Designed for Adventure: Family travel, parenting, and practical life stories

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, we return to our old stomping grounds in Rapid City, South Dakota, and the surrounding Black Hills. Although we lived there for several years before having kids, we were blown away by how incredibly family-friendly the region is for a five-year-old and a toddler. We break down our favorite stops from our recent trip, from the "alien" landscape of the Badlands to the world-famous (and wonderfully kitschy) Wall Drug Store.Key Highlights:The Badlands & Wall Drug: We share why our kids loved "rock scrambling" on the clay formations in the Badlands and how to survive the heat with proper water and sun protection. We also dive into the "backyard" of Wall Drug, featuring a splash pad and a giant dinosaur that has been known to make a few toddlers cry.Downtown Rapid City: Discover why the "City of Presidents" is a great walking tour for families, complete with bronze statues on every corner and a booming downtown area that feels safe and vibrant.Parks & Playtime: We discuss the massive Rapid City park system, including Memorial Park and Storybook Island, a free park based on fairy tales that features a train and carousel.Animals & Adventures: A look at the "expensive but worth it" attractions like Bear Country, where you can see over 50 bears from your car, and Reptile Gardens, home to giant tortoises and a son who now wants to move to South Dakota to become a zookeeper.Free Local Gems: Why you should visit the School of Mines Geology Museum or hike M-Hill for a workout and a great view of the city—just keep an eye out for the occasional rattlesnake.Connect with Designed for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodPinterest: Designed for Adventure PodcastFacebook: Design for AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: Tune in for Part 2 as we head deeper into the Black Hills!

