Is iFLY Scottsdale Worth It With Kids? Why We Splurged on Extra Flight Time

Yes, iFLY Scottsdale can be worth it with kids, but I would call it a strategic splurge, not an inexpensive way to fill an afternoon. I took my 9- and 12-year-old to iFLY Phoenix in Scottsdale, and the part that made the cost feel worthwhile was not simply getting them into the wind tunnel. It was giving them enough flight time to get past the first-turn nerves, use what their instructor taught them, and actually enjoy the feeling of flying.

I did not fly. Indoor skydiving looked fun, but the total was already firmly in “we are making a memory today” territory. I decided to put the money I would have spent on my own flight toward additional flight time and a High Flight for the kids instead. That was the right choice for us.

The extra turn gave them time to stop processing the wind and start flying in it. The High Flight turned the finale into the big, ridiculous, grinning moment they will remember. Meanwhile, I had nearly as much fun watching from outside the tunnel and collecting photos of their cheeks and mouths being rearranged by physics. Parenting is about the memories. And, occasionally, the highly flattering evidence.

Why I spent my own flight money on the kids

The hard part about deciding whether iFLY Scottsdale is worth it is that the experience is short where it is most exciting. Official iFLY guidance says each flight lasts 60 seconds, while a first visit usually takes about 90 minutes from check-in through training, gearing up, flying, and wrapping up. You are paying for a specialized experience, equipment, instruction, and tunnel access, not 90 uninterrupted minutes in the air.

That distinction matters. If I had divided the price by the number of minutes the kids were physically flying, I might have needed to lie down. Instead, I looked at what would make those minutes feel complete.

Current iFLY packages include two or more flights. For my kids, the first turn was mostly an introduction: this is what the wind feels like, this is how loudly it moves around you, and this is what your body needs to do. The next turn was where the coaching started to click. They knew what was coming, relaxed more, adjusted their position, and had room to enjoy it.

That is why I consider added flight time worth paying for if the budget allows. The first flight is not wasted; it is the reason the second feels better. But if your child tends to need a minute before a new physical sensation becomes fun, stopping at the bare minimum may feel like ending a movie just as the plot arrives.

What the first iFLY visit actually feels like

A first visit begins on the ground. Flyers check in, complete the required waiver, watch the preflight instruction, learn the basic body position and hand signals, and get fitted with a flight suit, helmet, goggles, and ear protection. Then each first-time flyer enters the tunnel individually with an instructor while family members watch from the viewing area.

There is no airplane, no parachute, and no leap from a height. The flyer enters at floor level and the upward airflow supports their body. That makes indoor skydiving less intimidating than the name may suggest, but it does not make the sensation subtle. The wind is strong, the tunnel is loud, and tiny changes in chin, hands, hips, or legs can change how stable a flyer feels.

My kids spent their first turns learning exactly that. They were not doing tricks. They were learning how to be in the air, follow visual coaching, and let the instructor help position them. By the next turn, the surprise was gone. They could think about what they had just learned instead of using every brain cell to process why their face suddenly had its own weather system.

Is High Flight worth it for kids?

For my 9- and 12-year-old, yes. A High Flight is an add-on in which the instructor guides the flyer higher and faster inside the tunnel. It is not guaranteed for every flyer; iFLY says availability depends on weight and other flight restrictions, and High Flights are limited to flyers weighing 260 pounds or less.

The regular flights were where my kids learned. The High Flight was the payoff. It made the experience feel bigger and gave them a clear finale rather than one more similar turn near the bottom of the tunnel.

Would every nervous child want it? No. I would treat High Flight as an option, not a parental character-building exercise. My kids were comfortable enough by that point, the instructors had earned their trust, and they were ready. In that context, it was absolutely worth it for us.

What if your child is nervous about indoor skydiving?

Both of my kids were a little nervous at first. That was reasonable. “Please step into this very loud glass tube and trust the wind” is not a sentence children hear during an average Tuesday.

