Looking for the best things to do in Kissimmee?
Everybody knows that Kissimmee Florida is home to the famous Universal Studios. But, what everybody doesn’t know is that Kissimmee is home to much more than just Mickey and rollercoasters. Located just south of Orlando, in central Florida’s Osceola County, Kissimmee has its own share of ongoing fun and unique attractions to keep the whole family entertained!
Want to feed some alligators or zipline through the trees? Kissimmee offers all of that and so much more! Whether you’re looking to be active or relax, wine or dine, Kissimmee has something for everyone of all ages and abilities. From serene golf courses and scenic wineries for the adults to fun filled waterparks and exciting, interactive attractions for the kids, if you’re looking for something to do besides Disney, this city won’t let you down.
Here’s a look at 19 of the best things to do in Kissimmee. The best attractions and activities you simply can’t miss.
19 Best things to do in Kissimmee FL Other than Disney!
Fun Spot America
Fun Spot is one of the main attractions in Kissimmee. As a family-owned business, surprisingly they have three locations. Aside from this one, they have one in Orlando and one in Atlanta Georgia. With coasters, arcade games and a multi-level go-kart track, this is an awesome “fun spot” that is worth a visit.
The mine blower is a Fun Spot staple so thrill seekers will want to check that one out. The best time to go is earlier in the day, when they first open, in order to beat the lines.
You can either pay per ride or pay for a wristband and ride all day. Fun Spot is open 7 days a week from 10am – midnight and sometimes you can get deals on Groupon. While you’re there, hop on over to Old Town for a quick visit. They’re just right next door and both experiences are fun the whole family will love.
Old Town USA
Old Town, just mentioned, offers a few more rides, a variety of shops and some delicious foods. The stores at Old Town include clothing and accessory boutiques, as well as cute gift shops for something for everyone. Foods include both full-service restaurants and a few bars where you can treat yourself to everything from tasty pizzas to fresh sushi and authentic Mexican cuisine.
In fact, El Borrego is located in Old Town and it’s a local favorite. Also, in addition to monthly music events, Old Town also has weekly karaoke on Tuesdays and Thursdays, as well as weekly muscle car shows on Fridays and weekly classic car shows on Saturdays.
They’re open daily from 10am -11pm and it’s simply just a fun place to walk around, shop, get a bite to eat and maybe catch some live music. It’s definitely worth popping by. Parking is plentiful and pets are welcome.
Lake Tohopekaliga
Lake Tohopekaliga, or commonly referred to as Lake Toho by the locals, is a top vacation spot for its picturesque lake spanning over 40 miles wide, its vast 22,000 acres of land and for being one of the most well-known bass fishing spots in the entire country!
East Lake Toho even offers two options for public swimming! Toho, the Seminole translation for “we shall gather here” is fitting for this tranquil piece of land. For the outdoor enthusiasts, hike their beautiful trails or try your hand at bass fishing.
For those who would rather relax, you can sit back and simply enjoy all of the exotic wildlife and beautiful birds the lake has to offer. Maybe even catch a glimpse of an alligator! Sit or stroll, hike or relax. However you prefer your Lake Life, you just don’t want to miss out on Lake Toho. One of the best free things to do in Kissimmee.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Another great place to take a nice, relaxing break from all the fun is at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, located on Lakeside Drive. This park offers a beautiful view of Lake Toho, a fishing pier, picnic areas with grills to use, and playgrounds with a splash area for kids.
There are also nice, wide walkways by the lake with benches throughout, lighthouse access and lots of wildlife to see! Beautiful birds like blue herons are often spotted here, as well as a few alligators. While you’re there, be sure to check out the war memorial and the Monument of the States.
The park is also located within walking distance of historic Main Street which has some tasty foods if you get hungry. Lakefront Park is always clean and well maintained with plenty of parking too. And it’s obviously pet-friendly so be sure to bring your furry friends along!
Extreme Jet Ski of Orlando
Don’t let the name fool you. Located in Kissimmee, off Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway behind the Howard Johnson Express Inn, Extreme Jet Ski offers regular, premium and high-powered jet ski rentals for half-hour and full-hour time slots.
They don’t take reservations, though, so get out there early! They have the nicest, friendliest staff that genuinely just want to make sure you have an awesome time. Prices range from about $70 to $150. Children must be at least 4 to ride and a photo ID is required for all drivers and adult riders. Minor drivers between the ages of 14 and 17 are only allowed the regular rentals.
A boating license is required, as well as a Florida Boat Course Certificate, which they offer on their website for less than $10. They’re open six days a week, closed on Sundays, and hours vary by season. Weight restrictions may apply.
Gatorland
Technically, Gatorland sits between Kissimmee and Orlando but it’s one of the largest attractions in the state with over a hundred acres of exotic wildlife preserve. Gatorland is exactly what is sounds like. Thousands of alligators and crocodiles have made their homes here, including 4 rare white alligators, as well as birds, reptiles and bobcats.
More than just gators and crocodiles, though, Gatorland also has an impressive petting zoo, live shows, a splash park, a train and even a zipline! If you’ve ever wanted to coast through the air above an alligator swamp, Gatorland is the place to do it!
