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

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, Ellie shares a real-world recap of using Thrill Data’s Wait Magic service during a quick, last-minute birthday trip to Walt Disney World with her toddler daughter and best friend. Ellie breaks down how she used Wait Magic’s new beta app to automate, modify, and stack Lightning Lanes across EPCOT and Disney's Hollywood Studios—proving how helpful Wait Magic can be for managing crowded park days.Key Highlights: The Wait Magic Beta App: Ellie’s initial hands-on feedback after testing the new mobile app to manage ride searches and Lightning Lane modifications.7-Day EPCOT Strategy: How she set up search parameters before her booking window to land top priorities like Frozen Ever After, Soarin', and Living with the Land for a busy Food & Wine Festival Saturday.Guardians Time-Shifting: Using Wait Magic to automatically adjust a Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Single Pass to fit her afternoon schedule.Evening Stacking for Hollywood Studios: How setting up pre-built ride searches enabled Ellie to effortlessly stack evening Lightning Lanes for Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and Smuggler's Run for a solo night out.Toddler Flexibility on the Fly: Unpausing pre-saved searches to instantly grab back-to-back Lightning Lanes for Figment when her daughter asked for a ride.Pro-Tip on Search Time Windows: Why starting with wide return-time search windows (e.g., 12:00 PM–5:00 PM) and gradually narrowing them down yields the best success rate for hard-to-get rides.EP 007 Lightning Lane Mastery: A Parent’s Guide to Thrill Data's Wait Magic: Listen back to our original episode for a full foundational breakdown of how Thrill Data works. Make sure you like and subscribe to our channel! A five star review goes a long way. Find us on Instagram @designedforadventurepod ⁠https://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/ Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, Ellie and Jesse follow up on their kid-free getaway by sharing how to plan the ultimate family vacation to Mackinac Island with kids in tow. They break down why this car-free island is a giant playground for children, offering everything from horse-drawn carriage rides and scenic bike loops to cannon demonstrations and fudge shops. Whether you are trying to figure out hotel logistics for a family, renting bike trailers, or looking for a low-stress "no screens" vacation, this episode covers all the practical tips to make Mackinac Island a hit for all ages. Key Highlights: Ferry Ride & Island Arrival: Tips for sitting on the top deck during the 15-to-20-minute ferry ride, spotting fish in the bay, and packing jackets for the chilly lake breeze.Family Lodging Logistics: Why booking early is essential for families needing extra space, and highlights of kid-friendly properties like Mission Point Resort and The Grand Hotel with wide green lawns.Biking the M-185 Perimeter Loop: Navigating the 8.2-mile car-free highway with tag-along bikes, trailers, or kid bikes, plus important rules to know like the island-wide ban on rental training wheels.Horse Etiquette & Buggy Rides: Teaching kids how to yield the right-of-way to horses, watching for manure, exploring horse-drawn carriage taxis, and touring the Grand Hotel stables.Must-Do Kid Attractions: Visiting the Butterfly House & Insect World, playing mini-golf on real grass at Mission Point, flying kites, and finding hidden island playgrounds.Fort Mackinac & History: Experiencing hourly cannon and musket firing demonstrations, interactive museum buttons, and dining on the officer's balcony.The Grand Hotel Kids' Experience: Daily children's activities like the duck derby, flower pot painting, lawn games, and the fun tradition of dressing up for dinner.The "No Screens" Getaway: Why Mackinac Island's flexible pacing makes it easy to unplug and enjoy a spontaneous family trip without strict advance reservations.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, Ellie and Jesse recap their very first kid-free vacation after five years of parenting—a three-night getaway to Mackinac Island in Michigan. From navigating a car-free island where transportation is limited to horse-drawn carriages and bicycles to experiencing the luxury of the historic Grand Hotel, Ellie and Jesse share logistics, dining highlights, historical discoveries, and why this unique island destination packs a punch for couples. Key Highlights: Island Logistics & Ferry Systems: How Mackinac Island bans personal vehicles, relying on Shepler’s Ferry or Arnold Transit Company with seamless porter service that delivers luggage directly to your hotel.Hotel Experiences: A look at staying in the Mission District at the Harbor View Inn versus the iconic Grand Hotel, featuring traditional dinner dress codes, cupola views, live piano music, and an unbeatable breakfast buffet.Biking the Island: Surviving tandem bike rides around the 8-mile outer perimeter past Arch Rock, conquering inner island hills on multi-speed bikes, and visiting Fort Holmes—the highest point on the island.History & Fort Mackinac: Exploring Fort Mackinac's history museum, military JAG exhibits, and dining with panoramic views of downtown and Lake Huron on the officer quarters' balcony.Activities & Nightlife: Finding dueling pianos, playing mini-golf on real grass at Mission Point, carriage tours, shopping downtown across 11+ fudge shops, and options for renting your own horse-drawn buggy.Low-Stress Planning: Why Mackinac Island is a refreshing destination where you can wake up and decide your day without needing advance reservations for activities.