Indoor Skydiving at iFLY Atlanta: What Local Families Should Know
Indoor skydiving at iFLY Atlanta lets you experience the feeling of freefall without jumping out of a plane. For Atlanta-area families, it’s a mix of indoor play, physics-in-action, and adrenaline bundled into one climate-controlled activity that works in almost any weather.
Below is a practical guide tailored to people who live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are planning a special outing.
Where Is iFLY Atlanta and What Is It Like?
iFLY Atlanta Indoor Skydiving is located in the Cumberland / Cobb Galleria area, not far from The Battery Atlanta and Truist Park. It tends to be easy to reach from:
- I-75 and I-285 if you are coming from Midtown, Buckhead, or Smyrna
- Downtown and the airport via the connector and I-75 north
The facility centers on a vertical wind tunnel: a tall, glass-walled chamber with powerful fans that create a smooth column of air strong enough to support you as you float.
Inside, you’ll typically find:
- A check-in and waiting area
- Classroom or briefing room with video screens
- Gear-up area with helmets, suits, and goggles
- Viewing area where friends and family can watch
The overall vibe is a mix between a science center exhibit and an adventure park.
Who Is Indoor Skydiving in Atlanta Good For?
Indoor skydiving at iFLY Atlanta fits several types of visits:
- Family outings with kids and teens
- Birthday parties and group celebrations
- School or STEM-related field trips
- Corporate team-building or office outings
- Tourists looking for something active near The Battery Atlanta
Most people go for the “first-time flyer” experience, which is structured and guided from start to finish.
Age and Physical Considerations
Policies can change, but in general:
- Children are often able to fly starting around 3–4 years old, as long as they can follow directions and wear the gear properly.
- Many older adults also participate, especially for milestone birthdays.
There are some health and physical limitations. For example, people who have serious back, neck, or shoulder issues, or a history of certain injuries, are often advised not to fly. Staff usually ask screening questions at check-in. When in doubt, people commonly check with their own healthcare provider before booking.
What Happens During a Typical Visit?
For most Atlanta families, the experience follows a clear, step-by-step flow.
1. Arrival and Check-In
Plan to arrive about 45 minutes before your scheduled flight time. When you enter:
- You sign in and fill out waivers (for minors, a parent or legal guardian must sign).
- Staff confirm your reservation and flight package.
💡 Tip: Atlanta traffic around Cumberland and the Perimeter can be unpredictable, especially on Braves game days. Give yourself extra time if your booking overlaps with rush hour or an event at Truist Park.
2. Training and Safety Briefing
Next, you’ll go to a classroom or briefing area with your group. A certified instructor explains:
- Body position: the stable “arched” position used in the tunnel
- Hand signals: how they’ll communicate with you over the noise
- Safety basics: what to do if you feel uncomfortable or need to exit
This briefing is usually straightforward and kid-friendly, often including a video demonstration.
3. Gear-Up
You’ll then change into flight gear over your regular clothes:
- Flight suit (goes over your outfit)
- Helmet and goggles
- Earplugs (optional but commonly offered)
Wear lace-up sneakers or closed-toe shoes; loose sandals or heels are not suitable in the wind tunnel.
4. Entering the Wind Tunnel
Flights normally happen in small groups, taking turns. When it’s your turn:
- You walk with your instructor to the tunnel door.
- You lean forward into the wind as the instructor supports you.
- The powerful air lifts you into a floating position.
The instructor stays right with you, helping adjust your body position so you can hover steadily and safely.
5. Flight Time
For first-timers, each “flight” is usually about 45–60 seconds, close to the freefall portion of outdoor skydiving. Many packages include two flights per person, spread over the session.
During that time you may:
- Float a few feet off the net
- Practice stabilizing your arms and legs
- Experience the sensation of “flying” while the instructor keeps control
Spectators can watch from just outside the glass, which makes it fun for parents, grandparents, and friends who prefer to stay on the ground.
6. After Your Flight
When your flights end:
- You return your gear
- Staff often review your experience and share how you progressed
- You can ask about more advanced flights if you’re interested in returning
Many Atlanta families combine the visit with nearby dining or shopping in Cumberland Mall or The Battery Atlanta.
How Much Time Should You Plan?
From arrival to departure, most first-time indoor skydiving visits in Atlanta take about 1.5 to 2 hours:
| Part of Visit | Approx. Time |
|---|---|
| Check-in & waivers | 10–20 min |
| Training & briefing | 15–20 min |
| Gear-up & waiting | 15–30 min |
| Actual flight time | 5–10 min |
| Post-flight wrap-up | 10–15 min |
The actual time in the tunnel is short but intense; the rest is preparation and transitions between groups.