Looking for something a little less exotic or adventurous? They have beautiful nature trails that you can walk along, too! Gatorland has something for everybody in the group. They’re open daily from 10am to 6pm and, in order to fully experience all this unique attraction has to offer, you should plan on spending several hours here.
Island Grove Wine Company
Island Grove is an agritourism attraction that prides itself on being a vacation for your mind, body and soul. Sitting on almost 10 acres of beautiful botanical gardens and 13,000 square feet of winery, Island Grove is relaxing spot dedicated to agricultural sustainability and community education.
They grow their own fruits and vegetables and make their own honey from hives on their grounds. In addition to self-served wine tastings and winery tours, Island Grove also offers some delicious dishes. Their gourmet flatbreads and French Onion Soup are local favorites.
This classy spot is only open Thursday through Sunday (11am on weekdays and 10am on weekends) and serves brunch during the week. Stop in and sample a few tasty wines, have a bite to eat and enjoy the view. With $8 mimosas for brunch and light bar appetizers for $7 on weeknights, Island Grove is sure to have something for everyone’s taste and style.
Island H20 Water Park
Island H20 Water Park, located on Inspiration Drive, is one of the best water parks in the area. A very modern water park, they do a good job of mixing innovation and pop culture. Here you’ll find unique, customizable floats that light up and play music, as well as lots of places for encouraged photo ops and social media tagging. In addition to their tube slides and raft rides, Island H20 also has a wave pool and a surf simulator. Five of their waterslides are only available to those 48” or taller but there are plenty of other fun and exciting things to do in the park.
Weekday and weekend tickets are available, as well as summer passes which also include free parking. They’re open 7 days a week, starting at 10am and open later on the weekends. Cabanas are available for rent but outside food and drinks are not allowed.
Kissimmee Go-Karts
One of the best Go-Kart tracks in all of Florida is the Kissimmee Go-Kart. In addition to a mile long track (the longest in central Florida) and 50+ games in their arcade, they’re also known for their live alligator pool. With fast karts and 3 fun bridges to drive over and under, historically favorite games like Skeeball, Ms. Pac-Man and Air Hockey, along with an alligator observation area where you can even feed the alligators, what more could you need from a go-kart track?
Don’t forget to save your tickets for cool prizes at the end! This is a really fun and exciting place for the whole family or a great place to host a birthday party. Located on Irlo Branson Memorial Highway, they’re open 7 days a week from noon to 9pm, including holidays. Check out Groupon before you go, though, because they offer a deal for Kissimmee Go-Karts often!
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Another Kissimmee attraction with an Orlando name is the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. This impressive 15-acre adventure park includes nearly 100 unique aerial challenges that involve zip lines, rock climbing and suspension bridges.
Harnesses and hooks keep you securely in place with interesting safety mechanisms that don’t allow more than one hook to open at the same time. Four adult courses and two kid courses make this attraction a family friendly activity that’s fun for all ages.
To complete the course, you make your way to a 50ft tall final zipline that glides you over 400 feet of lush Kissimmee greenery. With so many interesting obstacles for both a mental and physical challenge, this is the place to visit if you’re looking for excitement and adventure! Go out for an afternoon or book a group for team building. They’re open 7 days a week starting at 8am, rain or shine.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
If you want to get really up close and personal with some wildlife, this 30-minute airboat adventure might be just what you’re looking for. It includes the airboat ride which takes you through alligator waters where you’ll also see lots of turtles and exotic birds, a visit to a Native American history museum, a gem mining experience and a lunch!
Lunch is supplied from their very own Boggy Bottom BBQ restaurant (which is also where check in takes place and where you’ll meet your captain.) This whole excursion only lasts about 2-3 hours and costs just over $40 if you book in advance online. The airboat adventure is also wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed. The airboats hold 17 passengers and they’re U.S. Coast Guard approved. This is fun for the whole family and they even offer a free 30 minute birthday ride! This is one adventure you won’t want to miss!
The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek
This is another one for outdoor enthusiasts! Shingle Creek sits at the top of the everglades in the Shingle Creek Regional Park and offers both self-guided paddling and kayaking excursions as well as group tours. This beautiful and tranquil 7-mile water trail leads directly to the scenic Lake Toho. If you have your own equipment, the launch is free.
If not, check out their 2-hour paddling eco tour of Cypress Forest or their 2.5 guided kayaking tour. For more of a behind the scenes look of Cypress Forest, try an after-hours tour or a full moon tour! Paddling is not recommended for children younger than 6 and kayaking is not recommended for children younger than 13. The Paddling Center is open daily from 9am – 3pm and paddleboard/kayak rentals range from $30 – $43 for a 2-hour rental. They suggest calling for your reservation rather than paying online booking fees.
Oscala Arts
Looking to beat the heat and find something to do indoors? Oscala Arts is a performing arts theater that has been connecting the community and art for over 60 years and they’re all about promoting and inspiring participation in the arts. They have two stages for performances and bring in a lot of impressive talent, both local and worldwide.
