iFLY Manchester Indoor Skydiving
BEST FOR
Ages 3+
ENTRY
from £29.99
WHERE
Manchester
What it’s like
A vertical wind tunnel that lets you float on a cushion of air, with kids as young as three able to have a go.
The whole thing hinges on around 55 seconds of actual flying, but don't let that put you off. You get kitted out, briefed, then step into the tunnel one at a time while an instructor keeps you steady in the airflow. It's over quick, but from what they say it's never shorter than 50 seconds, and for a first go at floating in mid-air that's plenty.
Kids can fly from age three, as long as they can wear one of the helmets comfortably, which makes this one of the few properly physical things a three-year-old can actually do rather than just watch. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian on hand to sign the waiver first. Ages 10 and up can add a VR headset onto their flights if you fancy the tunnel feeling even stranger than it already will.
Money-wise, two first-timer flights start at £34.99, or £54.99 with the VR headset thrown in. Want more air time, four flights run £64.99, or £84.99 with VR. There's also a four return flights option at £79.99 if you're planning on going more than once. Schools get a discounted two-flight rate at £29.99. Whichever you pick, there's a £3 booking fee added on top, which stings a bit for something already priced per flight.
Turn up 45 minutes before your slot, no exceptions, since late arrivals miss their flight and don't get a refund. Budget around an hour and a half on site once you count the briefing and kit. Parking's free at the Manchester site, which is one less thing to think about, and there's a weight limit of 18 stone 7 pounds to be aware of if that affects anyone in your group.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 3 to 12, though teens and adults fly just as much
- Parking
- Free parking on site at Manchester (M41 7JA or M17 8DD)
- How long to allow
- Approximately 1.5 hours
- Arrive 45 minutes early or you lose your flight slot and your money
- VR headsets are only for ages 10 and up
- Flash photography sometimes goes off mid-flight, handy for photos but worth knowing in advance
- There's a £3 booking fee added to every price
- Non-flying children can't be supervised by staff during flights
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
Two flights start at £34.99, or £54.99 with VR for ages 10 and up. Four flights are £64.99, or £84.99 with VR, and there's a four return flights option at £79.99. Schools get two flights for £29.99. A £3 booking fee applies on top.
How long is the actual flight?
Around 55 seconds, never shorter than 50 seconds. It's brief but you get proper instruction and time to steady yourself.
How long should we plan to be there?
About an hour and a half all in, once you count arrival, kit and briefing time.
What age can kids start flying?
From age three, as long as they can wear a helmet comfortably. Under-18s need a parent or guardian there to sign the waiver.
Is there a weight limit?
Yes, 18 stone 7 pounds, roughly 117kg.
Do we need to book ahead?
Booking is required, and you need to arrive 45 minutes before your flight time. Late arrivals miss their slot with no refund.
Is there parking?
Free parking on site at the Manchester location.
Can children with disabilities take part?
They say they're fully inclusive, but want as much advance notice as possible if anyone in your group has additional needs.
Can I watch without flying?
You can, but staff can't supervise non-flying children while flights are happening, so factor that in if you've got more than one child along.
See all Model Villages & Miniature Railways in Manchester · Things to do in Manchester
MAKE A DAY OF IT
