We honey Disney World—don't go us incorrect. But at that place are so many other destinations worthy of your family vacation fourth dimension. Cull 1 of these vacations for something new, and don't worry— The Mouse will e'er be waiting.

Tourists ride sea kayaks in Bar Harbor; Courtesy of Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock

i. Bar Harbor, Maine

Head north along the coast of Maine and y'all'll find some of the world'southward loveliest beaches and seaside villages. One of our favorite Maine family vacations is Bar Harbor, located just outside of Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Isle. Relish outdoor excursions by day—take in the views atop Cadillac Mountain; relax on Sand Beach or Echo Lake Beach; listen to the waves imitate a storm at Thunder Hole—earlier heading dorsum into town for a puffin-spotting prowl and dinner (followed by ice cream at Udder Heaven Ice Foam Retreat, of course).

Recommended Hotel: Bluenose Inn – A Bar Harbor Hotel

A view of Dollywood; Photo Courtesy of Ritu Manoj Jethani/Shutterstock.com

2. Dove Forge, Tennessee

There is so much to practice in and around Pigeon Forge, Tennessee—non to mention how cute the surrounding area is. Activities include zip-lining through Keen Smoky Mountain National Park, shredding powder at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area, and of grade, a day (or several) at famous Dollywood! Dolly Parton's namesake amusement park entertains families with rides and shows for all ages, too every bit a cute amusement park hotel.

Recommended Hotel: Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Spa

Sunset over Disney's Aulani Resort; Photo Courtesy of Disney's Aulani Resort

3. Disney's Aulani Resort – Oahu, HI

Y'all won't notice the characters and theming available at Disney resort hotels, but Disney'southward Aulani Resort amuses families with a luxury experience on the isle of Oahu in Hawaii. The oceanfront property features sparkling pools, family activities, delicious restaurants and superb accommodations. If y'all tin manage to pull the kids (and yourselves) away from the resort, caput to the famous North Shore, Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor or the Dole Plantation for succulent DoleWhips.

mom plays at waterpark with daughter; Courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge Wisconsin Dells

4. Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

Did you know Wisconsin Dells is the Water Park Upper-case letter of the Earth? It touts 20 h2o parks! Many of the water parks are full water park resorts (Great Wolf Order, Kalahari), with water park access (and tons of other civilities) included in nightly rates. Simply that's not all this Midwest town offers. You can also check out the Rick Wilcox Magic Theater, Wisconsin Deer Park, and when you're hungry, MACs for macaroni and cheese served in a dozen variations.

Recommended Hotel: Great Wolf Order Wisconsin Dells

view of lake tahoe; Courtesy of topseller/Shutterstock.com

5. Lake Tahoe, California

The cobalt-bluish waters will attract yous; the outdoor activities will captivate yous; and the ability to disconnect will take your family returning to Lake Tahoe once again and again. Lakeside activities include hiking, biking, water sports and of course, simply relaxing on the beaches. Year-round, you can as well visit Squaw Valley Ski Expanse or Heavenly Mountain Resort for more fun.

While the lake borders California and Nevada, nosotros recommend Lake Tahoe, California, for its wide range of accommodations, from upkeep motels to holiday rentals.

Recommended Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe

panorama of Best Western Plus Hood River Inn; Courtesy of Best Western Plus Hood River Inn

six. Hood River, Oregon

The Pacific Northwest steals the show from Disney World… especially in the Columbia River Gorge. This is a driving vacation for families who want to explore, and highlights include the Celebrated Columbia River Highway (the main highway through the surface area); the "Fruit Loop" for fresh produce, wine and more than at the area'southward farms; and drives to Multnomah Falls and Mount Hood. Programme to stay in Hood River, where y'all'll notice a nice range of hotels, restaurants and in the summer, amazing wind surfing. Or, combine your visit with a trip to Portland, Oregon, about an hour outside of this National Scenic Expanse.

Recommended Hotel: BEST WESTERN PLUS Hood River Inn

The aviary at XCaret park; Courtesy of Kamira/Shutterstock

vii. Xcaret Park – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Try something different this twelvemonth—become to an entertainment park in Mexico! Xcaret Park, located in Playa del Carmen, offers something for everyone in your family. Your youngest set volition savour the Butterfly Pavilion and Coral Reef Aquarium while teens volition beg to swim with sharks or go up close with stingrays. Together, the whole family can go scuba diving, scout a fantastical testify or celebrated reenactment, and relish the flavors of Mexico at six onsite dining venues. Programme to spend several days at this risk park!