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, Ellie and her mom return to share their ultimate insider guide to surviving and thriving during a runDisney weekend. Drawing from 15 years and 11 race weekends of experience, they cover critical logistics every runner needs to know—from navigating unexpected flight delays to beating the dreaded "balloon ladies". Key Highlights: The 2-Day Arrival Rule: Why you should always fly in at least two days before your race to account for travel delays, weather disruptions, and required expo bib pick-up.Carry-On Non-Negotiables: Never pack your running shoes or race outfits in checked luggage—wear your shoes on the plane and pack complete race outfits in gallon Ziploc bags inside your carry-on.Corral Warmth & Throwaway Clothes: How to stay warm during chilly 3:00 a.m. corral waits using thrift store robes, oversized sweatshirts, or Mylar blankets that can be tossed and donated before crossing the start line.Florida Weather & Chafing: Why you must bring cold-weather gear regardless of the forecast, plus strategies for managing Florida humidity and sun exposure.The Golden Rule of Race Day: Never wear brand-new shoes, sports bras, or untested costumes on race day—always run in them at least once during training.Beating the Sweepers: Understanding the strict 16-minute-per-mile pace requirement, training for a fast walk, and keeping comfortably ahead of the "balloon ladies".The Memory Maker Advantage: Why purchasing Disney's PhotoPass Memory Maker for your group saves precious time at character stops and captures high-quality race photos. 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 is sitting this one out as Ellie welcomes her favorite running partner—her mom, Nana—to the show. Together, they look back at 15 years of running Disney races together across 13 different race weekends to share their best secrets, hacks, and lessons learned from designing and running in various costumes. From the genius method of securing Mickey ears to the painful reality of scratchy tutus, this episode is a must-listen for anyone planning to dress up for their next magical race. Key Highlights: The Ear-Securing Secret: Why you should use E6000 glue to attach broken-in-half hair combs to your Mickey ears so they stay firmly in place for all 26.2 miles.The Tutu Tragedy: A hilarious but painful cautionary tale about why you must always test-run your costumes before race day to avoid hours of chafing from scratchy tulle.Safety Pins Are Your Best Friend: How to use safety pins to secure everything from stuffed animals on your shoulders to little kid fairy wings.The Problem with Props: Why you should ditch heavy props or cardboard accessories, which are prone to warping in Florida's humidity and rain.A Journey Through Costume History: Ellie and Nana reminisce about their favorite designs, including the 121-person Dalmatian group run, the beautiful Cinderella and Fairy Godmother duo, and how a secondhand homecoming dress made the perfect outfit.Bib Placement Strategy: Why you need to plan where your race bib will go so it doesn't cover up your hard work but remains visible for character photographers. 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, Ellie and Jesse dive into the sensory-rich, thrilling world of amusement parks with young kids. While Ellie grew up running from ride to ride at Cedar Point, Jesse’s rural Missouri childhood looked a bit different, leading to some hilarious family compromises. Together, they break down why amusement parks are more than just a day of fun—they are actual learning environments where kids can build independence, conquer fears, learn patience, and even practice team-building with their siblings. Key Highlights: Patience & Delayed Gratification: Ellie shares a real-life example from Kings Dominion on how discussing line lengths with kids can teach them to make decisions and practice delayed gratification.Screen-Free Line Survival: Creative ways to keep kids engaged while waiting, including math challenges, singing, and how a game of rock-paper-scissors in line evolved into a year-long favorite called "Rockstar Mirror".The Golden Rules of Line Toys: Why you should always pack quiet fidget toys and absolutely leave anything with wheels at home to avoid lost-toy meltdowns.Crowd Safety & Independence: Practical tips on prepping kids for large crowds, such as testing them on your real name and what you are wearing before entering, and letting siblings sit together to build trust.Survival Strategies for Solo Parents: Ellie’s advice on tackling major parks alone, utilizing quiet Family Care Centers for sensory resets, and keeping park days to a manageable 4 to 5 hours.