What to Wear and Bring
You do not need specialized gear. For most Atlanta-area visitors:
Wear:
- Comfortable clothing that fits under a flight suit (T-shirt, athletic wear, jeans that aren’t too baggy)
- Secure sneakers or closed-toe athletic shoes
- Hair ties if you have longer hair (to keep it manageable in the wind)
Avoid:
- Dangling jewelry
- Hoodies with large hoods or bulky zippers
- Very loose clothing that can flap heavily in the tunnel
You may want to leave valuables like loose earrings or large rings at home or secured in a safe place.
Safety and Supervision
Indoor skydiving at iFLY Atlanta is designed to be highly controlled compared to jumping out of a plane, but it is still a physically active experience.
Typical safety features and practices include:
- Trained instructors in the tunnel with each flyer
- Padded surfaces and a net floor
- Controlled wind speeds gradually adjusted for age and size
- Mandatory briefings and waivers
For kids and teens, parents usually appreciate that:
- Instructors stay within arm’s reach
- Sessions are closely supervised
- Children are fitted with properly sized helmets and suits
Families often treat it as an introduction to the concept of skydiving without the altitude or parachute component.
Is It Educational for Kids?
Many Atlanta parents and teachers use indoor skydiving as a STEM tie-in. It can illustrate:
- Physics: lift, drag, gravitational force, and air resistance
- Engineering: how wind tunnels are designed and controlled
- Math: changes in air speed, body position, and stability
Some locations offer structured STEM or field trip programs for schools and youth groups, which may include:
- Classroom activities
- Demonstrations by instructors
- Q&A about how the wind tunnel works
For teachers in metro Atlanta—whether from Atlanta Public Schools, Cobb County, Fulton County, or nearby districts—this can become part of a hands-on science or engineering unit.
Planning a Birthday Party or Group Event
Indoor skydiving is a popular option for kids’ birthday parties and teen celebrations in the Atlanta area, especially when weather is too hot, cold, or rainy for outdoor parks.
When planning a party:
- Ask about group packages that combine flights with a private room or reserved area.
- Check how many flyers can go in a single booking and whether younger siblings can participate.
- Confirm age and weight guidelines for all guests before you send invitations.
For corporate groups, iFLY Atlanta can be part of:
- Team-building days
- Sales incentives
- Off-site retreats in the Cumberland/Galleria business district
Many companies pair it with a meal at nearby restaurants in The Battery Atlanta or Cumberland Mall.
Tips for Atlanta Visitors
If you are visiting from out of town and staying in Downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead:
- Factor in traffic on the Downtown Connector and I-75 when heading to the Cumberland area.
- If you don’t have a car, check rideshare estimates before booking; travel time can vary widely between mid-day and rush hour.
- Consider combining indoor skydiving with other nearby attractions like:
- A game or tour at Truist Park
- Shopping and dining at The Battery Atlanta
- A visit to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (for a mix of indoor and outdoor activities in one day)
How to Decide If iFLY Atlanta Is Right for Your Family
When Atlanta-area parents are deciding whether to book indoor skydiving, they often consider:
- Comfort level with active experiences: Kids who enjoy trampolines, climbing gyms, or roller coasters often love the wind tunnel.
- Ability to follow instructions: Because safety relies on listening and responding to signals, children should be able to pay attention and cooperate.
- Budget: Unlike a typical playground or museum, indoor skydiving is a specialized activity with higher per-person cost. Families often plan it as a special occasion experience rather than a weekly outing.
- Physical health: Anyone with concerns about back, neck, or shoulder issues—or other health conditions—may want to talk with their healthcare provider first and carefully review the waiver and safety information on-site.
For many Atlanta families, indoor skydiving at iFLY becomes a memorable shared experience, especially for birthdays, visiting relatives, or end-of-school-year celebrations.
Practical Next Steps for Atlanta Residents and Visitors
If you’re ready to move forward:
Choose your date and time
- Avoid heavy traffic times if you’re crossing the city.
- Consider game schedules at Truist Park if you want easier parking and lighter local traffic.
Confirm age and health guidelines
- Make sure all participants meet the basic requirements.
Prepare your group
- Remind everyone to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.
- Explain that the actual “flying” time is short but intense and that the rest of the visit covers training and transitions.
Plan nearby activities
- Decide whether to add a meal, shopping, or another attraction in the Cumberland / Battery area to round out the day.
Approached with realistic expectations and a bit of planning around Atlanta’s traffic and schedules, indoor skydiving at iFLY Atlanta can be a unique, high-energy indoor play and edutainment option for both residents and visitors.
