Are Outbound Heli trips a good fit for kids?
Alaska is a place of big experiences and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, and we know visitors are eager to show the entire family the landscapes and wildlife they may have only read about. Here at Outbound Heli, part of our mission is to introduce visitors of all ages to Alaska, particularly younger guests, but we know parents have questions. Which trip will fit my family’s varied ages and stages? Is there anything special I need to know? How can I prepare my kids for such a special experience?
We’ve got you, families! Keep reading for a complete breakdown of trips, plus some FAQs outlining kid-specific details. We can’t wait to welcome your entire crew to one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life!
First, though, it’s important to know that Outbound Heli Adventures welcomes kids of all ages on scenic and glacier landing flights, we work with parents or caregivers ahead of time to determine the suitability of each trip. Taking into account a child’s age, developmental stage, and in some cases, available gear, the Outbound team and a family will discuss the appropriate adventure to ensure a safe, comfortable, and amazing Alaska experience.
Which helicopter flights are best for kids?
Quite a few, actually! Take a look, below:
Best for kids under 8
Knik Glacier Explorer. With a shorter (40-minute) flight and a bit of time spent checking out a glacier’s cool surface, the Knik Glacier Explorer is a ‘just right’ experience for families looking for a shorter, but no less awesome adventure.
Best for kids 9-11
Chugach Explorer or Prince William Sound Spectacul-AIR. Youngsters of this age group are big ‘doers,’ wanting to get a hands-on experience with anything and everything around them. Both of these tours feature more than an hour of flight time and opportunities to land on unique areas, from an ice wall to the shoreline of an iceberg-filled lake.
Best for kids 12-15
Any, including the guided adventures. Ready to tackle more complex experiences and longer flight times, older tweens and teens are in a prime position to try new things and stretch their boundaries a bit, and a helicopter adventure is the perfect way!
What about the guided helicopter adventures with kids?
For these experiences, children must be physically large enough to wear the required gear safely. Things like harnesses, helmets, boots, etc. are critical elements of these experiences, and while we do have kid-sized gear, part of our conversation with parents before booking entails making sure children and available gear match up.
That said, check out the wide range of adventure options for parents of older kids. From stand-up paddleboarding to glacier treks, Outbound Heli can take your family on the adventure you’ve always dreamed of.
- Paddleboarding: Ages 10+ due to cold, deep water conditions and slippery ice
- Ice climbing: Ages 16+ due to the strength required for ascending and descending ice walls, and use of ice tools
- Glacier trekking: Ages 10+ due to the use of microspikes on slick ice, and careful navigation of the glacial surface
- Packrafting: Ages 18+ due to the complex instructions, strength required to navigate a single packraft, and length of the experience
- Heli-hiking: All ages! We welcome your whole family on this adventure!
What should we know before we embark on helicopter adventures with kids?
How young is too young to do a helicopter tour?
No age is too young! Babies 0-2 can be a lap infant just like a regular airline. Kiddos 2+ have their own seat (Note: There are no car seats in helicopters. Our team will be happy to discuss reasons and safety protocols for children with you at the time of booking.)
What should kids wear?
Dress kiddos in layers like you would yourself. Bring an extra jacket in case the kiddos get cold. Make sure youngsters are wearing boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Can kids bring a stuffie or comfort item?
Yes, of course! Your child may bring along a small stuffed animal or similar comfort item to help make their trip more enjoyable.
My kids have never been in a helicopter before; how should I prep them for the experience?
Talk with them ahead of time about helicopters they see in the sky, and how they are going to do that soon. Hit up your local library for books with helicopters or planes to get them excited and relate the content back to real life.
Can kids communicate over the headsets?
Yes, kids 2 and older will have their own seat and their own headset, and the ability to chat with their parents and the pilot.
Are there bathrooms?
Yes, bathrooms are available at the base before the flight departs. We also have the proper supplies with us should the need arise to go on the glacier. Pilots can help find a good spot for this and make everyone feel comfortable.
Do I need to bring a car seat?
For helicopter adventures, children do not sit in car seats due to the seatbelt and seating configurations. If your family is utilizing our shuttle service from Anchorage, please note that we do not provide car seats, so if your child requires one, please bring it with you. Anchorage does have a few businesses providing car seat rentals: Alaska Baby Rentals, http://www.alaskababyrentals.com/Products.html#anchor_130; and BabyQuip, https://www.babyquip.com/h/anchorage.
We can’t wait to welcome your family on the adventure of a lifetime!