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 takes the lead to pull back the curtain on his role as the "Director of Domestic Survival". After nearly three years as a stay-at-home dad, Jesse shares the honest reality of transitioning from a professional teaching career to managing "small but very emotional humans". We discuss the events that led to this shift—including a non-discriminatory biting habit that got our son kicked out of daycare—and how we navigated the financial and social insecurities that often come with non-traditional parenting roles.Key Highlights: The Transition: Jesse discusses his initial "irrational confidence" and the steep learning curve of caring for a four-month-old, including the vital lesson that staying cooped up in the house is a recipe for disaster.The "Why Us?": An honest look at the logistics behind the decision, from Ellie’s career as active-duty military to the simple math of who provided the best benefits and income for the family.Social Hurdles: Jesse shares his experiences with the "stay-at-home mom bubble" and the challenges of finding a community as a dad in playground settings.A Day in the Life: Jesse breaks down his structured (but flexible) daily routine, which includes "spritly" exercise sessions, household chores, handwriting practice, and creative time with magnet tiles and bug terrariums.Marriage & Money: A serious discussion on why combining finances and maintaining mutual respect is critical for single-income families to avoid the high divorce rates sometimes associated with stay-at-home fatherhood.Fitness for Parents: How Jesse maintains his sanity through running—sometimes pushing 115 pounds of stroller and kids—and the benefits of involving children in your daily workout routine.The Adventure Gear Box In this episode, we mentioned several resources that help keep our household running and our kids (and parents) active: Double Jogging Stroller: Jesse’s secret to getting in a 100+ lb workout while keeping the kids entertained. Numberblocks & Alphablocks: The educational shows we trust to provide "non-garbage" screen time that actually helps with math and literacy. Magna Tiles: The go-to tool for our "creative time" that helps our kids learn to work together and share. 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, Ellie and Jesse conclude their comprehensive Disney World planning series by exploring everything outside the four main theme parks. They dive into the immersive themes of Disney’s two water parks, discuss whether the massive Disney Springs shopping district is worth a visit, and break down the complexities of ticket pricing. The couple also engages in a spirited debate regarding the "value per hour" of a Disney vacation compared to major concerts and other popular amusement parks. Key Highlights: Water Park Showdown: A look at the "melting ski resort" theme of Blizzard Beach—home to the 12-story Summit Plummet—versus the "storm-ravaged" tropical vibe of Typhoon Lagoon. Ellie shares tips on the free water park entry perk for check-in days and why a 3,000-foot lazy river is her top priority.Navigating Disney Springs: Why Jesse views this complex as a "giant outdoor mall" while Ellie highlights unique draws like the World of Disney store, the Lego Store, and specialty entertainment like amphibious car rides and Cirque du Soleil.Ticket Strategies: An explanation of date-based tickets versus Park Hoppers, including why Ellie recommends a "one park per day" approach for longer family trips to avoid the stress and logistical hurdles of moving small children between parks.Military Benefits: A breakdown of the military-discounted ticket options, such as the 4-to-6-day Magic Your Way passes and the unlimited Celebrate America pass.The "Apples to Oranges" Value Debate: Jesse and Ellie compare the hourly cost of Disney (17.40–20.00/hour) to the price of nosebleed concert seats and regional parks like Cedar Point and Holiday World to determine if the "Disney tax" is truly worth it. 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, Ellie and Jesse continue their Disney planning series by breaking down the four major theme parks at Walt Disney World. They provide a high-level overview of the logistics, family-friendliness, and unique themes of each location, from the classic "most magical" atmosphere of Magic Kingdom to the massive 500-acre wilderness of Animal Kingdom. Whether you are looking for character meet-and-greets, immersive cinematic worlds, or a global culinary tour, this episode helps you decide which parks to prioritize for your next family adventure. Key Highlights: Magic Kingdom: Why it is considered the "crown jewel," featuring 25 rides across six themed lands, and tips on why it remains the must-do park for families with young children.Epcot: Exploring the 11 countries of the World Showcase, the "drink around the world" strategy, and why the World of Nature aquarium is a sleeper hit for kids who love aquatic life.Hollywood Studios: A look at the most thrill-heavy park, including the immersive Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the intense heat of Toy Story Land, and the hilariously adult-friendly Frozen Sing-Along.Animal Kingdom: Navigating the largest park in the world, featuring the Kilimanjaro Safaris, the bioluminescent world of Pandora, and why you shouldn't miss the 300 animal carvings on the Tree of Life.Park Strategies: Personal takes on construction updates, the best parks for strollers, and why Epcot might be more family-friendly than its "drinking" reputation suggests. 