Hot air balloon with kids in Marrakech: minimum ages, child prices, safety and practical tips for a smooth family flight at sunrise.
Your children will talk about this morning for years. Here's how to make sure it goes smoothly.
By Amazouz Morocco Tours team, local guides based in Marrakech and the High Atlas
A balloon flight is one of those rare experiences that genuinely works for the whole family — children are wide-eyed from the moment the envelope inflates, and parents get a morning none of you will forget. But it is also an early start, a cold wait and an hour standing in a basket, so a little preparation makes the difference between magical and miserable. Here is everything we tell families.
From what age can children fly?
Operators set a minimum age, commonly around 5–6 years [TO CHECK: exact minimum age for our operators], for two practical reasons. First, children must be tall enough to see over the basket edge — the basket sides come up to about chest height on an adult — because a child who can only see wicker will not enjoy the flight. Second, children must be old enough to follow instructions, especially the landing position. Babies and toddlers cannot fly. If your child is borderline, ask us before booking and we will check with the operator.
The honest pros and cons for families
**The pros:** the spectacle of inflation (children love the giant balloon filling with air), the gentle take-off, animals and villages to spot below, the Berber breakfast afterwards, and the flight certificate — which children treasure and show everyone at home.
**The cons:** a very early pickup (around 5:00–6:00 depending on season), a cold wait on the launch field while the balloon inflates, an hour of standing still, and the burner's noise, which startles some children at first.
None of these are reasons not to go. All of them are reasons to prepare.
Preparing children for the morning
**The night before:** early to bed, clothes laid out, and the day framed as an adventure — "we're getting up while it's dark to watch the sun rise from the sky". Children who feel like explorers cope far better than children who feel dragged out of bed.
**The burner:** warn them. The burner is loud — a sudden roar above your head — and it is the one moment nervous children wobble. Tell them in advance: "there's a big loud flame that makes the balloon go up, it's safe, and it's actually exciting." Children who expect the noise treat it as part of the show.
**The cold:** dress children warmer than yourself. The pre-dawn field is cold in every season and genuinely cold in winter. Layers, closed shoes, hat and gloves in winter — see our what-to-wear guide for the full list.
**The standing:** an hour is a long time for small legs. Children can sit on the basket floor for a rest (they just won't see out), and the flight passes faster than you expect when there are camels, villages and other balloons to spot.
Food, toilets and other practicalities
- **Toilets:** use the facilities at the launch site before the flight. There are none in the basket, and the flight plus transfers is several hours.
- **Food:** breakfast comes after landing — a proper Berber breakfast with mint tea, msemen pancakes and more. Bring a small snack for the early morning if your child wakes up hungry.
- **Motion sickness:** ballooning is remarkably smooth — there is no rocking or turbulence, because the balloon moves with the wind. Even children who get carsick in a car usually have no problem in a balloon.
- **The landing:** practise the landing position with them like a game — "bend your knees, hold the handles, face forward". Children who treat it as a game land smiling.
What it costs for a family
Our shared flights cost €150 per adult and €135 per child, with Comfort flights at €180 per adult. The price includes the early-morning transfer from your hotel or riad, the flight, the Berber breakfast and the flight certificate. Weather cancellations are rescheduled free of charge, and there is free cancellation up to 24 hours before — useful reassurance when travelling with children.
Is it worth it with kids?
Honestly? It is one of the best family mornings Marrakech offers. Children old enough to see over the basket remember it for years — the dark morning, the roaring flame, the sun rising over the Atlas, the certificate with their name on it. For children under the minimum age or height, wait a year or two; the balloon will still be there, and they will enjoy it far more when they can actually see.
See the family options at the bottom of this page, and tell us your children's ages when you book so we can confirm everything with the operator in advance.
Frequently asked questions
### What is the minimum age for a hot air balloon in Marrakech?
Operators set their own minimum, commonly around 5–6 years. Children must also be tall enough to see over the basket edge and old enough to follow the landing instructions. Ask us to confirm before booking.
### How much does a child ticket cost?
Our child price is €135; adults are €150. The price includes transfers, the flight, Berber breakfast and the flight certificate.
### Is a balloon flight safe for children?
Yes, with a licensed operator. Ballooning is gentle and smooth, children are briefed on the landing position, and flights are cancelled whenever the weather is unsuitable. The burner's noise can startle children — prepare them for it.
### What if my child is scared during the flight?
The basket sides are high and the flight is very stable, which reassures most nervous children quickly. The burner noise is the main surprise — warn them in advance and it becomes part of the adventure.
### Is there a toilet during the balloon trip?
Use the facilities at the launch site before the flight. There are no toilets in the basket, and the whole morning lasts several hours.
