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

Ellie Sewell
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Weekly

Designed for Adventure is a practical family travel and parenting podcast about planning meaningful experiences — from Disney trips and destination races to museum day trips and everyday adventures — without losing yourself or your sanity. Honest conversations about travel, money, parenting, and life by design.

  1. 14h ago

    Disney Planning 101: Navigating the Four Disney Parks

    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: designedforadventurepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

  2. Jul 19

    Popovers, Ebikes, and the Giant Paul Bunyan: Our Acadia National Park Adventure

    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: designedforadventurepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

  3. Jul 12

    Six States, Six Races, Six Days, Six Breweries: Navigating the New England Race Series

    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: designedforAdventurePodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making your next race weekend a success!

  4. Jul 5

    You Registered for RunDisney, Now What? The runDisney Hotel Guide

    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: designedforAdventurePodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making your next race weekend a success!

  5. Jun 28

    Canyons, Caves, and Crazy Horse: A family's guide to the Black Hills of South Dakota Part 2

    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: designedforadventurepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

  6. Jun 21

    Rock Scrambling and Presidential Statues: A family guide to Rapid City, South Dakota Part 1

    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: designedforadventurepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Tune in for Part 2 as we head deeper into the Black Hills!

  7. Jun 14

    Flying with Kids: Seating Arrangements, Screen Time Rules, and Organization Hacks

    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: designedforadventurepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

  8. Jun 7

    Fix Bayonets and Tadpoles: Navigating Gettysburg and Civil War Reenactments with Kids

    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: designedforadventurepodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Follow us for more tips on making family adventures work in real life!

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Designed for Adventure is a practical family travel and parenting podcast about planning meaningful experiences — from Disney trips and destination races to museum day trips and everyday adventures — without losing yourself or your sanity. Honest conversations about travel, money, parenting, and life by design.

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