Their instructors were patient, encouraging, and very good at making them feel comfortable and prepared. The preflight explanation helped, but the instructors’ calm energy mattered most once the kids were geared up and standing near the tunnel.

That is our experience, not a guarantee that every child will suddenly feel fearless. Parents know the difference between a child who is curious-nervous and a child who is genuinely overwhelmed. Before booking, explain that the tunnel will be loud, the wind will feel strong, they will fly one at a time, and an instructor will stay beside them. Watching videos of first-time flyers can also make the environment feel less mysterious.

If your child is especially sensitive to loud noise, strong airflow, fitted gear, or enclosed-feeling spaces, contact the Phoenix location before booking and ask what support is available. The chamber is transparent, but the sensory experience is still intense.

Why iFLY works as a Scottsdale summer activity

Scottsdale summer has a way of turning “let’s find something to do” into “let’s find something to do that does not involve touching the outside air.” iFLY Phoenix is indoors, climate-controlled, and energetic enough to feel like a real event rather than a backup plan.

That makes it one of the more memorable things to do in Scottsdale when it is hot. You can schedule it during the part of the day when the pavement is attempting a hostile takeover, stay inside, and still give kids a physical challenge and a story worth retelling.

It is also easy for a non-flying parent to participate in the outing. I could see the kids through the glass, cheer for each turn, and take in the entire experience without buying a flight for myself. The visit still felt shared, even though only two of us were airborne.

iFLY Phoenix planning box for parents

• Correct location name: iFLY Phoenix, located in Scottsdale at 9206 East Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250.

• How long to allow: Plan on approximately 90 minutes for a first visit, including check-in, required training, gear, flights, and the post-flight wrap-up.

• Flight length: Each flight lasts 60 seconds. Current iFLY packages include two or more flights, and package options can change.

• Age: Children may fly beginning at age 3. Anyone under 18 needs a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.

• Arrival: The Phoenix location page advises arriving 15 minutes early. Complete the waiver from the booking confirmation before arrival when possible.

• What to wear: Comfortable clothes and secure lace-up athletic shoes. Avoid jewelry, watches, loose accessories, open-toed shoes, and anything left in pockets. Long hair should be secured low enough for the helmet.

• Health and weight: Pregnancy, hard casts or nonremovable hard prosthetics, certain head, neck, back, shoulder or heart conditions, and weight restrictions may prevent participation. Flyers between 260 and 300 pounds may need an evaluation; guests over 300 pounds cannot fly.

• High Flight: This higher, faster instructor-guided add-on is subject to flight restrictions and is available only to flyers weighing 260 pounds or less.

• Photos and video: Media may be included in some offers and sold separately with others. View the live package details before paying; purchased downloads may remain available online only for a limited time.

• Price: Prices and promotions vary by package, date, and location. This draft intentionally does not quote a dollar amount that could become stale.

• Reservations: Booking ahead is strongly recommended because sessions may sell out.

• Changes and refunds: Current iFLY policy says most reservations for 1–5 flyers require contact at least 48 hours before the reservation for a reschedule or refund request. Group, event, camp, voucher, gift, and special-package terms may differ, so read the terms shown at checkout.

Check the current iFLY Phoenix location and booking information, then review iFLY’s FAQ and current policies before purchasing.

Who may not find iFLY Scottsdale worth it

iFLY is not the best value for every family, and pretending otherwise would be suspiciously brochure-like.

• Families looking for a low-cost activity or several hours of entertainment may feel the flight time is too brief for the price.

• A child who strongly dislikes loud environments, forceful air, fitted safety gear, or being the center of attention may not enjoy the experience, even with a kind instructor.

• Anyone with a relevant health concern or physical restriction should contact the location before purchasing.

• If the budget only works by pushing a reluctant child into it, save the money. Nervous curiosity and a firm no are not the same thing.

• Parents who want everyone to participate should price the full family package before booking. I made the experience work for our budget by choosing to watch.