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, Jesse and I (Ellie) recap our recent family trip to the Black Hills of South Dakota and dive deep into the logistics of flying with a toddler and a five-year-old. We share our honest feedback on navigating O'Hare International Airport, the challenges of a 35-minute taxi on the runway, and the "minor miracle" of our checked bags making a tight connection after we had to sprint through the terminal.Key Highlights:The Airplane Exception: We discuss our strict "no electronics" policy and why airplanes are the one exception where we allow downloaded movies and educational documentaries to keep the peace in tight spaces.The Seating Experiment: We tested three different seating arrangements across four flights—2-and-2 across the aisle, front-and-back, and 3-and-1—to determine which configuration allows for the best communication and child management.Airport Survival Strategy: Why we maintain a "no screens" rule during layovers, choosing instead to let the kids burn off energy by running to gates or exploring local history through airport art and photography.The "Queen of Organization": I break down my system of categorizing our four personal items into dedicated bags for food, toys, electronics, and emergency clothes so I can find exactly what the kids need in seconds.Travel Gear & Hacks: From airplane tray covers that turn Kindles into seatback TVs to the massive convenience of renting car seats and baby gear through Baby Quip instead of lugging them through the airport.Booking Tips: Why we choose to pay the extra fee to select our seats in advance even in basic economy to ensure our two-year-old isn't seated next to a stranger.Whether you are preparing for your first flight with a lap baby or are a seasoned pro looking for new organizational tips, this episode provides a roadmap for making air travel with children less stressful and more adventurous.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Adventure Gear BoxIn this episode, we mentioned several tools and services that helped us survive the flight and stay organized. You can find our recommendations below:Airplane Tray Covers: These covers slip over the tray table to hold Kindles or phones at eye level, keeping devices secure and hands-free for the kids. (affiliate Link)Noise Cancelling Headphones for Babies to ToddlersKids Headphones⁠Packing Cubes⁠: Ellie’s secret weapon for fitting an entire family of four into a single suitcase while keeping everyone's clothes organized and easy to find. Baby Quip: This service allowed us to rent clean, high-quality car seats that were delivered directly to our destination, saving us the "hassle" of flying with our own.I may receive a small commission from links.Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignedForAdventurePodFacebook: Designed for AdventurePinterest: Designed for Adventure PodcastE-mail: [email protected]: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, Jesse and Ellie trade the "Disney bubble" for a deep dive into American history. They recap two recent Civil War-themed trips: a rainy weekend exploring the vast battlefield of Gettysburg and a hot afternoon at a First Manasses reenactment in Brandy Station, Virginia. The couple discusses how to make "living history" engaging for a five-year-old and a toddler, from finding thousands of tadpoles at the Virginia monument to reenacting Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s famous charge on Little Round Top.Key Highlights:The Gettysburg Museum Experience: Why the interactive exhibits at the visitor center—like a digital game where you choose which heavy equipment to carry on a march—are a "total learning experience" that can hold a child's attention while parents explore the museum.Weathering the Storm: Tips for staying adaptable when the weather doesn't cooperate, whether it’s "pouring rain" during a 5K race or the first "hotter than Hades" day of the Virginia summer.The Reenactment Playbook: The reality of taking young children to a reenactment, including the necessity of noise-canceling headphones for loud cannon fire and the importance of "ice cream breaks" in the shade when the heat becomes too much.Living History for Kids: A heartwarming interaction with a modern-day drummer boy and how seeing "kids their own age" involved in history can inspire future adventures.Digital Cameras for Tiny Tourists: How giving kids their own durable, digital cameras can help them "hone in on details" like horses and tents, keeping them engaged without relying on traditional screen time.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Adventure Gear BoxIn this episode, we discussed a few tools that helped keep the kids engaged and comfortable while exploring the battlefields: Kid-Friendly Digital Cameras: These durable cameras (featuring unicorns and dinosaurs!) were a massive hit, allowing the kids to document their own perspective of the trip. (Dinosaur Version)Similar Amazon Version. Noise-Canceling Headphones: A must-have for the loud booms of artillery fire during reenactments to keep young children from getting overwhelmed by the noise. We may receive a small commission from Amazon links.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignedForAdventurePodFacebook: Designed for AdventurePinterest: Designed for Adventure PodcastE-mail: [email protected]: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, we dive deep into the one area where we never compromise: sleep. Drawing from "bad experiences" —where toddlers escaped their beds and parents were forced to hide in bathrooms to nurse infants—we explain why the layout of your lodging can make or break a vacation. We share our transition from cramped standard rooms to prioritizing one-bedroom suites and Airbnbs to ensure everyone gets the rest they need to enjoy the adventure.Key Highlights:The Residence Inn Obsession: Why Jesse and Ellie look for Residence Inns first, citing the one-bedroom suites, free breakfast, and indoor pools as essential family perks.Airbnb Pros and Cons: A look at the benefits of having a kitchen and more space versus the "insane" cleaning fees and the unpredictability of property layouts.The Slumber Pod Strategy: Ellie discusses the "game-changing" benefits of using a blackout tent over a pack-and-play to create a private, dark sleeping environment that prevents kids from seeing their parents in the same room.The Knock-off Slumber Pod I prefer: https://amzn.to/3PGfSL5 (affiliate link)The Slumber Pod: https://amzn.to/4wVgwFd (affiliate link)Creative Hotel Hacks: Tips for finding "nooks and crannies" for cribs, utilizing long curtains to darken a sleeping corner, and why balconies are the ultimate "after-hours" sanctuary for parents once the kids are down.The Transfer Method: A step-by-step breakdown of their bedtime routine in a suite, including how they use the parents' bed as a temporary landing zone before transferring a sleeping toddler to the pull-out couch.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignedForAdventurePodFacebook: Designed for AdventurePinterest: Designed For AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

