Up, Up, and Away: Our Family Hot Air Balloon Ride in Steamboat Springs
Always Take The More Unique Opportunity
Growing up, my mom had a favorite saying: “always take the more unique opportunity.” So when Stacia from Wild West Balloon Adventures invited me on a last-minute hot air balloon ride in Steamboat Springs — with my six-year-old along for the adventure — I couldn’t say no. I’ll admit, part of me was nervous, but my mom’s words echoed in my head. I’d watched the iconic bright yellow balloon drift over Steamboat countless mornings, and had admired it up close at the Steamboat Mountain Balloon Glow events, but the idea of actually climbing in the basket myself felt both thrilling and a little intimidating.
My kids have been fascinated by the hot air balloon for years. Ever since they were toddlers, they’ve affectionately called it “Hottie,” waving every time it floated overhead. So when I asked my six-year-old if he wanted to actually ride in Hottie the next morning, his eyes lit up. He gave me a big grin and an enthusiastic two-thumbs-up. With that decided, we laid out warm clothes, talked about the early wake-up, and tucked in for the night.
Going Up: Our Family’s First Balloon Ride
The next morning we arrived at the launch site around 7:30am, where the crew greeted us with some pre-flight hot coffee, pastries, and juice. Because there was a flight before ours, we hopped into the chase van to meet the balloon in a nearby field. That’s part of the magic of a hot air balloon ride: you never know exactly where you’ll land.
When the first group of riders stepped out, the ground crew steadied the basket and helped us climb in. Following a quick safety briefing, we lifted gently off the ground. The ascent was so smooth it felt almost unreal, no jolts, just a quiet glide upward. The only sound came from the occasional whoosh of the burners, a blast of warmth above our heads as the pilots guided us higher.
The views were nothing short of spectacular. From up high, Steamboat Springs stretched out below us like a map — the top of Emerald Mountain, the Howler Alpine Slide, and winding trails we usually see from the ground now in miniature. My son was completely absorbed, pointing out his school, friends’ houses, and the Yampa River. Bud and Stacia, our pilots, kept the ride lively with stories, answering every question and weaving in bits of science and history that fascinated both kids and adults.
A Smooth Landing Right in Town
After about 45 minutes in the air, it was time to descend. We drifted back toward town and touched down right in the middle of a school soccer field — much to the surprise of a few neighbors who came out to watch from their front yards. I laughed and told my kiddo that if I’d known where we’d land, I could’ve let him walk to school from there. Instead, he got the joy of playing hooky for the morning! Proof that I’m passing along my mom’s motto of “always take the more unique opportunity” to the next generation.
The chase crew was waiting to guide us to a smooth, gentle landing, and we stepped out of the basket grinning from ear to ear. Since ours was the last flight of the morning, we had the treat of watching the pack-up process; the giant envelope slowly deflating, being carefully rolled up, and finally loaded onto the truck alongside the basket for the trip back to the launch site. My son thought it was almost as fun as the flight itself, like watching a magic trick in reverse.
Cheers to a Successful Flight
After loading the balloon, the chase van brought us back to the launch site, where a table was waiting with champagne for the adults and sparkling cider for the kids. Glasses in hand, we circled up as Bud shared the tale of the very first hot air balloon flight in France in 1783. His storytelling has just the right mix of history and humor — with details that keeps kids listening and makes parents smile. Ending the morning with the tradition of a toast with bubbly felt like the perfect finale to our adventure!
Looking back on our first hot air balloon ride together, would I recommend it? Absolutely yes! Even though I started out nervous, Stacia and Bud’s calm explanations and professionalism quickly put me at ease. My six-year-old loved it, asking if we could go again before we’d even left the landing field! The experience sparked some great conversations about the science and history of flight, and even inspired us to add a few new balloon-themed books to our bedtime lineup.
An Adventure We’ll Never Forget
This adventure became one of those core memories we’ll carry with us for a lifetime. He wears his hot air balloon hat proudly and loves retelling the story to friends and family. For me, it was a reminder that pushing past a little nervousness can open the door to something unforgettable. If you’re looking for a unique family-friendly adventure in Steamboat Springs that creates lasting memories, a hot air balloon ride with Wild West Balloon Adventures is a magical way to spend a morning with your kids.
FAQ: Hot Air Ballooning with Kids
Thinking about taking your family on a hot air balloon ride in Steamboat Springs? Here are a few of the most common questions parents ask before booking with Wild West Balloon Adventures.
How old does my child have to be?
- Kids must be at least six years old to ride. Younger kids need to be able to stand comfortably in the basket for about 45 minutes. The balloon has special peek-through windows and a small step stool, so even smaller riders can get a clear view.
Will my teenager have fun?
- Absolutely! Older kids and teens love spotting landmarks from above, snapping photos to share later, and asking questions about the science and history of ballooning. Teens especially tend to appreciate the adventure side of things, from helping watch the crew set up to the surprise of not knowing exactly where the balloon will land.
Is it safe?
- Yes. Hot air balloon pilots are certified by the FAA and complete annual safety training and exams. Each flight begins with thorough pre-flight checks, and the balloon itself is inspected regularly by FAA-certified inspectors.
What should we wear in the hot air balloon?
- Like most outdoor activities in Steamboat, wear layers! In the spring, summer or fall you’ll want long pants and a few layers on top. In the winter months you’ll want to add a coat, gloves, hat and boots for walking through the snow. The burners provide a surprising amount of overhead warmth once you’re in the air.
Are there bathrooms?
- Yes, there are clean port-a-potties at the launch site, where you start and end your journey.
How can I prepare my child for their first flight?
- Talk about the experience the night before: the early wake-up, the layers they’ll need, and what they might see from above.
- Explore a book or podcast about hot air balloons to build excitement.
- Encourage them to bring questions — the pilots and crew love explaining the science and history of ballooning to curious kids (and adults!).
- Have breakfast beforehand, and tuck a small snack in your pocket if your child tends to get hungry.
Do you have any hot air balloon book and podcast recommendations?
- How does a Hot Air Balloon work? on Who Smarted? – Educational Podcast for Kids
- Hot Air Henry by Mary Calhoun
- Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot-Air Balloon Ride by Marjorie Priceman
- The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be by Joanna Gaines
I have other questions!
Reach out to the team at Wild West Balloon Adventures. They’re wonderful with kids and happy to walk you through what to expect!
