10 Fun Things to Do in Kissimmee Florida: Ultimate Itinerary

After visiting some of Florida’s best destinations, places like Panama City Beach, Pensacola, and Crystal River, I finally made it to Kissimmee! A little gem that’s been on my list for a long time.

As you may know, I love exploring Florida’s unknown outdoor hotspots. Focusing on the things to do outside of exploring the theme parks. Showcasing some of the often overlooked things to do.

I’m not saying don’t explore the theme parks, far from it. But use this Kissimmee article for all the things you can do on the days away from them. Or perhaps I’ll open your eyes to a different side to Central Florida and Kissimmee, or even Orlando.

Introducing Kissimmee Florida

First of all, let’s introduce Kissimmee as a whole and talk about the city. How long to stay, getting there from Orlando and internationally, before we jump into the fun things to do in Kissimmee Florida.

How to Get to Kissimmee?

The closest major airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO) about 18 miles north with many domestic and international flights. From the UK you can fly direct from London Heathrow and Manchester, with a variety of airlines such as British Airways, Norse Atlantic UK, Virgin Atlantic and Delta.

From the airport you can rent a car, take a shuttle or book an Uber to get to Kissimmee.

I always hire a car in Florida and you can simply take Interstate 4 or US Highway 192, both are direct routes.

How Far is Kissimmee from Orlando?

Kissimmee is about 18 miles south of Orlando, so it’s a quick and easy trip between the two. Depending on traffic, it’s about 25-30 minutes via Interstate 4 or US Highway 192.

Being so close allows you to easily get to attractions in both cities like theme parks, shopping centres and outdoor fun things to do in Kissimmee FL.

Is Kissimmee Worth Visiting?

Absolutely, Kissimmee is worth visiting for its mix of attractions and Southern charm. It’s the gateway to the iconic Walt Disney World Resort and other theme parks so it’s a top destination for families.

Other than the parks, Kissimmee has lakes, wildlife preserves and outdoor activities like boating, fishing and hiking. Many of which I talk about below.

The historic downtown area has unique shops, local restaurants and cultural experiences. Plus, the area has many festivals and events throughout the year.

How Long to Stay in Kissimmee?

The length of stay in Kissimmee depends on your interests and travel plans but generally, 3 to 5 days is enough for most people.

I spent 4 days in Kissimmee and felt like I saw everything on my list, however I did not spend any time in theme parks.

If you plan to visit Orlando’s attractions as well, you can add a day or two to your stay and have a more relaxed and comprehensive trip.

Where to Stay in Kissimmee and Orlando?

I stayed at Meliá Orlando Celebration, easily one of the best properties I could find near Kissimmee and there’s further information below. I loved my stay here.

Here are a few other options.

Premium: Hilton Orlando Sunset Walk

The Hilton Orlando Sunset Walk is just a hop away from Orlando’s big attractions. It has modern suites, studios, one, and two-bedrooms with full kitchens, perfect for kicking back after a day out (or just stay in and enjoy this fabulous resort).

Start your day with a free made-to-order breakfast, and wind down with a drink by the pool. There’s a massive outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and room service to make the most of your stay.

All in all, it’s a comfortable, premium, and convenient pick if you’re planning to stay in Orlando for a night or more.

Mid-range: Meliá Orlando Celebration

Meliá Orlando Celebration is a comfortable stay that’s right in the middle. Just minutes from Orlando’s top attractions it’s perfect for families, couples or anyone who wants to take a break without breaking the bank.

The rooms are large, the pool area is relaxing and there’s a shuttle to get you to the theme parks. Plus Celebration’s charming town centre is just a short walk for dining or a stroll.

Great for convenience, comfort and a little bit of flair.

Budget: Developer Inn Highway by Wyndham

Developer Inn Highway by Wyndham is an easy choice if you want affordability without sacrificing comfort. The rooms are basic but clean and you get all the essentials, comfy beds, WiFi and a free breakfast to get your day started.

It’s close to all the main attractions so you’re never far from the fun. The best part? It’s less than $100 per night!

10 Fun Things to Do in Kissimmee Florida

Now that you have a better idea on what to expect in Kissimmee and where to stay, let’s discuss the main topic, some adventurous and outdoor things to do in Kissimmee!

Go Kayaking at Shingle Creek

Need to get away for a bit? Shingle Creek is the kind of place you go when you just need some quiet. Whether you’re into kayaking, canoeing or just floating around on a paddleboard this is the spot for a little water adventure.

When I visited, I went kayaking, as it’s the only kayaking outfitter near Disneyworld, so that’s definitely a must-do. The kayaking tour lasts 2 hours in total.

The creek is super relaxed, mangroves, birds and all kinds of natural beauty. That’s way different from the busy streets of Orlando and Kissimmee.

All in all, it’s one of the best ways to see the natural side of Florida, and definitely one of the fun things to do in Kissimmee!

Go Hang Gliding at Wallaby Ranch

Ever wanted to fly? Wallaby Ranch is where that dream takes off… literally. Wallaby Ranch in Kissimmee is all about hang gliding and it’s not just for pros.

Even if you’ve never flown before they’ve got you covered. Imagine yourself strapped in, tandem with an experienced instructor, soaring above the treetops. You get that rush and pure calm that only comes from being up there with nothing but wind and sky around you.

And Wallaby Ranch makes it easy too. No cliff jumping here, they have a tow plane that pulls you up to altitude and then sets you free. It’s the best way to get over any nerves.

The people at Wallaby Ranch know exactly what they’re doing and will make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way. And Malcolm the lead instructor is looking to enter the Guinness book of World Records for the number of flights, so you’re in safe hands.

This is something you absolutely don’t want to miss in Kissimmee!