In this episode of Design for Adventure, I am diving into a full recap of my recent trip to Walt Disney World for the runDisney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. This was my fifth time participating in this event since 2011, and I brought along my mom, my two best friends, and my two children for a fun-filled girls' weekend. I break down everything from the registration "disaster"—where two of my friends had to secure charity bibs—to the logistics of staying in a two-bedroom suite at Bay Lake Tower using DVC points.Key Highlights from the Weekend:The Expo Experience: I share my honest (and slightly frustrated) thoughts on the "insane" amount of unnecessary walking required to get bibs and why I think the quality of the participant shirts has gone downhill.Race Morning Logistics: I discuss the massive benefit of staying on the monorail loop, which made getting to the starting line at 3:30 a.m. significantly less stressful than taking a bus.Corral Strategy & Pacing: Despite having a proof of time for Corral A, I chose to start in Corral B to run with my friend. We utilized a strategy of running the first three miles without stopping to get ahead of the crowds, which allowed us to hit shorter character lines later in the race.Characters & Costumes: We counted a record 19 characters on the course this year! I talk about our group costume as the Wicked Stepsisters and Lady Tremaine.Post-Race Recovery: Why I believe walking through Epcot after a race is better for your legs than napping, and our traditional post-race breakfast with the princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.The PhotoPass Investment: I highly recommend the Memory Maker/PhotoPass package, especially for military families who can get it at a discount, as it captures all your race and park memories without you having to pull out your phone.My Favorite Medal Display for my RunDisney Medals: https://amzn.to/4wLjmML (Affiliate link)Whether you are a seasoned runDisney veteran or are thinking about signing up for the first time when registration opens in June, I hope these tips on pacing, planning, and recovery help you cross that finish line with a smile.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventurePinterest: Designed for Adventure PodcastE-Mail: [email protected]: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!(My earn a small commission from the link)

In this episode of Design for Adventure, we introduce a new segment called "Trip Wars." Jesse and I set out to plan two completely different vacations for the same window in August—using specific parameters for flights, lodging, food, and activities—to see who could build the best adventure for the best price.The Contenders:Team Mountains (Jesse): Jesse takes us back to our honeymoon roots with a five-night trip to Banff National Park. His plan includes a flight to Calgary, a Nissan Sentra rental, and a mix of accommodations ranging from a $124-a-night airport hotel to rustic wooden chalets and a final-night splurge in downtown Banff. His itinerary focuses on the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies, including hiking, the Banff Gondola, and visits to Lake Louise.Team Disney (Ellie): I counter with a four-night stay in the "Disney Bubble" during the "hotter than Hades" month of August. I break down three different lodging options: the Value-tier All-Star Sports ($109/night), a Cars-themed family suite at Art of Animation, and a Deluxe Savannah view at Animal Kingdom Lodge. My plan leverages direct flights from Richmond, military park-hopper discounts, and the strategy of eating quick-service meals to keep costs down.Key Highlights:The "Lap Baby" Debate: We have a hilarious (and slightly illegal) disagreement over whether our "giant" children could still pass as lap babies to save on airfare.The Skeptic's Stance: Jesse remains the ultimate Disney skeptic, questioning why anyone would pay $60 for a character breakfast when "eggs are less than $2 a dozen" and expressing his preference for the real Yellowstone over a themed Disney lodge.The Experience Factor: I argue that you can't put a price tag on the "experience factor"—watching our daughter scream "horses!" at the carousel or seeing our son’s face light up when a parade float passes by.Budget Hacks: We discuss how to use annual passes, military discounts, and the "guest of Mickey" perk (free entry for kids under three) to make a high-end vacation more accessible.Whether you’re dreaming of glacier-fed lakes or a walk down Main Street, this episode breaks down the logistics of making those dreams a reality.Let us know in the comments, which trip would you choose? Banff National Park or Walt Disney World?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: Designed For AdventureSubscribe: Follow us to hear more "Trip Wars" and family travel strategies!

