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Growth, Inspiration, Investment, Family, Better Together, Arizona LocalPublished November 6, 2025
Why Family Adventures Are The Best Investment You'll Ever Make!
Up, Up—and Boo! Our Family Adventure at the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival
A couple of weekends ago, my family and I floated into some serious Halloween fun at the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, and I am STILL reeling about it and needed to share. It was one of those perfect Arizona fall evenings — not too warm for costumes and the whole place just glowed (literally and figuratively).
I went with my 19-year-old son, my sister, and her two girls (ages 7 and 4), and let me tell you — it was a hit for every age group. From giant, glowing balloons to trick-or-treating stations and a sky full of color, it felt like stepping into a Halloween movie scene.
I went with my 19-year-old son, my sister, and her two girls (ages 7 and 4), and let me tell you — it was a hit for every age group. From giant, glowing balloons to trick-or-treating stations and a sky full of color, it felt like stepping into a Halloween movie scene.
Candy, Costumes, and Hot Air Balloons
The best part? Each hot air balloon doubled as a trick-or-treat stop. The girls were in heaven, collecting candy from balloon pilots while staring up at these massive, glowing giants. (And yes, we may have “helped” them eat a few pieces later!)
Even better — many of the vendors were also handing out candy, so the girls practically had a trick-or-treat trail that wound through the entire festival. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without kettle corn and cotton candy — the perfect sweet treats while exploring the festival grounds. Between the balloons, booths, and festive music, it was the kind of Halloween experience that makes you feel like a kid again.
Inflatable Fun for the Kids
To keep the little ones entertained beyond candy, there were also inflatable slides and obstacle courses set up throughout the festival. My nieces had a blast climbing, sliding, and racing through the obstacles — and we loved watching them giggle and cheer each other on. It added another layer of fun, making the festival a perfect mix of excitement for kids and relaxation for adults.
A Medieval Twist
One of the biggest surprises of the night was the Medieval Times show! They set up an area with costumed knights and a live jousting match that felt straight out of the Middle Ages. The crowd really got into it — waving flags, cheering for their favorite knight, and booing the “villains” (all in good fun, of course).My nieces were completely mesmerized, especially when the knights clashed their lances. It added such a fun, unexpected touch to the night. We found ourselves yelling and laughing right along with everyone else, rooting for “our” knight to win.
Our Tethered Balloon Adventure
As a family, we decided to go up in one of the tethered hot air balloons — and it was absolutely worth it. There’s something surreal about slowly lifting off the ground while the desert breeze swirls around you and the view of Scottsdale stretches out below.My son struck up a conversation with our pilot, who was more than happy to share his knowledge. He gave us some history on hot air balloons, explained how the balloon’s burners work — sending bursts of propane-fed flame into the envelope to heat the air inside. He learned that the bursts of flame we see are not random, but calculated adjustments to control lift and maintain stability. It’s both science and art, and watching it up close was mesmerizing.
The Glow Show
As the sun went down, the real show began. The balloon glow was like something out of a dream — the envelopes lighting up in oranges, purples, and golds. The kids danced, we took a ton of photos, and for a few minutes, everyone just stopped to soak it all in.
It was one of those rare moments where time slows down — and you realize this is exactly what makes fall in Arizona so special.
Between the candy, costumes, inflatable slides and obstacle courses, the Medieval Times jousting match and the baloons, there was something for everyone. My nieces loved seeing the princess costumes and the slides, my son loved learning the science behind the flight, and I loved that we could all enjoy something together.
Events like this are such a great reminder that you don’t have to travel far for a little magic. Sometimes, it’s right here in our own desert backyard — with balloons, kettle corn, cotton candy, and a whole lot of candy.
Tips If You Go Next Year
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Go early — parking and lines for the tethered balloon rides fill up fast.
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Bring blankets or chairs for the balloon glow in the evening.
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Costumes are encouraged, and even adults get in on the fun.
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Keep a little bag handy — the trick-or-treat candy adds up quickly!
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Don’t forget your camera — this event is made for golden hour photos.
We ended the night with sticky fingers, tired feet, and full hearts. The girls didnt even make it out fothe parkinglot before they were sleeping. If you missed it this year, put it on your calendar for next October — because the Spooktacular Hot Air Balloon Festival really is as magical as it sounds.
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