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, Ellie and Jesse are joined by Ellie’s parents—Nana and Papa—to recap the final leg of their massive New England tour: a trip to Acadia National Park in Maine. They discuss the transition from race life to "park life," sharing their favorite stops along the way, including a Civil War hero's grave and a 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue. From navigating the technical trails of Jordan Pond to conquer the park's hilly terrain on ebikes, this episode is a guide to making one of the nation's most beautiful parks work for a multi-generational family. Key Highlights: The Road to Acadia: Why you should make time for history in Bowdoin (Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain’s grave) and pop culture in Bangor (the Paul Bunyan statue and Stephen King’s "creepy" gothic home).The Provisioning Pro-Tip: The importance of stopping at the Walmart in Ellsworth to stock up on food before heading onto the island, where prices skyrocket at local "mom and pop" shops.Airbnb Lessons: A humorous look at the logistics of staying in a four-bedroom house with six people and only one bathroom, and why they recommend staying in the quiet town of Seal Harbor.Park Loop Road Essentials: Navigating the crowds in Bar Harbor, the shock of the freezing North Atlantic water at Sand Beach, and why you must secure a reservation to see the fog recede from the summit of Cadillac Mountain.The Jordan Pond House: Tips for getting a table at the world-famous Jordan Pond House (get there early!) to enjoy their signature popovers and lobster bisque.Hike vs. Bike: An honest review of the "technically challenging" 3.4-mile hike around Jordan Pond with a four-year-old versus the "best part of the trip"—renting ebikes to cruise the scenic carriage trails with the kids in trailers.The Grandparent Advantage: Why traveling with in-laws makes the logistics of family travel significantly easier, even if it means the kids get a little extra ice cream.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, Ellie and Jesse are joined by two very special guests—Ellie’s parents—to recap a "logistical masterpiece" of a vacation. The group discusses their experience participating in the Mainly Marathons New England Race Series, which involved completing six races in six different states over six consecutive days. While Ellie and Jesse worked toward their goal of running in all 50 states, the grandparents joined to watch the kids, with one major stipulation: they had to visit six breweries in those six states along the way.Key Highlights: The Race Series Logistics: An inside look at how Mainly Marathons operates, featuring short, out-and-back loop courses that allow runners to complete any distance from a 5K to a 50K.State-by-State Breakdown: Connecticut: A monotonous but pretty bike path run followed by a "mosquito alley" hike and a visit to Thomas Hooker Brewery.Rhode Island: A unique race starting at an interstate rest stop and a rainy-day pivot to a Children’s Science Museum in Massachusetts.Massachusetts: Ellie’s favorite course along a canal, a visit to the Dr. Seuss Museum, and the "best beer of the trip"—a blueberry marshmallow sour—at White Lion Brewery.Vermont: Relaxing at a ski resort penthouse and running along a scenic river path.New Hampshire: A "sketchy" course featuring a bridge with vertical slats that the hosts warn may not be best for longer distances.Maine: The chilly, rainy finale in Sanford where they finally connected all six medals into one massive chain.Family Travel Survival: The reality of "living like gypsies" for a week, from managing toddler meltdowns in the car to discovering a "wall of toys" in a rural Maine Airbnb.The "Bird Poop" Incident: Jesse shares the hilarious (and gross) story of a bird leaving a "present" on his head during a parking lot picnic.The Adventure Gear BoxIn this episode, we mentioned several locations and race details. You can find spots to link them below: Mainly Marathons: Check out their various race series across the country, including the New England and Mid-Atlantic (Independence) series.Dr. Seuss Museum: A must-visit, interactive museum in Springfield, Massachusetts, that is perfect for families. Connect with Designed for Adventure: Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventurePinterest: ⁠Designed for Adventure⁠E-mail: [email protected]: Follow us for more tips on making your next race weekend a success!

