Orlando Sky Adventures
Up is not just a movie, it is a way of life here in Central Florida! In the land of thrill-seekers, take your adventure to the next level, literally. We have compiled a list of fun things to do in the sky. Some of these adventures may be family-oriented while others may be for older children but nonetheless, it will definitely be fun for the entire family!
Bob’s Hot Air Balloon Rides
Family fun with the kids or just a private event for two, Bob’s Hot Air Balloon Rides offers it all. Located in Champion’s Gate, Bob’s has over one hundred different launching and landing locations to choose from and can even launch a hot air balloon from your home. It seems that right now, Bob’s is only offering the Sunrise Balloon flight which departs one hour before sunrise. They fly over the Disney, Epcot, Kissimmee, and the Orlando skylines. This activity is suitable for children under twelve, however parental discretion is advised.
iFly
Do you want to take flight without jumping out of a plane? Try iFLy Orlando, an indoor skydiving facility. Right in the heart of Orlando, on International Drive, iFly is fun for everyone ages three to one hundred and three. The family will get flight directions from the certified instructors and then the fun begins! Please note that there are some weight restrictions as well as varying dates and times for flying so it is best to check the website or giving a call before going.
Gator Gauntlet at Gatorland
This is a great way for those with mobility challenges to take to the sky. The Gator Gauntlet at Gatorland is the world’s only wheelchair-accessible zipline and with an intricate harness system that will ensure the safety of the rider, they get to safely glide more than three hundred and fifty feet over more than one hundred alligators.
Leading Edge Helicopters
Leading Edge Helicopters offers tours daily from 10am to sunset. They offer flights as quick as just four miles around the city up to twelve miles which will include a beautiful aerial view of theme parks like Disney, Sea World, and Universal, as well as Gatorland and all the beautiful landscapes surrounding them. Located just outside of Orlando in Kissimmee, Leading Edge Helicopters offers family tours that can include children as young as twenty-four months. Children five and under must be accompanied by an adult and twenty-four months and under must sit in an adult’s lap. As for weight restrictions and folks that have differing abilities, there are some limits, but they are able to accommodate all.
Maverick Balloon Adventures
Do you have about three hours to spare? Do you also want to go about twenty-five hundred feet in the air? If you answered yes to both questions, then you should be contacting Maverick Balloon Adventures. Just a little outside of Orlando in Kissimmee, Maverick is not just for thrill-seekers. If you are looking to do something different for a special occasion, like a birthday, try hot air ballooning. The ride is usually three to three and a half hours from start to finish. You can make it a special occasion for two or a family of four, but if children are involved, they must be at least six years of age and at least forty-eight inches tall.
Skydive City
Who jumps out of a perfectly good plane? Well, if you head over to Skydive City, then you do! Located in Zephyrhills, a few miles outside of Tampa. Skydive City is world-famous for its solo dives, tandem dives, and freefall training. While it can be a fun adventure for the thrill-seeking family, this one is limited to kiddos seventeen and older.
The Wheel at Icon Park
Okay, well it’s a stretch on taking to the sky, but you will certainly see Orlando from new heights! There is really no better way to do that than to take a ride on the The Wheel at Icon Park. At almost four hundred feet tall, the entire family will get a view of Orlando that no theme park can give you. This is not your typical Ferris wheel – these air conditioned capsules can be enjoyed as the start of a day trip to Icon Park, including the local restaurants and shops, or to cap off a great vacation by taking a ride at night; the family will understand why Orlando is known as the “City Beautiful.”
Wallaby Ranch
Feeling like you are just gliding through life? Continue that feeling by heading over to Wallaby Ranch! Wallaby Ranch in Davenport is the first and largest aerotow hang gliding flight park in the world. The entire experience is weather-related so call before packing up the family for an experience they will not soon forget! This is definitely not for the faint of heart! Wallaby is open daily at 8 am until dark. Children under the age of eighteen can glide too (children as young as three years old are able to glide!) but parents must sign a waiver.