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Xcaret

Iceland; Courtesy of Boyloso/Shutterstock.com

viii. Republic of iceland

Only a v-60 minutes flight from New York Urban center, Iceland is exotic, still close to home for those who live on the East Coast. Your whole family unit will enjoy the scenery as you make your way around the famous Ring Road, where you'll spot breathtaking waterfalls, glaciers and volcanos. In the upper-case letter city of Reykjavik, the geothermal pools with slides—including the popular Blue Lagoon—are another highlight for kids. Bonus: Iceland can be explored in less than a week'southward time, making it optimal for family "microcations" year-round.

Recommended Hotel: Alda Hotel

Related: Iceland With a Twist: What Information technology'due south Like to Explore the State of Burn and Ice With Adventures by Disney

horse sticking head over fence at wildcatter ranch

9. Dude Ranches – Multiple Locations

Dude ranches are and then much fun for families, and they're all-inclusive, besides! The focus at dude ranches (too known as guest ranches) is on spending quality time together and enjoying the great outdoors. Families can await to saddle up for horseback riding, archery, line dancing, bonfires, hiking, biking, swimming and more—all in some of the near cute parts of the U.S. Many dude ranches offering special activities for specific age groups, likewise, from tots to teens. For adults, there are even spas and happy hours at some of the resorts! Not sure if a dude ranch is right for your cowboys and cowgirls?

Recommended Hotel: Wildcatter Ranch Resort & Spa

aerial view of Costa Rica; Courtesy of PAUL ATKINSON/Shutterstock.com

10. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is essentially an outdoor amusement park in the rainforest. The fun includes hikes to active volcanoes; aught-lining through the treetops; spotting sloths and other wild fauna; and stays at beautiful eco-centric resorts. The fruit is some of the freshest and sweetest you'll ever eat, too! Nosotros highly recommend Manuel Antonio National Park, Quepos and/or Sarapiqui for your itinerary.

Recommended Hotel: Si Como No

Family Hiking with Kids Mount Rainier National Park; Courtesy of Iuliia Sheliepova/Shutterstock

11. National Parks – Multiple Locations

Our national parks are family vacation treasures. Plus, they're like shooting fish in a barrel on the wallet! Let the kids join in on a Inferior Ranger programme; they'll complete tasks every bit you make your way through the park, earning a badge of laurels upon completion. The programs are a fantastic style to run across the park. Visit National Park Family Vacations to start planning your trip.

boats on a dock in Lake Champlain, Vermont; Courtesy of Albert Pego/Shutterstock.com

12. Lake Champlain, Vermont

There's something so magical about Lake Champlain, Vermont, and the tiny towns that line its shores. Take a gunkhole ride from the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum in Vergennes; build a toy bear at the Vermont Teddy Comport Visitor in Shelburne; go for a hike at Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte; visit Lake Champlain's inhabitants at the ECHO Leahy Heart in Burlington; and indulge in fresh maple creemees at Allenholm Farm in South Hero.

Possibly the all-time highlight of a visit to Lake Champlain is the area's lakeside resorts that harken to the vacations of yesteryear, with inclusive packages that cover family meals and activities—including enough of water sports.

Recommended Hotel: Tyler Place Family Resort

During Mickey's Sail-a-Wave Party aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, guests join Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald; Courtesy of Disney

13. Disney Cruise

The best part about a vacation with Disney Cruise Line is that kids tin meet and collaborate with all of their favorite characters sans long theme park lines. And that's truly merely the beginning. Disney'due south ships offer astonishing kids' programming (re: Andy'south Room from Toy Story), interactive dining experiences, professional shows and family unit-friendly accommodations and amenities—from spacious suites to baby bathtubs. Its excursions, which include the line's private isle, Castaway Cay, in the Bahamas, are tiptop-notch too.

Related: What to Pack for a Disney Cruise: The Ultimate Packing Listing

What to Pack for Your Adjacent Trip

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