Fly High with Family Fun

I am not an adventurous person by nature. I don’t enjoy roller coasters, thrill rides or haunted houses. In fact, my husband and I recently went to Worlds of Fun and were watching people do the Ripcord. I commented that I wouldn’t get on it even if someone offered me a million dollars—to which my husband replied that he would carry me onto the ride to win a prize like that! I also used to have a real fear of flying. It took a year of fear-of-flying classes to get me on a commercial airline. I could go on and on, but you get the picture.

When I found out I’d be visiting iFLY to check it out, I told the family and all were very excited to try it out. All except for me. But I kept an open mind and said I wouldn’t rule out giving it a go.

I don’t know what got into me, but when we arrived, I said I’d give it a try (the staff reassured me that I wouldn’t get the sinking-stomach feeling).  And guess what? It is FUN! Like, lot and lots of fun! Even better was that our teenagers (ages 17 and 13), who usually are not excited to go out with their parents, had a blast with us. To watch them laugh and genuinely have a great time was priceless.

So what can you expect? Upon arriving, you are asked to fill out waivers. After that’s complete, the staff fits you with your jumpsuit, helmet and goggles. One thing to note: Wear tennis-type shoes. I had on sandals (thankfully, I had the foresight to bring socks) and was given a pair of shoes to wear, which worked out fine, but wearing my own shoes would have been a bit more comfortable. After you’re geared up, you head to the training room where your instructor shows you a short video that focuses on how to position your body while you’re in the wind tunnel. Here’s the best part: To enter the tunnel, you simply do a trust fall into your instructor’s waiting arms. I envisioned having to jump off a step ledge into the tunnel. I was glad I was wrong. After everyone practices the position, you are off to the wind tunnel.

We each had two turns at flying, with a few in our group taking an additional flight with VR goggles that allow you to imagine you are skydiving in an exotic locale. The first flight was basically trying to keep the position and stay up. The instructor stays with you the entire time and gives you signals to help you stay on track and keeps you level (and from crashing). Our instructor said we all did well; she was able to let go of each of us on our first try. On the second try, once you get set, the instructor grabs on to you and takes you up—way up! And you spin around! And it’s fun!

Afterwards, you have the opportunity to purchase a video and photo of your adventure, which make for fun memories.

We had a great night of family fun at iFLY. Yes, it is a bit pricier than other options for a night out with teens, but it was something different and active and got us all laughing together. A win-win in my book.

Margaret Sarver lives in Lenexa with her family. She may have been a tad sore the day after iFLY, but it was all worth it!