In this episode of Design for Adventure, I (Ellie) help Jesse overcome his "analysis paralysis" by diving deep into the world of Disney Vacation Club (DVC) point rentals. We explore how renting points allows families to stay in high-end Deluxe villas for a fraction of the cost—sometimes saving as much as $2,500 on a single stay at resorts like the Grand Floridian. I also break down the critical logistics of booking windows (11 months vs. 7 months), the trade-offs of paying full price upfront versus Disney’s flexible payment plans, and why location-based perks like walking to Epcot are worth the extra investment. Key Episode HighlightsDon't miss Jesse's Disney skepticism this episode.Budgeting for Magic: Why we look at a "per night" limit and how we decide between staying longer in a Value resort or splurging on a shorter Deluxe stay.Party Size & "Secret Beds": A look at the "fifth sleeper" pull-down twin beds for families of five and the massive 2- and 3-bedroom villas that are larger than our first apartment.The Rental Process: How to use third-party services like David’s DVC Rentals or the DVC Rental Shop to find owners with points, and why you need to be prepared to pivot if your first choice isn't available.Price Comparisons: Real-world examples of savings, including an $800 discount at the Polynesian and why Disney's direct promotions can sometimes actually beat DVC rental prices during the summer.Split Stays: The ultimate pro-tip for families who want to experience multiple resorts; we discuss how Disney moves your luggage for you while you enjoy the parks.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: If interested in any of the items I talk about during the shows, I try to always link them! Find us on Pinterest at Designed for AdventureSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life! And Don't forget to leave us a review.

In this episode of Design for Adventure, we break down the most significant expense of any Walt Disney World vacation after park tickets: lodging. Choosing the right hotel depends entirely on your family's budget, logistics, and what you want out of the experience. We explore the differences advantages between staying "on property" versus "off property." While my husband Jesse—a self-proclaimed Disney skeptic who would much rather be watching the NFL draft—tries to wrap his head around the logistics and costs, The Three Tiers of Disney Resorts:Value Resorts: These are famous for their over-the-top, larger-than-life theming, featuring icons like four-story Dalmatian dogs and giant Coca-Cola cups. They offer a lower price point—sometimes as low as $100 a night with deals—making them an excellent choice for families who just need a comfortable bed and a fun pool area while staying "in the bubble". Nothing wrong with a Value Resort!Moderate Resorts: A step up in amenities, these resorts offer larger rooms, more dining options (including sit-down restaurants), and pools with water slides. Themes range from the New Orleans-inspired French Quarter to the sprawling, Caribbean Beach-themed resort located on the Disney Skyliner loop.Deluxe Resorts: These premium properties offer the most subtle theming, largest rooms, and private balconies. The biggest perks of staying Deluxe include prime locations—such as being within walking distance to Magic Kingdom or Epcot—and access to Extra Magic Hours, which allow guests to stay in the parks for two additional hours after they close to the general public on select nights.We also share strategies for making luxury stays more affordable, such as renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points. Additionally, we discuss the benefits of Shades of Green for military families and using Marriott points at the Swan and Dolphin. With Disney's flexible $200 refundable deposit, you can book early and retroactively apply new discounts as they are released to ensure you get the best deal for your adventure.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: Follow us for the next part of our Disney planning series!

In this episode of Design for Adventure, Jesse and I (Ellie) dive into the often-overwhelming world of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. While I love the "Disney bubble" for its family-friendly design and nostalgia, Jesse joins us as a self-proclaimed skeptic who has never been and is wary of the crowds and costs. We break down the initial steps of planning, from deciding when to go based on Florida’s "four seasons"—including the busy spring break rush and the "hotter than Hades" but budget-friendly summer months—to determining the ideal length of stay for your family's needs.Key Highlights:The "Theme Park" Distinction: Why I believe Disney is in a different category than a standard amusement park because of its immersive family-centric design.Budget vs. Convenience: How to navigate the 21 different resorts on property, from $100-a-night value deals to staying closer to the parks to avoid the hassle of folding a double stroller on a bus.Seasonal Deep Dive: We explore the unique offerings of each season, such as Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival in the spring, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in the fall, and the overnight transformation into Christmas magic in November.Planning Logistics: The benefits of using a travel agent versus booking yourself using Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points, and why the $200 refundable deposit makes Disney one of the most flexible vacations to book.A Skeptic's Strategy: Jesse shares his secret to happiness—keeping expectations low—while I discuss how I am tailoring our upcoming January trip to find resorts and experiences he might actually enjoy.Whether you are a seasoned "Pro-Planner" or are trying to convince a reluctant spouse to give Mickey a chance, this episode provides a roadmap to make the process manageable and fun.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventurePinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/designedforadventurepodcast/Subscribe: Follow us to catch Part 2 of our Disney planning series when we talk about Hotels!

