Quick answer: iFly birthday parties are typically structured as party packages for 6–12 kids, priced $300–$600+ depending on city and number of flyers, and include flights for each child, party room time (~1 hour), an instructor, and basic decorations. You can usually add food, drinks, and personalization. Most locations require age 3+ (varies). Compared to a typical pizza-and-arcade birthday party, iFly is a higher-end, memorable experience that kids will talk about for months — but it’s also more expensive per kid.
This guide walks through how iFly birthday parties work, what’s included, what isn’t, how to book, and the realistic per-kid math.
How iFly birthday parties work
The basic structure
An iFly birthday party is flights for the kids + a party room rental + an instructor + standard party trappings (basic decorations, sometimes a host).
A typical 90-minute window:
- 0:00–0:15 — arrive, check in, change into flight gear
- 0:15–0:25 — instructor walks the kids through body position and hand signals
- 0:25–0:50 — flights (each kid usually gets 1–2 flights of ~1 minute each)
- 0:50–1:30 — party room time: cake, presents, food, decorations
What’s typically included
- Flights for each child (1–2 per kid depending on package)
- Helmet, goggles, flight suit for each flyer
- Trained instructor for the flight portion
- Party room for ~30–60 minutes
- Basic table setup (tablecloth, plates, cups)
- Photographer (in some markets) for action shots
- Birthday child gets sometimes an extra flight, t-shirt, or wings
What’s typically not included (or extra)
- Food — pizza/snacks usually catered or bring-your-own
- Drinks — varies by location; some markets allow outside drinks
- Cake — almost always BYO
- Decorations beyond basics — bring your own
- Photo/video — sometimes upcharged
- Gifts/goody bags — BYO
- Adults flying — usually requires separate booking
Pricing breakdown
Typical package tiers
iFly party packages vary by market, but the structure is consistent:
| Package | Flyers | Flights/kid | Cost (typical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | 6 | 1 | $250–$350 |
| Standard | 8–10 | 2 | $400–$550 |
| Premium | 10–12 | 2 + extras | $500–$750 |
| Custom | 12+ | Negotiable | $700+ |
(Actual prices vary significantly by market — Vegas/NYC are expensive, regional markets are cheaper.)
Per-kid math
For an 8-kid Standard package at $450:
- Per kid: ~$56
- Compared to direct First-Time Flyer pricing (~$80 per kid for 2 flights), the package is ~30% cheaper at scale
Adults
If parents want to fly too, that’s typically booked separately at standard pricing. Some packages include “1 free adult flight” for the birthday parent — confirm at booking.
Add-ons that add up
- Photo/video package: $20–$40
- Pizza catering: $30–$60
- High Flight upgrade for birthday kid: $25–$40
- Extra decoration package: $30–$50
A typical 8-kid party with photo, pizza, and the birthday kid’s High Flight ends up around $550–$650 total.
Booking process
How far ahead to book
- Standard markets: book 2–4 weeks ahead
- Tourist markets (Vegas, Orlando): book 6–8 weeks ahead
- Holiday season / school breaks: book 8–12 weeks ahead
Weekends are the first to fill up.
How to book
- Go to your local iFly’s website (or call them directly)
- Click “Birthday Parties” or “Group Events”
- Submit a request with date, time, kid count, age range
- iFly responds with availability and final pricing
- Confirm and pay deposit (typically $100–$200)
Some locations also accept walk-in inquiries but availability is limited.
What you’ll need to confirm
- Number of flyers (lock in 1 week before)
- Birthday child’s age
- Any flyer with health restrictions
- Food preferences (if catered)
- Cake plan (BYO vs ordered)
- Photo preferences
Age and weight rules for parties
iFly’s standard rules apply:
- Minimum age: 3 (some locations 4+)
- Weight limits apply — typically 250 lb max for adults under 6 ft
- Kids must follow basic instructions (no flying for kids in tantrum mode)
- Pregnancy is a hard no (so birthday parents who are pregnant skip the flight)
See our age & weight requirements guide for the full breakdown.
If a kid is borderline on age (3 with low maturity), call ahead — the venue can advise.
