Traveling with a 3 Year Old

Hi L.,

My in-laws live in Las Vegas, and they've mentioned that Circus Circus is a pretty kid friendly hotel. We don't have any personal experiences with staying there though. Even if you don't stay there, it might be fun to visit the Adventuredome there. Another poster had mentioned the Flamingo, and I have heard that their pool is indeed great for kids. Also, if you do bring a DVD player on the plane, just a reminder to also bring headphones. I always hear flight attendants ask people to either turn off the volume or use headphones so they wouldn't disturb other passengers.

Have fun!
J.

I have traveled extensively with both my kids (now ages "almost 4" and 2). For a 3-year-old, I don't bring a car seat. The regular seat belt works fine for my guy. Do not count on food or drink in the airplane, and expect to be delayed. From my experience, with all the cost-cutting and consolidation of flights going on at the airlines, almost nothing leaves on time. So bring plenty of snacks. Lollypops and lifesavers are great if her ears start to hurt. The airlines also allow sippy cups for kids. If you have or can borrow one, definitely bring a portable DVD player with one or two new movies that your daughter hasn't seen. I would also get a few new, small things she hasn't seen before and save them for the plane. Some ideas: coloring books with NON-ROLL crayons (Crayola makes them and they are essential if you don't want to chase crayons under the seats the whole flight), Color Wonder books and markers (neat), sticker books, little dolls or action figures-- all of these will help in the airport, on the plane, and during the inevitable delay. Oh, and if your daughter still has one, use your stroller right up to the gate of the plane-- you can gate-check it and you won't have to lug all your stuff through the airport. Good luck!

Bring a book...or two. Check with the airlines to see what you are allowed on the plane. Usually the attendant will treat children special. Ask if they have any wings available since it is her first time flying and take alot of pictures. When you get home you can make a scrapbook or book of her first trip!

A child friendly hotel in Vegas is the Flamingo, the pool area is amazing for kids!!

Hi L.,

If you are planning on Vegas during summer time I'd suggest Mandalay Bay. We stayed there last summer when my kiddos were 2 and 1 and they had a blast.
There are several pools, and favorite one was lazy river and wave pool. You could stop by shark reef (at the hotel), M&M factory could be fun too :)
As for a plane, we usually have portable DVD with us, some other toys (usually something new that they want to play)

Hi L.,
I've traveled many times to Florida with my now five yr old since he was 1 1/2... it was okay.. the first time we took the car seat but after that we didn't. It was okay but we had to bring things to keep him busy, you know their attention span is short (snack, toys, etc...). I would like to go to Jamaica or one of the islands also with him but haven't yet. It would also help if there's someone else traveling with you besides yourself, I have an older daughter. Good Luck and Happy Holidays..

Scar