In this episode of Design for Adventure, Jesse and I break down our recent nine-hour road trip to Ohio for the Easter holidays. We share our honest feedback on two different travel strategies: splitting the drive into two days with a hotel stay in Charleston, West Virginia, versus making the return trip in one "fell swoop". Along the way, we discuss our "no electronics" policy and how we kept a five-year-old and a toddler entertained using everything from magnetic tiles on cookie sheets to high-stakes games of Car Bingo. We also share some "parenting fails" and the hard-won lessons we learned, such as why you should always go to the hotel pool—even when you're exhausted—to let the kids burn off pent-up energy. We dive into our tactics for finding safe, high-quality playgrounds using Google Maps to break up long stretches of driving and our experience at "The Sandbox," a massive indoor sand pit that was a huge hit for the kids. Finally, we talk about the realities of potty training on the road and why we’ll never forget the portable potty again. Adventure Gear & Toy Box: As promised, here are the items and toys we discussed that helped us survive nine hours in the car without a single screen:Magnetic Tiles: A huge hit that held their attention for over an hour; we used these on the road for building shapes. 60pcs SetMagnetic Cookie Sheets: Our pro-tip for car travel! The lip around the edge keeps the magnetic tiles from sliding off their laps. Car Bingo Boards: We played several "spirited" games of this to keep everyone looking out the windows. We prefer the ones you can slide.License Plate Game Journal: This is the specific book I use to track the states we see; it even includes a place for notes to serve as a trip journal. Its fun flipping back through old trips!Dry Erase Book: Great for younger kids who want to color. Our daughter loves this and its the one toy we forgot to mention in the episode! This isn't the exact one we have, but its not sold anymore. Toddler Busy Book: I recommend this one over two, since there are a lot of small pieces, but our Daughter loves it. I prefer this one for when you don't want any little pieces to come off. Both our kids used it and still sometimes do now that we can reinsert the middle section.Anna and Elsa Dolls: These were Easter basket surprises that kept our youngest occupied with putting on and taking off their shoes for hours.Monster Trucks: A classic favorite for our oldest, though be prepared to mediate if both kids want the same one.Sticker Books: We didn't bring them this trip but these are always a classic. We prefer this brand since the stickers are next to the page to put them on. No flipping back and forth. Cats & Insects & CarsPortable Potty: If you are in the middle of potty training, learn from our mistake and keep one of these in the trunk for those stretches of highway without a gas station.Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: Follow us on Spotify to help more families find these adventures!

