By Julius Ewudo, ASEAN Region Representative
With summer holidays just around the corner, Sydney families are on the hunt for exciting, memory-making days out. This season, it seems there’s one unbeatable duo that’s turning heads (and lifting bodies off the ground) – iFLY Downunder Indoor Skydiving and FREAK VR, both conveniently located in Penrith. Together, they’ve crafted a double-shot of thrills that’ll have kids and parents raving about their day well into the new year.
For Jessie, a mother from Sydney, and her two children, Sophie (12) and Matt (17), this adventure turned out to be the ultimate family day out. The excitement began with the chance to experience the dream of flying – no wings or parachutes required. Australia’s largest indoor skydiving venue lets kids as young as three step inside a wind tunnel and literally float on air.
For Sophie, the experience was unforgettable. “I felt like a superhero!” she laughs, recalling the moment she went airborne. “The second I got in, I was just soaring, and I didn’t want it to end.” Her brother Matt was equally thrilled, watching her take to the air.
Jessie was blown away by how much her children embraced the experience. “It’s one of those moments you never forget,” she says. “I could see their confidence building right before my eyes. The whole setup is so safe and fun, and even Sophie, who can be a little hesitant at first, jumped right in. We all felt like rockstars.”
After their skydiving adventure, the family stepped into a completely different universe next door at Penrith’s virtual reality wonderland. Here, they strapped on VR headsets and dove into worlds where anything is possible. The experience turned gaming into a full-body, all-senses adventure, creating plenty of laughs and a touch of friendly family competition.
For Matt, the VR world was a dream come true. “It was like stepping into a different world,” he beams. “We got to shoot at the bad guys, team up together, and laugh the whole way through. I’ve never done anything like it!”
Jessie admitted that even as a parent, the VR experience was a highlight. “It’s incredible seeing how real it feels,” she says. “The setup really gives you a glimpse into the future, and it’s safe for the whole family to enjoy.”
This unique combination of sky-high thrills and virtual escapades makes for one action-packed day that families just can’t get enough of. And with both attractions so close to Sydney’s centre, the whole adventure is refreshingly easy to plan, whether it’s for a special occasion, a school holiday outing, or a spontaneous “why not?” day with the kids.
For families looking to keep their kids entertained, active, and amazed this summer, this thrilling duo is the talk of the season. After all, how many times do you get to fly and save the world, all in a single afternoon?
