Located in Central Florida, Kissimmee is in Osceola County, close to Orlando, Disney, and all the theme parks. Kissimmee area is famous for its numerous attractions, theme parks, and outdoor adventures that offer lifelong memories to both visitors and locals alike.
I visited Kissimmee in the spring with a group of travel writers. We found fun things to do in Kissimmee for the whole family.
Kissimmee activities are plentiful. With so much to do and see in Kissimmee, it’s no wonder why it’s the second most popular tourist destination in Florida. Let’s look at the best things to do on your next visit to Kissimmee, Florida.
Explore Historic Downtown Kissimmee
Visit historic downtown Kissimmee for an excellent selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. Explore Main Street for family-owned shops, a speakeasy, antique treasures, and delightful cafes.
If you’re a foodie, Kissimmee has you covered with its wide variety of cuisines ranging from American, Mexican, Italian, and even Japanese.
Check Out the Public Art
Public art is abundant throughout Kissimmee. You can enjoy the art without spending a dime. One of the main attractions in the city is the Monument of States. Each state is represented. When we visited, our group had fun finding each of our states.
Theme Parks
Many people visit Kissimmee for its amusement parks. You can find everything from thrill rides and roller coasters to carousels and Ferris wheels. The Kissimmee area is home to 14+ theme parks. While many people only think of Disney and Universal, there is so much more.
Walt Disney World Resort
Known worldwide as the happiest place on earth, the Walt Disney World Resort is an attraction you can’t miss while in Kissimmee. Did you know that Kissimmee is closer to Disney parks than Orlando? Kissimmee is about 11 miles from Disney World, and Orlando is 17 miles away.
Walt Disney World Resort comprises Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Epcot, two waterparks, Disney Springs, and numerous hotels and resorts. The
Kissimmee to Disney World: About 11 miles
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
The Legoland Florida Resort is a 150-acre vacation destination in Winter Haven, Florida. The resort features the interactive Legoland Florida theme park, the Legoland Water Park, and various hotels.
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Kissimmee to Legoland: About 37 miles
Peppa Pig Theme Park
One Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884
Central Florida’s newest theme park, Peppa Pig, is perfect for younger visitors. It has a lot of sensory features and is accessible to all. It features family rides, kid-sized attractions, water features, and Breakfast with Peppa Pig.
Kissimmee to Peppa Pig: About 37 miles
Fun Spot Kissimmee
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746
You will find all kinds of fun at Fun Spot Kissimmee. They have extreme thrill rides like the two tallest SkyCoasters in the world at 200 and 300 feet, where three people are strapped into a harness and experience a cross between hang gliding and sky diving.
There are arcades, go-karts, a splash pad, the big Liberty Swing, and much more.
SeaWorld® Parks & Resorts
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
SeaWorld® Parks & Resorts include SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica. They have exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters such as swimming with dolphins, exhilarating water slides, and more.
Kissimmee to SeaWorld: About 9 miles
Universal Orlando Resort
6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32819
Enjoy three theme parks, Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, and Volcano Bay Waterpark, plus the Universal Citywalk and various hotels and eateries at Universal Orlando Resort.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ crosses into both theme parks and you can get your thrills on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. With more than 50 rides, you are sure to be entertained.
Volcano Bay features an aqua coaster and drop slides to help you stay cool on hot days.
Kissimmee to Universal Studios: About 14 miles
Old Town
5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL, 34746
Old Town is a popular tourist destination in Kissimmee, Florida. The area is home to various shops, restaurants, and attractions. A carousel and a Ferris wheel are available. They often host live music, and Old Town hosts numerous special events throughout the year, such as car shows and festivals.
Swamp Tour Airboat Ride
Kissimmee is located in Central Florida, which means there are plenty of swamps and wetlands to explore. Airboat ride swamp tours are another popular tourist activity. These rides occur on large boats powered by propellers, allowing them to travel across shallow waters at high speeds. Visitors can see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat during the ride.
When I visited, our tour and Airboat ride was with Wild Florida. We saw birds and alligators and had a fun time.
Wild Florida
3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739
As I mentioned, our airboat swamp tour was with Wild Florida, but they have so much more to see and do. They have a drive-thru safari park, a gator park, animal encounters, and more.
When we visited, we touched baby gators, got up close with a sloth, and fed a giraffe.
Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail Orlando, Florida 32837
Gatorland is an alligator theme park located just outside of Kissimmee and a popular tourist attraction. The park is home to hundreds of alligators and crocodiles. Various other animals, such as snakes, flamingos, and other birds, live there too.
Visitors can participate in educational shows and feedings or explore the park at their own pace. Gatorland also offers rides and attractions, including a zipline course.
When I visited, I had the opportunity to help feed the gators. That was quite the experience. They had coolers full of pieces of chicken for feeding the gators.
Orlando TreeTrek Adventure Park
7625 Sinclair Rd., Kissimmee, Florida 34747
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is your destination if you are into obstacle courses and ziplining. They have courses for all abilities, and progressing through each aerial obstacle course gets more challenging. Think suspended bridges, Tarzan rope swings, hanging nets, and more.
Golfing
Kissimmee boasts over 55 golf courses within a 15-mile radius that cater to both beginners and experienced golfers. Tee off at one of the many golf courses in the city and enjoy stunning views and challenging fairways.
Fishing
Fishing is another popular activity in Kissimmee. Many lakes and rivers in the area are stocked with bass, catfish, and other types of fish. You can either go fishing on your own or take a guided fishing tour. Either way, you’re sure to have a fun time!
Pioneer Village
2491 Babb Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34746
Pioneer Village is part of the Shingle Creek Regional Park. Pioneer Village focuses on the history of Osceola with reproduced pioneer structures and tours. The village includes a schoolhouse, train depot, general store, church, post office, homesteads from Osceola settlers, and working structures such as a citrus packing plant.
Shingle Creek Regional Park
Sitting at the northern headwaters of the Florida Everglades, Shingle Creek Regional Park is a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. Bike riding, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular activities. The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek offers rentals for canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks. They also offer guided nature eco-tours.
Birdwatching, biking, fishing, and picnicking are also popular at the Shingle Creek Regional Park.
Lake Tohopekaliga
201 Lakeview Dr, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Known as Lake Toho to the locals, Lake Tohopekaliga is one of the most famous bass lakes in the entire country. The 22,700-acre lake is renowned for its professional bass fishing competitions and birdwatching opportunities.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park is near the lake’s northern end and has walking trails, covered picnic areas, a fishing pier, a splash pad and playground, and a miniature lighthouse. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the lake or barbeque and have a family picnic with a lake view.
ICON Park
8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
You will find fun for the whole family at ICON Park. From the famous Madame Tussauds Orlando wax museum to the 400-foot-tall observation wheel known as The Wheel to the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, there are activities for all to enjoy.
Kissimmee to Icon Park on International Dr: About 12 miles
Kissimmee is the perfect destination for a memorable vacation or weekend getaway. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, Kissimmee always promises to provide you with an unforgettable experience. From strolling down Main Street to riding thrill rides or participating in other Kissimmee activities, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. Experience Kissimmee for yourself, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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