We are Ellie and Jesse, and on this episode of Design for Adventure, we are diving into the sometimes overwhelming and intimidating world of flying with young children. While we aren't "pro travelers" with hundreds of flights under our belts, we have successfully navigated the skies with our kids from ages six months up to five years old, and we’re here to share how we make it work.In this episode, we cover:Paying for Convenience: Why I believe spending a little extra on TSA Pre-check, Wi-Fi, or a direct flight is a total game changer for your sanity.The Gear That Works: Our experience with gate-checking strollers, using baby carriers through security, and letting our son take charge of his own BB-8 suitcase.In-Flight Survival: How we use new "busy books," triangle crayons, and tray covers to keep the kids entertained. We also discuss our screen-time philosophy, including why we let our kids watch movies or the airplane tracker to stay settled.Snacks and "Sugar Hype": Why we avoid apple juice and sugary snacks in favor of water, milk, and fruit to prevent kids from running up and down the aisles.The Car Seat Debate: Our "hot take" on why gate-checking your car seat might be better than bringing it on the plane—especially if you want to avoid your toddler kicking the seat in front of them.Airport Logistics: Why we prefer boarding early to get organized and our tips for the "standing diaper change" in those tiny airplane bathrooms.Our biggest takeaway is to stay optimistic and calm because your children will read your energy. We truly believe that your kids have every right to be on that plane. Whether you are planning a trip to Disney or visiting family, we hope these tips help you get out there and have an adventure!The Adventure Gear List:We know how much the right gear matters when you're 30,000 feet in the air! Here is the specific equipment we mentioned in this episode:Toddler Star Wars Suitcase: I love letting our son be responsible for his own bag, and this suitcase is the perfect size for him to pull through the airport.Airplane Tray Cover: This was a total game-changer for me; it flips over the tray to keep toys from rolling off and includes a clear pouch on the back to hold a phone or tablet for hands-free viewing.Triangle Crayons & Colored Pencils: I highly recommend these because they won't roll off the tray table. Noise-Canceling Earmuffs: These were essential for our kids to help quiet the "scary noises" of the plane and keep them calm throughout the flight.Earphone Splitters: This is my secret to peace—it allowed both of my kids to watch a movie together on one device without any fighting. Audio splitterNew "Busy Books": I always pack a brand-new busy book or coloring book from Amazon or the dollar store to keep the novelty high for at least thirty minutes.Dry Erase Travel Board: My daughter LOVES this toy. Plays with it at home, in the car, and on flights. Its super compact too.Travel Magna Tiles: We never leave home without them. Baby Carrier: This made navigating the airport so much easier for us, especially since we could wear the baby right through security without having to take her out.Nursing Cover: This was a lifesaver for nursing during takeoff and landing, and it doubled as a way to darken the area so my daughter felt more secure and relaxed.Padded Car Seat Bag: If you decide to gate-check your car seat like we do, I recommend using a padded bag to protect it and make it easier to haul through the terminal.Organization Bags: I keep everything in its place using separate bags for toys, food, and extra clothes so I know exactly which one to grab.Travel Backpack: Its a military backpack, but it has so many pockets and compartments, I can fit everything I need in here and stay organized.Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventureSubscribe on SpotifyI may receive a small commission from the links

In this episode of Design for Adventure, Ellie shares her experience using Thrill Data’s Wait Magic during a recent seven-day trip to Walt Disney World, calling it the "best decision" she ever made for her vacation. As a service that automates the booking and modification of Lightning Lanes, Wait Magic is designed to reduce the "pressure" and stress of managing Disney’s paid skip-the-line system.Key Episode HighlightsThe "Phone in Pocket" Strategy: The most significant benefit I noted was the ability to stay off my phone and remain present with my children, dancing during parades and watching their reactions to the castle instead of "fiddle faddeling" with the Disney app.Automated Flexibility: I explain how I set up "searches" that allowed the service to automatically find the earliest available ride times or specific windows that worked around my daughter's nap schedule.Pro Stacking Tactics: I talk about how I used a "park hopping" strategy by scanning into Animal Kingdom at 8:00 a.m. to begin "stacking" high-demand Lightning Lanes for Epcot, like Frozen Ever After and Test Track, before Epcot had even opened for the day.Group Management: The episode details how to split large parties into groups, allowing some members to ride thrill attractions like Haunted Mansion while others stay with younger children, all handled automatically by Wait Magic.Technical Integration: To use Wait Magic, you must connect with a Thrill Data account through the "Friends and Family" list on the My Disney Experience app.Planning vs. Spontaneity: While Wait Magic requires about one to two hours of upfront planning to set priorities and search parameters, it allows for a much more relaxed experience once you are inside the park.Subscription Options: I discusses the different tiers available, including 2-day, 1-week, 1-month, and annual subscriptions. (I opted for the full year to cover future trips)Managing Expectations: While highly effective, Wait Magic is dependent on actual ride availability; it cannot "create something out of thin air" on exceptionally busy days.Practical Tips & Setup: Ultimately, this episode serves as a guide for parents who want to budget for convenience and ensure they spend their Disney vacation making memories with their kids rather than managing a screen.Make sure you like and subscribe to our channel! A five star review goes a long way.Find us on Instagram @designedforadventurepodhttps://www.instagram.com/designedforadventurepod/or Facebook at Designed for Adventure https://www.facebook.com/DesignedforAdventurePodcast/Check out our Pinterest for links to items described in our show and other helpful tools we use! https://www.pinterest.com/designedforadventurepodcast/

