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When we usually visit Central Florida, we mostly spend time at the Disney parks, but this time we decided to explore more of what Kissimmee has to offer—and I’m so glad we did. From thrilling outdoor adventures to charming local spots, Kissimmee turned out to be the perfect place for creating unforgettable family memories.
Beyond its location just minutes from the Disney theme parks, Kissimmee is packed with unique attractions that offer something for everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for exciting activities, relaxing moments, or a mix of both, Kissimmee has it all. Thanks to the warm welcome we received from Experience Kissimmee, who helped us plan our itinerary, we were able to experience some of the best activities Kissimmee has to offer. Their website is filled with recommendations and resources to make your trip to Central Florida magical.
Why Stay in Kissimmee?
If you’re visiting Central Florida, staying in Kissimmee gives you the best of both worlds. You’re just minutes away from Walt Disney World and other major theme parks, but you also get the chance to experience unique local attractions and a more laid-back atmosphere.
Where to Stay: FantasyWorld Resort a Home Away from Home
We stayed at FantasyWorld Resort, and it was absolutely perfect for our family. The two-bedroom townhouse offered plenty of space to spread out, which is so important when traveling with teens. They loved having their own rooms to relax in after long, active days, while I appreciated the full kitchen, which made it easy to whip up quick breakfasts or snacks and save money on dining out. The townhouse setup felt like a true home away from home—comfortable, convenient, and ideal for families.
What really makes a resort like FantasyWorld stand out is how it’s perfect for meeting up with extended family or friends. Each family can have their own townhouse, giving everyone privacy and space, but the layout of the resort also makes it easy to gather together. Whether it’s sharing a meal, hanging out by the pool, or relaxing around the fire pit in the evenings, there’s plenty of room to create special moments as a group. And if you’re heading to the Disney parks, FantasyWorld has shuttles which make it so convenient!
One of my favorite parts of the resort was the lazy river—there’s something so relaxing about floating under the Florida sun. My teens couldn’t get enough of the water slides and mini-golf course, while the zero-entry pool was perfect for families with younger kids. The resort also has a variety of activities like mini golf, an arcade and rock climbing, so there’s always something to keep everyone entertained. Evenings spent roasting s’mores at the fire pit were such a special way to wind down and reconnect as a family.
Staying in Kissimmee gave us the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation. It’s the ideal base for exploring everything Central Florida has to offer, with the added bonus of coming back to a cozy and welcoming space to recharge. And the best part is that it’s so affordable, costing less than most area Orlando hotels we’ve stayed at in the past!
The Best Things To Do In And Around Kissimmee
Staying in Kissimmee makes it so easy to enjoy the big attractions while also exploring everything the area has to offer. Here are some of our favorite activities in the area beyond the big theme parks:
Wild Florida: An Unforgettable Wildlife Adventure
If you’re looking for something truly unique, Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park should be at the top of your list. This was one of the highlights of our trip, and it’s an experience we’ll never forget.
We started with the Safari Drive-Thru, which felt like a mini African safari right in Florida. My teens were glued to the windows as giraffes, zebras, and bison came right up to the car. Feeding the giraffes was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip—watching my teens laugh as the giraffes gently took lettuce from their hands with their long tongues was pure joy.
The Capybara Encounter was another favorite. We all immediately fell in love with these adorable animals. They couldn’t stop smiling as they fed them and even got to pet them. Hearing the capybaras’ soft little chirps and watching their gentle behavior made this such a special and unique experience for all of us. I seriously want a capybara as a pet now, they are so adorable!
After the safari and capybara encounter, we visited Wild Florida’s Gator Park, and it was such a fun stop before our airboat ride. Feeding the baby alligators was a unique experience, and my daughter absolutely loved chatting with a cockatoo—she’s convinced it only talked to her and hasn’t stopped mentioning it! The park is home to so many fascinating animals, from lemurs and bobcats to sloths and, of course, alligators. Walking through the habitats and seeing the animals up close added such a special touch to our day.
And then came the airboat ride—what an adventure! Skimming across the Everglades, spotting alligators sunning themselves, and watching beautiful birds take flight over the water was exhilarating. We were so surprised to find cows wading through the flooded grasslands! Our guide shared fascinating details about the ecosystem, making it not just thrilling but also educational.