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, I am joined by a very special guest—my mom—who is a true runDisney veteran with 12 race weekends under her belt. Together, we look back at 15 years of race travels to help you decide exactly where to stay for your next magical event. We break down the massive benefits of staying within the "Disney Bubble," from the 3:00 a.m. bus transportation to the irreplaceable camaraderie of fellow runners clanking their medals on the way back to the resort. Key Highlights: On-Property vs. Off-Property: We discuss why we always choose to stay on-property, highlighting the stress-free nature of Disney transportation and the potential hidden costs of off-site hotels, such as rental cars and parking fees.The Monorail Advantage: Learn why staying at a monorail resort like the Contemporary or Polynesian can allow you to sleep in an extra 30 minutes for the half and full marathons.Resort Reviews: We share our honest thoughts on a variety of resorts, including the compact convenience of Port Orleans French Quarter, the "location-perfect" Boardwalk, and the space provided by the Art of Animation family suites.The DVC Strategy: I explain how renting Disney Vacation Club (DVC) points became our "gateway" to deluxe resorts, allowing us to enjoy one-bedroom suites with full kitchens and extra bathrooms.Logistics Warnings: We debunk the myth that you can walk to the race start line from nearby hotels and discuss the challenges of navigating massive resorts like Fort Wilderness and Caribbean Beach.Military Perks: A look at Shades of Green, a great deluxe-tier option for military families that offers huge rooms and easy access to the Polynesian.Connect with Designed for Adventure: Instagram: @DesignForAdventurePodFacebook: Design for AdventurePinterest: Designed for AdventureE-mail: [email protected]: Follow us for more tips on making your next race weekend a success!

In this episode of Designed for Adventure, Jesse and Ellie head deep into the heart of the Black Hills to explore the region’s best family-friendly destinations. They share why this area is a "legit" adventure hub, covering everything from the scenic overlooks of Spearfish Canyon to the prehistoric wonders of the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs. Whether you are looking for the historical kitsch of Deadwood, the majestic "big heads" of Mount Rushmore, or a wildlife loop filled with buffalo and donkeys, this episode provides a roadmap for a successful Black Hills getaway. Key Highlights: The Northern Hills & Wyoming Side-Trips: Why you should put Devil’s Tower National Monument on your radar for its unique "pillar" formations and kid-friendly perimeter hike.Panning for Gold in Deadwood: How to navigate this gambling town with kids, including watching historical reenactments and visiting the Broken Boot Gold Mine.The Mickelson Trail: Logistics for exploring the 109-mile rail-to-trail path that is perfect for running with strollers due to its gradual grades.Mount Rushmore & Crazy Horse: Tips for visiting the national monuments, including a reminder that military members get free parking at Rushmore and details on the annual Volksmarch hike at Crazy Horse.Custer State Park Gems: A breakdown of the Needles Highway, rock scrambling at Little Devil’s Tower, and why you should "never pet the fluffy cows" (buffalo) on the Wildlife Loop.Caves and Fossils: An honest look at Wind Cave National Park and the incredible active archaeological excavation happening at the Mammoth Site.The Adventure Gear Box In this episode, we discussed several locations and tools that made our Black Hills trip a success. You can find spots to link your recommendations below: Mickelson Trail Map: Use this to plan your sections of the 109-mile gravel path for running, hiking, or biking with the family.Crazy Horse Volksmarch Info: Check dates for the June or fall hikes where you can walk out onto the arm of the monument.The Mammoth Site Tours: Book tickets to see one of the most unique fossil sites in the world where they are still discovering new remains.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 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 Box In 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!