Go Fishing on Lake Toho

You’ll find a few things to do are centred around Lake Toho (Lake Tohopekaliga), one of the top attractions in Kissimmee and it’s easy to see why. My fishing tour was with Horizon Fishing Charters, and we spent the morning on the water.

The tours provide all the equipment you need so all you have to do is show up and start fishing. The captain will show you the best techniques for catching Crappies and Largemouth Bass.

The guides are full of local fishing tips to help you catch more, and very knowledgeable about the local nature and history of the lake. After a morning on the lake, you can enjoy a picnic by the shore, or rent an electric bike for a ride around Lake Toho.

Even better, this tour was catch and release!

Want to know more about electric bike tours? Read below.

Take an e-bike tour of Lake Toho

Pedal into adventure with an electric bike tour around Lake Toho or East Lake Toho! With Toho Bikes you can choose from self-guided or fully guided tours, with a variety of bikes on offer.

This eco-friendly and fun way to see Kissimmee combines the thrill of biking with the beauty of nature, and you can put in as much or as little effort as you want. My guide, Sean, gave me a complete map of two routes with several spots to visit and see along the way.

I passed by miles of lakefront trails, the boat marina, and a pavilion at the lake to ride for incredible views. And please make sure you stop at the Kissimmee Monument of States!

Along the way you might see herons, turtles, otters and more. Stop at one of the picnic areas or take some Insta-worthy photos at the viewpoints.

The best part? There was no pedalling required, as it’s an electric bike! I decided to hire a bike for 2 hours, and that was enough for my liking but you can get them for the whole day.

There’s a restroom nearby at the lakefront to get changed, and you’ll want to wear comfortable and cool clothes.

Go on a Helicopter Tour in Kissimmee

Take your Kissimmee adventure to new heights with a helicopter tour! I previously travelled to Panama City Beach and this was one of my favourite activities, and I was so happy to do it again.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for an adrenaline rush, this is an excellent way to spend a few minutes or 30 minutes. Yes you read that right, you can actually do a tour as short as 2 minutes for only $15, designed for people’s first time in a helicopter.

These tours are by Leading Edge Helicopter, and my tour was approximately 7 minutes and took me over Disney Springs which looks amazing from above. As expected, my pilot was great and pointed out all the landmarks below.

Other tours available take you over Gatorland, Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, and you guessed it, the Kissimmee Old Town! I highly recommend adding this to your list.

Go Horse Riding at Lazy H Ranch

Lazy H Ranch in Kissimmee is your ticket to the Wild West without leaving Central Florida.

The main activity here is taking a guided horse-riding tour, you can choose from a morning ride or an evening sunset trail. You have the chance to see plenty of wildlife along the way, from bald eagles to alligators.

My favourite part of was passing by the beautiful Lake Toho and seeing the hundred-year-old oak hammocks. Lazy H Ranch is a small family-run ranch and one of the owners Abby is a fun guide full of interesting facts about the area.

The catch? You need to book ahead of time as walk-ins aren’t allowed. There’s a minimum age requirement of 8 years old and the maximum weight must be 225 lbs (102 kg).

It’s the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and family fun.

Take an airboat tour at Wild Florida Safari Park

Now, I know that Florida is known for Disney World Resort, but Wild Florida Safari Park is an epic alternative that I’m confident you’ll love!

There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, but I mostly came here for the airboat tour. A 30-minute thrill ride around Cypress Lake looking for alligators!

If that’s not for you there’s an immersive wildlife park that lets you get up close and personal with animals from around the world, including a Gator Park.

Finally if you’re feeling adventurous there’s a drive-through safari park. You’ll get to see exotic animals like bison, cracker cows, zebras, oryx, white-tailed deer, giraffe and much more!

Explore Bok Tower Gardens

Need a break? Head to Bok Tower Gardens. It’s not far from Kissimmee and is a great place to relax. You’ve got gardens full of flowers, ponds and tall trees plus the Bok Tower itself which has a really cool design and some amazing views.

Walk around, enjoy the peace and let everything else melt away for a bit.

If you haven’t had lunch, make sure to bring a picnic, walk the trails or just sit and listen to the carillon music coming from the tower. It’s simple beauty, no fuss, yet it’s fun on its own way.

Kissimmee Old Town

Old Town Theme Park has that old-school magic, and it’s yet another great alternative to Disneyworld.

It’s not like the big theme parks with long lines. It’s more chill, with classic rides, good times and a dash of nostalgia. You’ve got your Ferris wheel, Tilt-A-Whirl and roller coasters if you want to get wild.

It’s the kind of place where you can take it easy or go big, whatever you’re in the mood for.

The best part? The vintage car shows and live music. There’s nothing better than seeing those beautiful old cars lined up while a live band plays some old rock ‘n’ roll. Grab some cotton candy, walk the shops or hop on a ride, it’s all just easy fun.

Whether you’re with friends, family or even on a date, Old Town’s got something for everyone.

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park Zip Line

Last but not least on this selection of fun things to do in Kissimmee is the famous Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park Zip Line.

Not just zip lining, you’ll be tackling all sorts of obstacles, from rope bridges to aerial challenges. There are different courses to try no matter if you’re a beginner or a pro.

The guides will keep everything safe and make sure you’re having a blast. There are a few ziplines and the last one is very long, and I’m sure you’ll love it.

Once you’re done you can explore the park or watch others give it a go!

Conclusion: Fun Things to Do in Kissimmee Florida

These were my outdoor, adventurous, fun things to do in Kissimmee Florida. If you’re visiting Florida and want unique and authentic places to see, I hope you’ll find a few things on this list of interest.

Would I recommend it? Oh yes, 100%!

Thank you for reading until the end and please feel free to comment here below if you have any questions.