They have their own art gallery, too, and feature a lot of local artisan work, which is neat. And they’re a versatile art center, too, offering a ton of workshops and classes and camps. At Oscala Arts, you can learn everything from photography and dance to pottery and painting. They have so much that it’s fun for everybody of all ages. Exhibits change monthly so there’s always something new to see and they have over 100 events each year so there’s always something to do. Check out their website for showtimes and events.
Congo River Golf
Congo River Golf is an award-winning golf course with lots more to do than just golf.
In addition to their Congo themed miniature golf course, they also have mining activities for gems, arrowheads and other treasures, scavenger hunts to find lost artifacts, gator feedings and even paddleboat rides! When you putt their course, you play along an African themed course in a tropic rain forest setting, surrounded by caves and waterfalls.
Then, take a paddleboat ride down the Congo River or play along on one of their scavenger hunts following the footsteps of famous Congo explorers. This is a great place to have birthday parties or group activities. They’re open from 10am – 11pm during the week and from 10am to midnight on the weekends. If you can’t catch them in Kissimmee, though, they have seven other locations you can find them – Altamonte Springs, Bonita Springs, Clearwater, Daytona, Port Richey and two locations in Orlando. Coupons and Club memberships are available online.
Pirates Island Adventure Golf
Another exciting place for a game of family-friendly miniature golf is at Pirates Island. Or, with two 18-hole courses, why not play two rounds? Pirates Island has several locations around Florida and the southeast, but the Kissimmee location is known as Pirate’s Cove. Stories of real-life pirates like Captain Kidd and Blackbeard make the course exciting as well as educational.
Begin your course game in a pirate village. Then, continuing on, explore caves and uncover hidden Caribbean treasures alongside pirate ships, waterfalls and lagoons. Pirates Cove is open 7 days a week from 10am – 10pm with their last game starting at 10pm. Adults are $15 for access to only one course or $22 for both courses. Children are $11 for one course or $18 for both courses and kids less than 3 play for free. However, check online because they currently have a coupon for kids 12 and under to play for free.
Osceola County Historical Society Pioneer Village
Historical buffs are going to love this rare 19th century experience. This pioneer historical attraction, which housed the founding farmer, his wife and their 11 kids in the 1890s, relocated some original buildings from throughout Osceola County in order to recreate this authentic village.
Demonstrating life before modern times, they have a school, a church, a post office with Osceola settler homesteads and even a working blacksmith and citrus packing plant! The village also has monthly “living history days” where actors re-enact life during that time period and have themed activities for kids. Guided tours are available with a 2-week notice, typically on Wednesdays, but other days can be scheduled. Self-guided tours, however, are available daily. Adult admission is only $8 and kids are $4 but they also offer a discount on site. Children under 4 are always free. The village is open daily from 10am – 4pm except for major holidays.
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Another fun way to step back into the past is at this 11th century style castle with a four-course feast fit only for royalty! Watch as the queen, knights and quires take the stage for a well-crafted primitive and feudal tournament. Be transported in time as expert worriers perform alongside magical creatures like horses and falcons until, finally, one man is left standing.
Their knights train for years to be a part of this experience knowing weaponry skills, tactics and, most importantly, safety. The royal feast includes a non-alcoholic drink, garlic bread and tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken, corn and an herb-basted potato with a tasty little sweet treat at the end.
Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available, as well as rotating alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks. Adult tickets are $66 and children’s tickets are $39. Reservations are recommended and they suggest arriving at the castle an hour before your show.
Museum of Military History
Yet another way to experience some historical fun is at the Museum of Military History. Opening in 2012, they are also now the home of the U.S Navy Armed Guard and Merchant Marines Museum.
Their goal is to raise awareness and build knowledge and understanding of the American military and to educate the world on the cost of freedom. This incredible museum has tons of artifacts and interactive, interpretive exhibits relating to WWI and II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, the Civil War and so much more. The relics displayed here include everything from weaponry, uniforms and vehicles to letters, photography and personal stories from the war.
The Museum of Military History is a fascinating place to learn a lot of important historical information all in one place! They’re open daily from 10am -6pm, except for Mondays, and admission is between $9 and $12. However, active military and children 5 and younger are free.
Oaks National Golf Club
Oaks National Golf Club is an award-winning golf course that’s been in business since the late 1980’s and they’ve easily become a favorite attraction for both locals and tourists alike. What’s not to love about century old oak trees, scattered bodies of water and wonderful wildlife? This golf course offers pre-round practice facilities and has a pro shop for all your golfing needs.
Also, be sure to stop in the Oaks Café for their full-service restaurant with some delicious foods and refreshing drinks. Rates and fees range from $20 – $45 and tee times can be reserved two weeks in advance.
The golf shop and restaurant are open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset and they pride themselves on being a course that welcomes golfers of all experience levels. So, while you might be a novice, go ahead and enjoy an elite experience at Oaks National Golf Course.
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Do you have any comments as to what else to do in Kissimmee? Let us know in the comments below!
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