Looking for a completely different way to experience Detroit? MYFLIGHT Detroit lets you see the city from a perspective you definitely can’t get from the ground, with private helicopter tours flying over some of Detroit’s most iconic landmarks.
We recently visited MYFLIGHT’s brand-new headquarters at Coleman A. Young International Airport and took the kids on a helicopter ride over Downtown Detroit. Between the gorgeous new space, food and drinks before our flight, incredible views from the air and a staff that made the kids feel right at home, this was easily one of the coolest Detroit experiences we’ve done as a family.
And while we loved it with the kids, this is definitely not just a family activity. MYFLIGHT would make an unforgettable birthday surprise, anniversary date, date night, proposal or special way to celebrate just about anything.
MYFLIGHT’s Brand-New Detroit Headquarters
The experience starts well before you get into the helicopter.
MYFLIGHT recently opened its new 12,000-square-foot, purpose-built headquarters at Detroit City Airport, creating a destination that combines helicopter tours with food, drinks and space to gather and celebrate.
The new facility is absolutely stunning and includes an on-site restaurant and bar where you can grab small plates and craft cocktails before or after your flight.
We arrived early so we could hang out before taking off. The kids got mocktails, while mine was very much not a mocktail, and everything we tried was fantastic.
It makes the experience feel much more like a full outing rather than simply arriving, taking a helicopter ride and leaving.
Taking the Kids on a Helicopter Ride Over Detroit
If you’re wondering whether a helicopter tour works well with kids, our experience was a huge yes.
MYFLIGHT welcomes passengers of all ages, and everyone gets their own headset to communicate during the flight. This ended up being one of my favorite parts because we could hear each other, talk to our pilot and react to everything we were seeing together.
Our pilot, Michael, was incredible and SO engaging with the kids throughout the flight. He pointed things out along the way and made the entire experience exciting and comfortable for them.
We also have to shout out the rest of the MYFLIGHT team. Aaron behind the bar was a 10/10, and Collin on the ground crew was basically my kids’ new best friend by the time we left. The staff truly added so much to the experience.
What Do You See on the Downtown Detroit Helicopter Tour?
We chose MYFLIGHT’s Downtown Tour, and for our family, the length was perfect.
It was quick enough that the kids stayed completely engaged from beginning to end, but long enough to really take in Detroit from an entirely new perspective.
The Downtown Tour includes views of some of Detroit’s most recognizable landmarks, including:
- Comerica Park
- Ford Field
- Little Caesars Arena
- The Hudson’s Detroit building
- GM Renaissance Center
- Downtown Detroit
- Windsor
- Ambassador Bridge
- Detroit River
Seeing places the kids already recognize from hundreds of feet in the air was such a fun part of the experience. Detroit looks completely different from up there!
Different MYFLIGHT Detroit Tour Options
You don’t have to choose the same flight we did. MYFLIGHT offers different Detroit helicopter tours and routes, so you can choose an experience based on what you want to see, how much time you’d like in the air and your budget.
For families trying a helicopter ride for the first time, I really liked the Downtown Tour. It gave us the wow factor and plenty to see without feeling too long for the kids.
If you’re planning this for adults, a date or a special occasion, you may want to explore one of the longer flight options for even more time in the air.
Food & Drinks Before or After Your Flight
MYFLIGHT’s new Detroit headquarters also has a full restaurant and bar, so you can grab food, cocktails or mocktails before or after your flight.
We came early, grabbed some food, the kids had mocktails and I had a cocktail that was VERY much not a mocktail 😂 and fantastic.
It’s such a fun way to make the flight feel like a full experience, whether you’re bringing the kids or celebrating a birthday, date night or anniversary.
Celebrate a Birthday or Anniversary at MYFLIGHT Detroit
This might be my favorite idea for anyone who wants to give an experience instead of another gift.
MYFLIGHT specifically offers celebration options for birthdays and romantic occasions. Their Detroit location can even arrange illuminated letters on the ramp for a surprise when you land.
The Birthday Package can include illuminated “HBD” letters, professional photography after the flight, dedicated time for photos and a champagne element for eligible guests.
There is also a Love Package designed for anniversaries, date nights and other romantic celebrations, with illuminated “LOVE” letters waiting when you land.
Imagine surprising someone with dinner and drinks, a helicopter ride over Downtown Detroit and then landing to a birthday or anniversary surprise. This would be SO fun for a milestone birthday, anniversary or special date night.
MYFLIGHT also hosts private events at its new Detroit facility, making it an option for larger celebrations and corporate outings too.
Don’t Skip the Photos!
After our flight, the MYFLIGHT team took photos of us with the helicopter.
I loved having that moment captured after doing something so memorable together, especially with the kids. Photos are taken upon landing and are available for purchase, while certain celebration packages include professional photography.
It’s definitely one of those experiences where you’ll want the pictures afterward!
What Parents Should Know Before Booking MYFLIGHT Detroit
Here are a few helpful things to know before bringing the family:
There is no minimum age to fly. MYFLIGHT welcomes passengers of all ages. Children under 24 months can ride on a lap and do not require their own ticket.
Flights are private. You’re booking your own helicopter rather than sharing the experience with random passengers.
There are up to three passengers per flight. Larger groups may need to be divided into consecutive flights.
Everyone gets a window seat. This is a BIG plus, especially when you’re bringing kids who all want to see everything.
Headsets are included. You can communicate with one another and your pilot throughout the flight.
There are weight restrictions. MYFLIGHT currently lists a maximum individual passenger weight of 300 pounds and a maximum combined passenger weight of 600 pounds, excluding the pilot.
Arrive early. MYFLIGHT recommends arriving at least 15 minutes before your scheduled flight.
Weather matters. Like any aviation experience, routes and flights can be affected by weather and air traffic.
Always check MYFLIGHT’s current policies when booking, as pricing, routes and requirements can change.
MYFLIGHT Detroit Location
MYFLIGHT Tours Detroit
11745 Conner Street
Detroit, MI 48213
Flights depart from and return to Coleman A. Young International Airport, also known as Detroit City Airport. Free parking is available on site.
Is MYFLIGHT Detroit Worth It With Kids?
For our family, absolutely.
There are plenty of ways to explore Detroit with kids, but seeing the city from a helicopter is an experience that’s hard to compare to anything else.
The Downtown Tour was just the right length for our kids, they loved being able to talk through their headsets, and having such an engaging pilot made the experience even better. Add in the new restaurant and bar, the gorgeous headquarters and the incredible staff, and it felt like an entire experience rather than just a quick helicopter ride.
But I also love how versatile this one is. Bring the kids for an unforgettable family adventure, surprise someone for their birthday, plan an anniversary date, celebrate a milestone or simply book it because you’ve always wanted to see Detroit from above.
Either way, you’ll never look at the city quite the same way again.
Ready to fly? Visit MYFLIGHT Tours to view current Detroit flight options, pricing and availability.
🎉 Planning a birthday? Check out our Metro Detroit Kids Birthday Party Guide for even more fun and unique ways to celebrate.
Brittany is a proud mom to two fun loving kiddos, Grayson and Audrey. With a passion for health and fitness, she’s a certified personal trainer and nutritionist who enjoys helping others lead active, enjoyable lives. When she’s not coaching clients, you can find Brittany, her husband, and her kids exploring Michigan’s vibrant scene of indoor play centers, parks, eateries, and events. Whether they’re discovering new hiking trails, celebrating local restaurant openings, or spending the afternoon at the cider mill, they’re always on the lookout for their next adventure. Brittany is passionate about sharing her family’s experiences to help other parents create lasting memories in Metro Detroit. You can follow along with her and her crew here @brittmilesxo.