Taking an 18 month old to Vegas

[Bojangles33]

Am I insane? We have a friend who lives out there and we aren't going to do a "Vegas" holiday, more just stay with him for a couple of weeks, maybe do a few days out to see things like the Grand Canyon and local national parks etc. Not expecting to go out gambling and drinking. But he's our first baby (currently only 9 months old) so I have no concept of what he'll be like at 18 months and it's an 11 hour flight so it seems a bit daunting. Can we do this or will it just be hell?

I'd happily bring a small child to Vegas, I found it pretty family friendly when I was there (we went to The Lion King which was full of kids). But I wouldn't do such a long flight with a toddler (unless it was overnight), it'll be really tough. I'd hold off a few years if possible.

At 15months DS didn't get a bassinet as there were too many small babies. I think we paid for a seat for him on the night flight back. Sounds madness but given how much of the fare is taxes it was peanuts to ensure we all had a bit more space.
He watched cartoons happily without sound as wouldn't tolerate earplugs. Totally depends on the nature of your child.

So your not doing a Vegas holiday of staying on the strip, gambling etc.

However, that flight with an 18 month old oh my no no no! It's a very awkward age, they will be so bored and want to get up and wander around and will get very frustrated. I imagine plenty of crying episodes and whinging. You'd be better off taking a baby than an 18month old.

It's also soooo hot, well depending when ur going. I'm not sure what there is to do for families but sure ur friend would know. Grand Canyon is a long long drive, even we decided against it without a child. Don't think it would be suitable with a small child.

I flew to Thailand with an 18m old. It's not fun but we survived.
What time of year are you going?

@DreamingofSunshine if we go it will be late October, so still warm but not full desert temperature!

If you go, pay for a seat for your toddler. Well worth it.

I wouldn't... they kind of change at 18 months and start the terrible 2 traits. I'd choose a villa type holiday or resort instead.

Hmm, would you have access to a pool?
In Thailand we stayed in an apartment on a hotel complex and had access to the facilities. We went swimming lots, walking around the gardens, playground etc. If you are staying somewhere with a pool then you would have a nice time I think. The casinos etc aren't child friendly at all, but I imagine the fountains would be a hit? My DS would be happy walking about in a mall for a bit to

It's scorchio hot so choose time of year carefully. Pool essential. I remember the moisture evaporated from my eyes it was so so unbelievably hot.

I spent part of my honeymoon in Vegas in October and it was still in the 30s.

To be honest, I took my then 18 month old on a 4 hour flight and that was bad enough. 11 hours fills me with horror!

To go all that way and spend all that money and not 'do' Vegas properly seems a bit of a waste to me.