What makes a great iFly birthday party
Tips that work
- Have parents drop off and let the iFly staff manage the kids — instructors handle this constantly
- Order pizza for after the flights — kids are way more hungry post-flying
- Bring a portable speaker (if allowed) for ambient music in the party room
- Photographer covers the whole flight portion — kids love the action shots
- Tip the instructor — they work hard with 8–12 excited kids; $20–$40 is standard for a great experience
- Have a backup plan if a kid panics in the tunnel — iFly will accommodate
Tips that don’t work
- Trying to do flying + multiple games + food + cake in 60 minutes — too tight; pay for 90+ minutes
- Inviting kids who don’t follow instructions — iFly is structured; chaos kids may struggle
- Skipping the photo package — parents will want these photos for years
- Underestimating snack appetite — kids burn calories flying
Frequently asked questions
How much does an iFly birthday party cost?
Typically $300–$600 for 6–12 kids, depending on package and market. Per-kid math is ~$50–$70. Tourist markets are more expensive.
How many kids can come to an iFly birthday party?
Most packages are 6–12 kids. Larger groups (12+) are usually negotiated as custom packages. The minimum is typically 6 to make the per-kid math work.
What’s included in the package?
Flights, helmet, goggles, flight suit, instructor, party room (~30–60 min), basic table setup. Food, cake, decorations, and photo/video are typically separate.
Can I bring my own food?
Most locations: yes for cake. Pizza and snacks vary — some allow BYO, others require their catering. Confirm at booking.
Can adults fly during the kid’s party?
Sometimes — depends on the package. Some packages include “1 free adult flight” for the birthday parent. Other adults usually book separately.
What if a kid is afraid in the tunnel?
The instructor handles this constantly. They’ll signal the operator to slow the wind, wave the kid out, or skip the flight if the kid panics. Refunds for the missed flight vary by location.
How long does an iFly birthday party last?
Typically 90 minutes total (flights + party room). Some packages run 60 minutes; premium packages can run 2 hours.
Are weekend slots available?
Yes — and they fill first. Saturday afternoons are the most popular. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for weekend slots.
Can I have a kids-only party with no flying?
Some venues offer “party room only” rentals at lower prices, but the flying is the main draw — usually not worth it without it.
What’s the minimum age?
Most locations: 3 years old. A few require 4+. The kid needs to be able to follow basic instructions.
Can kids with disabilities fly at the party?
In most cases, yes — iFly accommodates many disabilities case-by-case. Call ahead to discuss specific accommodations. See our safety guide.
Is it cheaper to do a birthday party or just buy individual flights?
For 6+ kids, the birthday package is cheaper per kid than booking individual flights. For fewer than 6, individual booking can be similar or cheaper.
Can I use a Costco voucher for a birthday party?
No — birthday packages are different products. Costco vouchers are for individual First-Time Flyer experiences, not party packages.
What if the weather’s bad?
iFly is indoors — weather doesn’t affect the flying. Just plan transportation accordingly.
Is iFly worth it for a kid’s birthday party?
When it’s a great fit
- Birthday kid is age 6+ and into action/adventure
- Budget allows ~$500–$700 total
- Other kids in the friend group are healthy and rule-followers
- You want a memorable, photo-worthy event
When it’s not a great fit
- Birthday kid is too young (under 5) — they’ll fly but might not “get it”
- Tight budget — there are cheaper birthday options
- Kid friend group has lots of nervous flyers — better as a smaller group
- You want a long, multi-activity party — iFly is mostly the flying
Honest comparison
Compared to a $400 pizza-and-arcade party, iFly is roughly the same price for a way more memorable experience. Compared to a $200 backyard party, iFly is significantly more expensive but gives you a “wow” factor that backyard parties don’t.
Related reading:
- iFly Age & Weight Requirements
- Is iFly Safe? The Honest Safety Guide
- iFly First-Time Flyer Guide: What to Expect
- iFly Pricing & Cost Guide
- iFly Discount & Promo Code Guide
- iFly Gift Card Guide
- iFly Indoor Skydiving Review: Is It Worth $70?