Wild Florida offers the perfect combination of excitement, nature, and unique experiences. We all love animals and always include nature related activities in our trips so it’s no surprise that this was one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
Exploring Old Town: Vintage Charm in Kissimmee
One of Kissimmee’s most unique attractions is Old Town, a charming area that feels like a step back in time. It’s full of vintage Americana vibes, with brick streets, old-fashioned storefronts, and live music that adds to the nostalgic atmosphere.
We visited during one of their famous classic car shows, and it was amazing to see the beautifully restored cars lined up along the street. My teens had so much fun snapping photos of their favorites, and I couldn’t help but feel a little nostalgic myself.
We spent the evening wandering through the quirky shops and picking up a few souvenirs. For dinner, we stopped at one of the local restaurants and enjoyed the lively atmosphere with live entertainment in the background. Old Town is such a fun place to explore and was one of the most relaxing evenings of our trip.
Fun Spot America: Big Thrills, Small Crowds
Right next to Old Town is Fun Spot America, a family-owned theme park that delivers big on fun. My teens couldn’t wait to try the rides, and the, a wooden roller coaster with a full 360-degree loop, was their favorite.
The go-kart tracks were another big hit. My kids loved racing each other and couldn’t stop laughing as they tried to outdo one another. I appreciated that the park had tracks for all ages and skill levels, so everyone could join in the fun.
What makes Fun Spot America so special is its laid-back vibe. There are no overwhelming crowds, the lines are short, and the staff is incredibly friendly. It’s a great option for families looking for a fun day out without the stress of larger theme parks.
Disney Springs: A Special Spot for Families
No trip to Kissimmee is complete without a stop at Disney Springs, and for us, it was extra special because we got to celebrate my nephew’s 2nd birthday there. My brother and his family were visiting from Guatemala, so this was a chance to create some truly magical memories together.
Lunch at Rainforest Café was such a fun experience. My nephew was mesmerized by the animatronic animals and the rainstorms that happened every 30 minutes. Watching his face light up with excitement was such a sweet moment for all of us. My nephew was mesmerized by the animatronic animals and the rainstorms that happened every 30 minutes. Watching his face light up with excitement was such a sweet moment for all of us. To make it even more special, we ordered the famous Volcano Dessert, and the staff brought it out while singing happy birthday to him. His eyes were as wide as the dessert itself, and we all had such a great time sharing it. The Volcano Dessert was not only delicious but also big enough for all of us to enjoy together—it was the perfect ending to our meal. If you visit make sure to make reservations for Rainforest Café days in advance.
After lunch, we explored some of the shops, including the LEGO Store and World of Disney, where we found the perfect souvenirs. Disney Springs isn’t just about shopping—it’s a vibrant experience that the whole family can enjoy together.
Discovering the Wonders of SEA LIFE Orlando
My kids and I had been to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium before, and we just knew my 2-year-old nephew would love it, so we all went together—and it turned out to be such a special experience. Located at ICON Park on International Drive, SEA LIFE Orlando is an engaging and immersive underwater world that’s perfect for visitors of all ages, and seeing it through his eyes made it even more magical.
He was completely in awe of the sea turtles gliding gracefully through the water, the stingrays moving like underwater dancers, and the sheer size of the sharks swimming overhead in the 360-degree ocean tunnel. The interactive exhibits were a huge hit. He loved the touch tanks, where he could gently feel starfish and other marine creatures, and the jellyfish exhibit was another favorite. Watching him change the colors of the lights in the jellyfish tank with the touch of a button brought so many giggles! The giant interactive touchscreens, where he could play games and learn fun facts about the sea creatures, kept him entertained and curious.
Why Kissimmee is Perfect for Families
Kissimmee is full of unique attractions that make it so much more than just a convenient spot near the Disney theme parks. From unforgettable adventures at Wild Florida to the nostalgic charm of Old Town and the laid-back fun of Fun Spot America, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What I loved most about our trip was how balanced it felt. We had moments of excitement and adventure, like riding airboats and roller coasters, but also time to relax and connect as a family. Whether you’re visiting the theme parks or looking for something different, Kissimmee is the perfect place to create lasting memories.
We can’t wait to come back and explore even more of the unique attractions that make Kissimmee so special. And if you’re planning your own trip, I highly recommend visiting the Experience Kissimmee website to help plan your itinerary. It’s packed with resources and recommendations to make your trip unforgettable.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
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