So, is iFLY Scottsdale worth it with kids?

For the right family, yes. I would recommend it as an occasional splurge for kids who are excited by a physical challenge, especially when Scottsdale is too hot for a comfortable outdoor adventure.

The decision that made it worthwhile for us was putting the budget into the kids’ experience rather than automatically buying a flight for everyone. The additional flight time gave them a chance to relax and use the coaching. The High Flight gave them the big finish. They smiled the entire time, and I genuinely had fun watching.

Would I call it cheap? Absolutely not. Would I make the same choice again? Yes — particularly the extra flight time and High Flight. Sometimes the smart family-travel move is not doing more things. It is giving one unusual thing enough room to become a very good memory.

Frequently asked questions about iFLY Scottsdale with kids

How long does iFLY Phoenix take?

First-time visitors should plan for about 90 minutes total. That includes check-in, instruction, gear, individual flights, and wrapping up afterward. Each actual flight lasts 60 seconds.

How old do kids need to be for iFLY Scottsdale?

iFLY allows children to fly starting at age 3. A parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver for anyone under 18, and all health, weight, and participation requirements still apply.

Do first-time iFLY packages include more than one flight?

Yes. Current official iFLY information says packages include two or more 60-second flights. Exact package names, availability, and prices change, so compare the live Phoenix options before booking.

Should I buy additional iFLY flights for my child?

If your budget allows and your child tends to need time to adjust to new sensations, I think additional flight time is worthwhile. My kids used the first turn to understand the wind and their later turn to relax, apply the instructor’s coaching, and enjoy flying.

Is the iFLY High Flight worth the extra cost?

It was worth it for my 9- and 12-year-old because they were comfortable by then and wanted a bigger finish. High Flight is optional and subject to weight and other flight restrictions, so decide based on your child’s comfort rather than assuming every flyer should do it.

Can parents watch without flying?

Yes. Spectators can watch from the observation area, and first-time flyers enter the tunnel one at a time with an instructor. I skipped my own flight, watched both kids, and still felt fully part of the experience.

Is iFLY a good thing to do in Scottsdale when it is hot?

Yes. It is an indoor, climate-controlled activity that still feels active and special, which makes it especially useful during extreme Scottsdale heat.

How much does iFLY Phoenix cost?

iFLY Phoenix prices vary by package, date, promotion, and add-ons. Check the live Phoenix booking page for the current total instead of relying on an older price quoted in a review. When comparing options, look at the number of 60-second flights per person, whether High Flight is included or separate, and whether photos or videos are part of the package.

What should kids wear to iFLY Scottsdale?

Kids should wear comfortable clothes that fit under a flight suit and secure lace-up athletic shoes. Avoid jewelry, watches, loose accessories, open-toed shoes, and items in pockets. Tie long hair low enough for a fitted helmet.

Is it hard to breathe or does indoor skydiving feel like falling?

Official iFLY guidance says flyers can breathe normally through their nose or mouth. There is no jump and no stomach-dropping fall; flyers enter at floor level and the upward airflow supports them. The strong wind and noise can still feel intense at first.

Can kids wear glasses at iFLY?

Yes. iFLY provides goggles designed to fit over eyeglasses. The helmet and goggles still need to fit securely.

Do you need a reservation for iFLY Phoenix?

Reservations are strongly recommended because sessions can sell out. Complete the waiver from the confirmation email before arriving when possible, and follow the Phoenix location page’s current arrival guidance.

Is iFLY Phoenix safe for kids?

First-time flyers receive required instruction and protective gear, and an instructor stays with each flyer inside the tunnel. Indoor skydiving is still a physical activity with eligibility rules and risk, so parents should review current age, weight, health, waiver, and participation requirements before booking.

Are iFLY photos and videos included?

It depends on the package. Some offers include media and others sell photos or video separately. Review the live package details before checkout, and download purchased media promptly because online availability may be limited.

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