This episode of Design for Adventure, hosted by married couple Jesse and Ellie, explores the practical side of visiting Civil War battlefields with young children. Drawing from Jesse’s experience visiting 33 battlefields in a single year, the hosts share how to turn historical sites into engaging family adventures rather than stressful chores.Episode HighlightsThe "Construction Truck" Strategy: Discover how simple toys like monster trucks and construction vehicles can keep a toddler occupied in the dirt while you read historical markers. Our son and daughter loves these: https://amzn.to/4dPKX8DThe Army men our son loves: https://amzn.to/4m7uperExplaining War to Kids: Jesse shares his "freeze tag" analogy—explaining the conflict as a game between teams in blue and gray—to help his five-year-old understand the basics of the war without getting into overly complex or graphic details.Horses and Heroes: Learn why their son became obsessed with the horses of famous generals, including Stonewall Jackson’s horse, Little Sorrel, and Robert E. Lee’s Traveler.Battlefield Picnics: The humor and heart of having family lunches at spots like Bloody Angle or Slaughter Pen, and why using these preserved lands for family time honors those who fought there.Practical Tips for ParentsUse the National Park Service website to find visitor centers, driving tours, and event calendars for reenactments.Why you might want to bring sound-canceling headphones if your child is sensitive to the loud "concussion" of cannon fire.Tips for using picture books at bedtime to get kids excited about the landmarks they will see the next day.The exact book that our son loves. He prefers real pictures over cartoons or drawings: https://amzn.to/47ZLLnCFinding museum programs where kids can make battle flags or play with figurines in sand pits to keep them engaged while parents explore.Memorable MomentsThe "sheer disappointment" of finding a headstone instead of a literal arm at Stonewall Jackson’s arm burial site.The simple joy of feeding tadpoles in a mud puddle at Gettysburg.Teaching "museum etiquette" and providing a level of freedom for kids to explore.Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a way to get the kids outside, this episode proves that you can pass history on to the next generation while still having a good time.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Design for Adventure:Instagram: @designedforadventurepodFacebook: Designed for AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: Follow the show and leave us a review to help other families find these adventures!As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Thinking about bringing your kids to a RunDisney race weekend—but not sure what to expect?In this episode, I’m sharing my first-ever experience doing RunDisney with kids after completing 9 race weekends without them. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance race weekend logistics with family life, this episode is packed with honest insights and practical tips.We’re talking all about what it’s like to experience a RunDisney weekend as a parent—from navigating the expo to managing race day and everything in between.✨ In this episode, we cover:How to navigate the RunDisney expo with kids (what worked and what didn’t)What race morning looks like when your kids aren’t waking up earlyHow the race worked from a parent perspective while the kids stayed backWhat post-race looks like with kids—energy, timing, and expectationsThe biggest differences between doing RunDisney with vs. without kidsWhat I would change next time to make the experience smootherThis episode is perfect if you’re planning a RunDisney trip with your family and want realistic, experience-based tips to make it more enjoyable for everyone.If you found this episode helpful, make sure to follow the podcast and leave a review—it helps more families planning RunDisney trips find us!And come hang out on Instagram: @DesignedforAdventurePodor Facebook at Designed for Adventure Podcastor email us at [email protected]

