Introduction
Kissimmee, Florida is located just minutes from Disney World and the Orlando theme parks. There is plenty to do in this bustling area from touristy sort of family attractions to “Real Florida” outdoor experiences, there is something for everyone.
Here are my favorite places in the area:
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Gatorland
Technically, Gatorland is located on the line between Kissimmee and Orlando, and has an Orlando address, it is definitely a top Florida attraction, and you’ll appreciate that we didn’t exclude it form the list based on this technicality.
Since it is home to LITTERALLY THOUSANDS of alligators, this attraction will let you see alligators up close and personal. You can also watch live shows and feed the gators! Other amenities include a swamp buggy ride, zip lines, playgrounds, and numerous animal exhibits and experiences.
Old Town
Old Town is the shopping and entertainment district in Kissimmee. The area has many restaurants, shops and attractions which are themed after particular eras of history, for example, a 50’s store, a 60’s store, an old-fashioned general store, and more. There is a large fountain at the center of Old Town, which is often used for concerts or other outdoor events.
Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America is the place to go if you’re looking for a wide variety of fun activities. With laser tag, arcade games, go karts and amusement park rides, they have something for everyone. Whether you’re into mini-golfing or roller coasters, Fun Spot has it all! The Fun Spot rides are interspersed throughout the Old Town area.
If you’re looking for a great place to take the kids on vacation this summer then look no further than Fun Spot America!
Visitors Flea Market
If you’re the kind of person who loves to shop, this is the place to go. The Visitors Flea Market has over 100,000 square feet of shopping that will keep anyone busy for hours. There are more than 300 vendors selling antiques, collectibles, jewelry and crafts, furniture and clothing—and best of all it’s free to walk through. There is no shortage of Disney paraphernalia and Florida souvenirs.
Free parking is also available on-site so there’s no need to worry about finding cash for parking meters or garages. The flea market is open seven days a week from 9am until 5pm Monday through Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sundays.
World Food Trucks
Just behind the Visitor’s flea Market is World Food Trucks. There are scores of food trucks back there with various kinds of international cuisine. The vast majority of the food is Latin in nature with a few exceptions. You are certain to find something delicious when you visit here.
Medieval Times
Enjoy a family dinner together as you watch medieval-style competitions unfold before your eyes! Watch as knights joust, sword fight, and perform other feats in the arena before you with much of it taking place on horseback.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Kissimmee Lakefront Park is the perfect spot for families and friends to spend the day. Located on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, this park has something for everyone. Kids will love going to one of many playgrounds in the area, while adults can go fishing or enjoy a picnic.
If you have a dog, Kissimmee Lakefront Park is also pet-friendly! There is an off-leash dog park where you can walk your best friend and let them run around all they want without having to worry about getting in trouble with authorities.
Downtown Kissimmee Florida
Downtown Kissimmee Florida is a great place to visit. There’s lots to do and see and it has a lot of history. Downtown Kissimmee Florida has many restaurants, shops and festivals.
Primarily located at the intersection of US 192 (Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway) and Main Street (State Road 535), the downtown area extends from Lake Toho Blvd on the north end to Osceola Square Mall on the south end encompassing approximately 2 miles in length up to four blocks wide. This area includes many shops, restaurants and historical buildings that bring back old memories for some. Disney World, Universal Studios, and the theme parks are just minutes away by car which makes this location very convenient!
Museum of Military History
The Museum of Military History is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about the history of the United States Army in Florida. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting artifacts and memorabilia from Civil War, World War I and World War II.
Located on Osceola Parkway near Kissimmee’s gateway welcome center, it’s easy to find this treasure trove of military history with its large yellow sign visible from Interstate 4.
The museum houses over 6,000 artifacts including antique firearms, uniforms and medals as well as vintage cannons and equipment used during various wars or training exercises throughout Florida’s storied past.
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center
Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center is located in Kissimmee, FL. The resort features a beautiful hotel and many other amenities.
The Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center has a gorgeous pool with a lazy river (a body of water with no current that people can float down). The water park at the resort also has many fun attractions, including slides and water fountains to splash around in. There are several restaurants at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center as well—the food here is excellent!
Shingle Creek Regional Park
Shingle Creek Regional Park is a park in the city of Kissimmee, Florida. It is a 10-acre park that has a nature trail along Shingle Creek. The nature trail is 1.5 miles long and winds through many different types of habitats including mangroves, pine flatwoods, scrubland and savanna.
Shingle Creek Regional Park is located at 1711 Shingle Creek Road in Kissimmee, FL 34744
The Disney Wilderness Preserve
The Disney Wilderness Preserve is a nature preserve in Kissimmee, Florida. It is located in Osceola County, Florida, United States. The Disney Wilderness Preserve is a protected area of the Osceola County, Florida, United States. The reserve was established in 2001 with the intention of restoring native habitats and preserving wildlife populations that have been threatened by development elsewhere around the world.
Osceola County Historical Society Pioneer Village
Osceola County Historical Society Pioneer Village is a living history museum located in Kissimmee. The village offers visitors an authentic look into Florida’s past and has been around since 1960.
Visitors will enjoy learning about how Floridians lived in the late 1800s, as well as going on guided tours through historical buildings such as the Old Jail, which was built in 1887 and served as a jail until 1932. They also have a blacksmith shop where you can watch craftsmen make tools using old-fashioned methods.
The village is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, so be sure to stop by when you’re visiting!
Plaza del Sol Mall
Shopping is a popular pastime in Kissimmee and the Plaza del Sol Mall is home to over 100 stores and restaurants. It’s located at the intersection of John Young Parkway and Osceola Parkway, which makes it easy for you to find.
This is a unique mall which is modeled after a Central-American town square. The food court is unique in that it is not primarily made up of your conventional food-court staples. The mall is home to several discount stores and also numerous unique local vendors.
Conclusion
Of course, these are just a few of the best things to do in Kissimmee, Florida. The list could go on and on! Whatever your interests are, there’s something here for you.