Hot Air Ballooning in NJ | Here are The Best Places Where You Can Take Flight Into the Sky

See the dense woodlands and mountains of the state from high up in the air in a hot air balloon! It's a magical and peaceful experience that cannot be compared to any other. Some of the companies even offer special romantic packages so you can turn an adventure into one of the most memorable dates that your significant other has ever experienced. All ages are welcome, but passengers are usually limited. What is one of the most romantic things you can do? Take him or her on a hot air balloon ride and see New Jersey as you've never seen it before! Updated 12-24-25 for accuracy.

About Hair Ballooning Safety & Expertise

All reputable NJ balloon operators are certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and carry commercial pilot certificates with balloon ratings. Our recommended companies exceed FAA requirements with perfect safety records and thousands of flight hours. Pilots undergo recurrent training, and aircraft receive 100-hour/annual inspections for your peace of mind. 

Why Go Hot Air Ballooning in NJ?

• Spectacular Views: Glide over the rolling hills, lush forests, and picturesque farmland of our beautiful state.
• Year-Round Adventure: Seasonal flights offer different perspectives—vibrant fall foliage, spring blooms, or summer sunsets.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Propose, celebrate an anniversary or a birthday, or simply create lasting memories for a new job or job promotion.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Hot air ballooning is safe and exciting for kids and adults alike.
  
  

What to Expect on Your Balloon Ride

• Gentle Takeoff: Smooth ascent with expert pilots.
• 30-60 Minute Flight: Enjoy panoramic views and photo opportunities.
• Celebratory Toast: Many flights include champagne or snacks upon landing.
• Pre-Flight Briefing: You will go over safety instructions for your flight.

Best Times to Fly in NJ 

• Peak Season: April-October (most reliable weather)
• Fall Foliage: Late September-October (book 3-6 months ahead)
• Shoulder Months: March & November (fewer crowds, cooler temps)
• Weather Considerations: Flights occur at sunrise/sunset when winds are calmest; allow 2-3 days of flexibility for rescheduling.

Tips for First-Time Flyers

• Dress in layers - It’s cooler at higher altitudes, especially in the Northern New Jersey region.
• Get ready for The Ultimate Photography Experience! - Bring a camera or smartphone for amazing aerial shots.
• Book in advance - Book early especially during peak seasons.
  
  

Book your hot air balloon adventure today and see New Jersey like never before!

Helpful Decision-Making Table

Balloons In Flight - Best For: Photography enthusiasts
Just Ducky -  Best For: Multi-state flexibility - Can launch from NJ, NY, or PA locations
Above the Clods, LLC - Best For: Multi-state flexibility - Can launch from NJ, NY, or PA locations
Hunterdon Ballooning - Best For: First-timers - Perfect safety record since 1995
Above The Clouds - Best For: Special occasions - Specializes in proposals/anniversaries

Hot Air Ballooning FAQ's

What if I need to cancel due to weather?

Reputable companies don't fly in unsafe conditions and offer free rescheduling.

Can children fly?

Most require children be at least 6-8 years old and 48" tall

What should I wear?

Closed-toe shoes, layers, no loose accessories

Are there weight limits?

Typically 250-300 lbs per passenger with group weight distributions

More Places to Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in NJ (With Review Ratings!)

Experience the thrill of floating above New Jersey’s stunning landscapes on a private hot air balloon ride! Going on a hot air balloon excursion is perfect for a romantic adventure (especially a first date!), a unique family outing, team building for your small business, or a fun day trip idea with a friend. For a truly breathtaking way to see the Garden State from new heights, hot air ballooning offers an unforgettable experience.