Road trips with kids don’t have to mean screens, tablets, and constant “Are we there yet?” In this episode of Designed for Adventure, we’re sharing practical ways to survive — and even enjoy — road trips with kids without relying on electronics.From classic car games to creative activities and simple planning tricks, we break down how to keep kids engaged, reduce stress, and turn travel time into part of the adventure. Whether you’re heading to a weekend getaway or a long family vacation, these ideas will help you create fun memories on the road while keeping everyone entertained and sane.In this episode, we cover:Why we never take a tablet on a road tripWhy letting your kids be bored is okaySimple car games kids can playToys that have worked and haven’t workedHow to make the journey feel like part of the adventureIf you’re planning a family road trip soon, this episode will give you practical ideas to make the drive smoother, calmer, and a lot more fun.🎧 Follow Designed for Adventure for more tips on traveling with kids, making meaningful family memories, and finding adventure in everyday life.If you enjoyed the episode:• Follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes • Share it with a friends and family• Leave a review—it really helps the show growConnect with us on Facebook at Designed For Adventure Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DvzPAtcry/On Instagram at @DesignedforAdventurePodor e-mail us at [email protected]

What exactly is RunDisney—and why do so many runners plan entire vacations around these races?In this episode, I break down what makes RunDisney races so unique. From running through the parks to the early race mornings, character stops, costumes, and the community that surrounds these events, RunDisney is very different from a typical race weekend.I share why these races keep bringing me back, how the race weekends work, and what runners should know if they’re considering signing up for their first RunDisney event at Walt Disney World.This episode isn’t about training plans or race strategies. Instead, it’s about understanding the experience of a RunDisney race weekend and deciding whether it might be the right kind of adventure for you.Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just curious about what makes RunDisney so popular, this episode will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the magic—and logistics—of racing at Disney.In This Episode:• What RunDisney races are• What makes Disney races different from other races• What a RunDisney race weekend typically looks like• Why runners choose these races• Things to consider before signing up for your first raceIf you enjoyed the episode:• Follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes• Share it with a friend who loves running or Disney• Leave a review—it really helps the show growConnect with us on Facebook at Designed For Adventure Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DvzPAtcry/On Instagram at @DesignedforAdventurePodor e-mail us at [email protected]

If you’ve ever had a diaper blowout in the middle of a trip… this episode is for you.Traveling with kids can be magical, but it can also be messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright chaotic. In this episode, we share some real-life stories from traveling with little kids—including the moments when things did not go according to plan.From diaper disasters to the unexpected challenges of being on the road with young children, we talk honestly about what those moments are really like and how we handle them.More importantly, we talk about why those messy moments don’t stop us from continuing to travel as a family.Because sometimes the stories you laugh about later are the ones that felt the hardest in the moment.Travel with kids doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth it.Connect with us on Facebook at Designed For Adventrue Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DvzPAtcry/On Instragram at @DesignedforAdventurePodor e-mail us at [email protected]

Why does our family choose to travel—even when it’s hard, messy, and sometimes chaotic?In the very first episode of Designed for Adventure, we share the story behind why travel matters so much to us and why we decided to start this podcast. Family trips aren’t always relaxing, and traveling with kids can add a whole new layer of unpredictability. But we believe the experiences, memories, and growth that come from exploring together are worth it.In this episode we talk about the philosophy behind how we approach family life and travel, why we prioritize experiences, and what “intentional adventures” really mean for our family.This podcast isn’t about perfect trips or luxury travel. It’s about designing a life that includes adventure—even when it’s inconvenient.If you’ve ever wondered whether traveling with kids is worth the effort, this episode is for you.Connect with us on Facebook at Designed For Adventrue Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DvzPAtcry/On Instragram at @DesignedforAdventurePodor e-mail us at [email protected]

A preview of Designed for Adventure, a podcast about family travel, parenting, and practical life stories.