6 kid-friendly things to do in Kissimmee, FL besides theme parks

Known as the home of Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter, Kissimmee, Florida is famous for its attractions. From the major theme parks to its central Florida location and year-long vacation weather, Kissimmee is a convenient area for family fun.

Of course, theme parks are great but if your family really wants to get to know Florida there are many more experiences to be had and Kissimmee offers them all! Adding these six kid-friendly activities to your must-do list will certainly make your vacation one for the books.

1) Ride an air boat

Nothing screams Florida more than airboats and Kissimmee offers the perfect place to experience one. Located on Lake Cypress and where the infamous Florida Everglades begin is Wild Florida. Wild Florida is a wildlife park that aims to “Provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation.” Guests can experience alligators and over 200 different forms of wildlife as well as take a cruise around Lake Cypress the Florida way, on an airboat tour.

Loud, windy and loads of fun, taking an airboat tour at Wild Florida lets you glide through the untouched beauty of the Everglades. The experienced and certified airboat captains are loaded with information about the area and will even attempt to find big and baby gators in the wild.

2) Spend an afternoon in Celebration, FL

Hidden between Walt Disney World and I-4 is Celebration, FL, a neighborhood unlike any other in the area. Upon entering Celebration, you’re greeted by wide streets, large oak trees, matching mail boxes on every street and a quaint downtown area full of restaurants, shopping, and children running through the in-ground fountain. To some, it seems as if time stands still here and with its large offerings of walking and biking trails, it’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the Florida weather.

Celebration Surrey, a family-owned bike rental stand behind the Bohemian Hotel on Bloom St offers guests a glance at the Disney-built town that no one else can compare to. Have kids with you? That’s Great! Riders of any age and skill can be accommodated with their wide range of bicycles.

They even offer free, ice-cold bottled water for riders as they tour the neighborhood, getting to know its history from a local tour guide and taking in the stunning homes.

Once you conclude your site-seeing, head to Avocado Mexican Grill down the block for some authentic Mexican fare. Patrons can choose indoor or outdoor seating and choose from a colorful menu of choices including burritos, tamales, and enchiladas.

If you’re looking for a great way to cool down, their fried ice cream is a real treat!

3) Explore Gatorland

I know I said we were looking at activities other than theme parks, but Gatorland is an ADVENTURE park like no other and a major must-see FL attraction.

This 110-acre park and wildlife preserve has been open since 1949 and is home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles and other local wildlife, including four extremely rare leucistic “white” alligators.

Perfect for families of all ages, Gatorland offers wildlife shows, exhibits, even a water park area to cool off in. For those brave enough, test your courage on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, including over 1,200 feet of five intense zip lines over crocodiles and a massive 150-foot suspension bridge.

4) Travel through history at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

There’s more than one way to become a princess in Kissimmee, Florida and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament is the place to do just that. Take in the sights, sounds, and tastes of being a part of the King’s court and enjoy a show like no other.

Wonderful for families big and small, this dinner show takes guests through a joyful celebration in honor of the King. Enjoy a festival full of daring swordplay, jousting, and equestrian skills accompanied by a filling and “hands-on” four-course meal.

Cheer loud enough for your assigned Knight and you could even end up Lord or Lady of the tournament!

5) Hit the midway at Fun Spot America

Everyone loves when the carnival comes to town. The sight of the brightly flashing bulbs on the rides and the smells of corn dogs and cotton candy give everyone a bit of a flashback to their childhood. Fun Spot America in Kissimmee, Florida brings all of what we love about the midway to life year round!

Get dizzy on the Tilt-A-Whirl, rush down the Fun Slide, race your go-kart through the Vortex Track, win a prize on the Kissimmee Midway and even test your courage on the Sky Coaster. This permanent carnival style park offers rides, games, and fun for kids and adults including an indoor arcade and youngster-friendly rides.

6) Go prehistoric at T-Rex Cafe

It’s not every day you get the chance to eat surrounded by wooly mammoths, roaring dinosaurs, and a giant moving octopus! T-Rex Cafe, located in Disney Springs allows hungry guests the ability to step back in time and eat like a dinosaur.

This full-service restaurant features life-size animatronic dinosaurs, simulated meteor showers, a dino-themed gift shop and an interactive and educational Paleo Zone for kids to play in.

Guest can enjoy tasty options such as Mastodon Stuffed Chicken and the Bronto Burger while sipping on colorful drinks such as Shark Water and the Lava Flow. Of course, there are plenty of child-friendly options as well such as Paleo Pizza and Sly’s Sliders.

After dinner, be sure to save room for a dessert of prehistoric proportions with the Chocolate Extinction!

Whether you’re heading to Florida as a tourist or looking to dive a bit deeper as a local, taking in these authentic Kissimmee, Florida experiences will be sure to leave you with sun-drenched memories that will never fade.

Which one do you plan to do first?

 

Find even more Kissimmee activities and plan your next visit at Experience Kissimmee.