Just Ducky Balloon Experiences

Location: Serving NJ, NY, CT and Eastern PA
Rating: 4.8/5 (49 reviews)
Phone: (917) 609-9628

Hunterdon Ballooning Inc

Location: Lebanon, NJ
Rating: 5.0/5 (26 reviews)
Phone: (908) 788-5415
Hours: Open until 9 PM

Skylands Ballooning

Location: Blairstown, NJ
Rating: 4.0/5 (4 reviews)
Phone: (908) 295-8656

Warren County Farmers' Fair featuring the Balloon Festival

Location: Phillipsburg, NJ
Rating: 4.4/5 (216 reviews)
Phone: (908) 859-6563

Vantage Point Ballooning

Location: Neshanic Station, NJ
Rating: No reviews
Phone: (908) 248-4669

Above The Clouds, Inc

Location: Serving NJ, NY, CT, PA
Rating: 4.9/5 (335 reviews)
Phone: (845) 360-5594

Blair's Ballooning

Location: 29 Parvins Mill Rd, Bridgeton, NJ, 08302
Rating: Rating not Known
Phone: (302) 202-3338

Your Hot Air Balloon Ride Experience: From Briefing to Toast: The Breakdown and Key Takeaways About Your Ballooning Adventure

The adventure begins with a pre-flight briefing, where your pilot will review safety instructions and what to expect. As the balloon inflates, you'll feel a growing sense of anticipation. The takeoff is remarkably gentle—a smooth, vertical ascent that often feels like the ground is simply falling away beneath you.

Once aloft, you'll experience a profound sense of peace. Without the noise of an engine, you'll glide silently over the stunning variety of New Jersey's landscapes. From the rolling hills and reservoirs of Warren County to the picturesque farmland of Hunterdon, the views are unparalleled. On exceptionally clear days, pilots in northern areas like Phillipsburg or Parsippany might even point out the distant skylines of New York City or Philadelphia on the horizon. Your pilot will navigate the winds at different altitudes and point out landmarks, making the 30-60 minute
flight both breathtaking and informative.

The landing is an engaging part of the journey, often requiring passengers to assume a brief, secure landing position. After a smooth touchdown, the crew and passengers work together to pack up the balloon, a fun and collaborative end to the experience. This is typically followed by a celebratory toast with champagne or snacks, where you'll receive a flight certificate to commemorate your journey over the Garden State.

A Brief History of Ballooning in NJ: From Historic Flight to Modern Tradition

The story begins with Jean-Pierre Blanchard's historic flight on January 9, 1793. His hydrogen-filled balloon lifted off from Philadelphia and traveled east, crossing the Delaware River before landing in a field in what is now Deptford Township, New Jersey. The landing site, marked by the historic Clement Oak tree, is still recognized today, though the area has since been developed.

Ballooning as a public spectacle and popular activity took much longer to develop. The modern era in New Jersey began in the late 20th century with the establishment of large festivals. The most prominent was the New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning (previously the QuickChek Festival), which began in 1983 and featured over 100 balloons and major concerts at its peak. On a more local scale, the Warren County Hot Air Balloon Festival started in 2001, seamlessly integrating balloon launches with the traditional county fair.

Today, the legacy continues through commercial passenger flights offered by various companies and maintained through community-focused festivals that celebrate New Jersey's unique place in American aviation history.

If you are interested in visiting the historical landing site or learning about current ride operators, I can provide more details on those specific topics.

There are many places to go hot air ballooning in North Jersey, including Phillipsburg. Which lies on the borderline of Central/Northern NJ.

Phillipsburg (located in Warren County) is an ideal area to go ballooning because it offers awesome panoramic views of rural landscapes with farms, rolling hills, and reservoirs. On a clear day, ballooning travelers can see NYC and Philadelphia!

Another borderline Central/Northern NJ township is Parsippany, NJ. 

Make sure you take a moment to find Hot air balloon companies in Central NJ.

Take It To The Beach and Beyond!

How about a charter boat trip or partaking in a fun activity down the shore.

Make sure to take a look at all of our outdoor activity ideas. Other cool day trip excursion ideas include camping, going on a party boat for 1/2 a day, or, if you want to keep your adventure in the sky, here is where you can go parasailing in NJ!