. Bring snacks and water for the drive, and don’t over-explain the flight in advance if your child gets nervous about new experiences, a calm, matter-of-fact approach usually works better than a big build-up.

What does a child actually do during inflation, flight and landing?

During inflation, kids usually find the process itself fascinating, watching the crew fill a giant fabric envelope with fans and then fire, is not something most children see anywhere else. During the flight, they stand in the basket compartment with the rest of your group, and our pilot talks through what’s happening in a way that keeps things engaging rather than purely technical.

At landing, children are asked to hold on and bend their knees just like everyone else. Ground crew are on hand immediately after touchdown to help everyone out of the basket.

Which package works best for families with young children, and which for teens?

For families with children under 8 or so, the Standard Flight or Deluxe Flight tend to be the more comfortable choice, simply because the morning is shorter and there’s less to coordinate. Our comparison guide breaks down every package side by side if you want more detail.

What about the camel ride, falconry show and quad bikes for kids?

The camel ride on Deluxe and Adventure packages is a slow, guided walk, generally well suited to a wide age range, though very young children may need to sit with an adult depending on the operator’s setup on the day. The falconry show is a ground demonstration, safe to watch from a normal viewing distance, and most children find it one of the highlights of the morning.

Quad biking, included on the Adventure package, is typically age- and size-restricted for safety. If you’re planning an Adventure Flight with younger children, contact us to confirm whether the quad biking portion is appropriate for your child’s age.

What should children wear and bring?

Light layers work well, since the desert starts cool and warms quickly after sunrise. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea, especially on Deluxe or Adventure packages that include a camel ride or quad biking. A hat and sunglasses help once the sun is fully up, and a small water bottle is a good idea even though drinks are provided on board.

What if a child changes their mind on the morning?

It happens occasionally, and our crew is used to handling it calmly. If a child becomes anxious right before boarding, talk to our team on site, sometimes a few extra minutes of reassurance is all that’s needed. Bear in mind our standard cancellation terms still apply for a last-minute change of plans, so if you suspect nerves might be an issue, it’s worth having a conversation with your child ahead of time about what to expect.