Oklahoma City family fun brings some really different experiences to families.
iFLY Oklahoma City (13600 Pawnee Dr.) is brand new and sure to become all the rage for both kids and adults. The indoor skydiving venue is one of just 23 in the U.S. and it opened this past month near Quail Springs Mall.
The way iFLY works is with incredibly powerful fans in a vertical wind tunnel. It simulates freefall skydiving but the activity is actually flying instead of falling, with the ability to fly upward into the tunnel.
Flights are scheduled in one-minute increments and take place in a controlled environment. The wind tunnel is powered by fans.
I went to try iFLY with my oldest son, Sam, age 8, and it's fair to say we had an awesome time. In fact, Sam would tell you it was the best activity we've tried together, hands down.
"If there was a scale of one to ten, I would have to give it, like, 14," he affirms. "I’ve never done anything like iFLY before. We flew up, up… and not really away, just up. It felt like swimming but without getting wet or holding your breath, the way you fly in a dream." (See Sam's interview here with a Kid Review.)
Click here for Sam's video of the flight session. I'm there too, spinning on the flight instructor's helmet.
The description "indoor skydiving" gave me the idea that we'd be jumping off of something with a parachute or a bungee cord. That's not it at all, though. There are no air quotes here, no strings attached either: you're literally flying. Fear, though, didn't enter into the equation and I don't tend to love other high-energy attractions like roller coasters nor have I ever actually tried skydiving, which is a little too scary for me. It feels more like a sport than an extreme attraction and there's nothing gimmicky about it.
A helmet, ear plugs and a flight suit are provided for use during your session.
iFLY isn't recommended for people with back and shoulder problems or heart conditions.
Kids ages 3 and up can participate. Cost varies and it starts at $69.95 per person for two one-minute flights. However, other package deals are available, as well as birthday party and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning opportunities. What I really love about iFLY is that there's nothing run-of-the-mill about it.
It's not an inexpensive activity but for that cost, the thrill of flight and the unique experience is something I will return to try with my other children.
Here are four tips to make the most of your iFLY experience:
Relax: Videos and even the tunnel itself look more intimidating than what you'll feel. There's no need to be afraid. The oldest person to have tried iFLY to date is 103 and kids as young as 3 can participate. You don't have to climb anything or hold your breath.
Trust the professionals: All first-time fliers are required to take a quick training class. You're monitored by the flight instructors, who are in the tunnel with you, and you don't have to worry about memorizing complicated sign language or other new concepts. Communication happens with very simple hand signals. The instructors are there to make the experience great; they will guide you.
Leave jewelry at home: Earrings, wedding rings, necklaces, bracelets, etc. aren't allowed in the tunnel. You can use a locker at iFLY without charge but I'd have just left mine at home if I had known beforehand.
Know that your kids are going to want more: The best time to buy additional flights is right after you complete your experience because there's a significant discount. I would have budgeted to do that immediately if I had known how much my son would enjoy it.
Have questions about iFLY? Write to callie@metrofamilymagazine.com and we'll help you get answers!
