Are you looking for the best things to do in Kissimmee other than theme parks? As much as I love them, sometimes I just want to try new things besides Disney and roller coasters over in Orlando. Check out these fun things to do like zip line, laser tag or jumping out of a plane! You can get your theme park fix at Fun Spot America too and head over to Disney Springs.
Kissimmee is a city in Osceola County, Florida, located immediately south of the Orlando area. It’s known for its proximity to popular theme parks including Walt Disney World Resort. It is also known as the Gateway to the Everglades and one of the best places to visit in Florida.
The city is located on Lake Toho’s northwest coast along with several historic attractions. It is also about an hour away from Winter Haven, Plant City, Lakeland, and Cocoa Beach.
There is a lot to do in Kissimmee Florida aside from Disney, Legoland and Universal Studios Florida. But I want to know what the locals do in Kissimmee. What is there to do around Disney World and what is there to do for free in Kissimmee?
If you’re looking for an alternative to spending your vacation at Walt Disney World Resort or fun things to do on a day trip then this list is perfect!
You will find popular attractions and outdoor adventures for the whole family and some of the best restaurants in Kissimmee! There are so many more things to do than visit an amusement park, state parks or rollercoasters (that aren’t Disney). So, let’s check them out.
15 + Things to do in Kissimmee, Florida Other than Theme Parks
Table of contents
- Where to Stay in Kissimmee, Florida
- Personal Chef Service in Kissimmee
- WDW Golf Experience
- Island H2O Water Park at Sunset Walk
- Take a Walk in Old Town Kissimmee
- Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, Florida
- Surround yourself with Butterflies at Butterfly Dans
- Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Events
- Shop and Dine at Disney Springs
- Look for gators at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
- Find some Serenity Bok Tower Gardens
- Race your Family with some Kissimmee Go Karts
- Check out the City from a Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Watch a Game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports® Complex
- Complete your Mission Kissimmee Escape Room
- Enjoy a Picnic at Kissimmee Lakefront Park
- Explore Shingle Creek Regional Park
- Check out some Artifacts at the Museum of Military History
- Things to do Close to Kissimmee
Where to Stay in Kissimmee, Florida
Vacation Homes are the best option. Characters Corner Vacation Home has 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, a full kitchen, movie theater and a pool!
Also, a great reason to stay at Characters Corner Vacation Home is because you’ll be just 10 minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort. It’s also the perfect place to relax after a long day.
But it’s also the perfect location for those who are looking to explore other spots around Kissimmee, FL!
Personal Chef Service in Kissimmee
You can cook your meals when staying at a vacation rental, but if you’re anything like me you won’t’ feel like cooking, especially if you are a big family or with friends.
This is where you can hire your own personal chef to come to your location.
Save yourself some time and hire Two Chefs Mission. Having a vacation meal delivery service helps simplify everything. And it will be so much better than your own cooking.
You have dietary needs? No problem! They have you covered.
WDW Golf Experience
Head over to Lake Buena Vista, and try WDW Golf Experience. It is the perfect fun activity for the whole family. Take it easy on a golf course or try the new FootGolf.
The sport of FootGolf is a precise sports, similar to soccer and golf, but with a greater focus on golf. It’s also a great family activity!
Island H2O Water Park at Sunset Walk
Island H2O Water Park is located just 10 minutes from Disney. This water park offers huge slides, a lazy river, and beach entry pools for the kids to splash around in. Their biggest slide is called “The Corkscrew” which twists and turns down 4 different flumes. It’s fun for the whole family! Hang out in their cabanas while the kids play.
Take a Walk in Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town Kissimmee is an upscale shopping and dining destination that is well worth the drive to check out. The street performers and art galleries and shops, live entertainment, restaurants and nightlife and the classic car show make this a special place to visit when you head out of town!
The Old Town Auto Museum is much more than a car museum. Every Sunday, Family Movie Night is held in Old Town, and Thursdays are karaoke nights. Every night at the Trophy Row Stage, you may see a magic show.
Promenade at Sunset Walk in Kissimmee, Florida
You will find some of the best restaurants in Kissimmee at Promenade at Sunset Walk. This is a newly renovated entertainment center with a myriad of shops and restaurants. If you enjoy dining out at quality restaurants then you must check this place out!
Here are 3 restaurants that we enjoyed dining at the Promenade at Sunset Walk.
Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza
This is a full-service restaurant with dishes like:
Capone’s Famous Oven Roasted Wings, Pasta Marinara with Meatballs, Coal Fired Pizza, Spicy Cajun Chicken and Shrimp Linguini and more.
They also offer traditional Italian staples such as Margarita Pizza and Caprese Salad. Best of all they have an extensive wine list including wines from Italy!
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion Pub
They’ve upgraded the typical British pub at Yeoman’s Cask & Lion with creative energy and a variety of delectable comfort foods like Bangers and Mash, Scott Eggs, Bangin’ Brussel Sprouts, and Shepherd’s Pie making it something special.
Enjoy a craft cocktail while surrounded by original, playful artwork of English icons, or enjoy the best Fish N’ Chips in Florida as hand-picked local artists perform covers of your favorite classics.
Ford’s Garage
Ford’s Garage offers a unique dining experience.
The menu offers a wide variety of American dishes from all over the country like The Estate Burger, Sweet Potato Tots, and Shakes.
Surround yourself with Butterflies at Butterfly Dans
Take a tour of this beautiful butterfly farm and check out the beautiful butterfly garden.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament Events
This is a live dinner show with a medieval theme. The entertainment consists of jousting, sword fighting, games, and falconry demonstrations. It’s all set to an amazing soundtrack from the Middle Ages era too.
Shop and Dine at Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a delightful shopping and dining experience. There are over 150 shops and restaurants to choose from. It’s a lively outdoor mall with live music and street performers. This is a unique experience you can’t find at other shopping centers.
Some of my favorite shops are Rustic Cuff, Lululemon, Bowes Signature Candles and Basin. You must visit Chicken Guy, the Coke Store and Planet Hollywood.
Look for gators at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
You can also visit Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures which is the only airboat ride located just minutes from Walt Disney World. Ride through lush mangrove vegetation and experience Florida as it used to be.
Find some Serenity Bok Tower Gardens
Not too far from Orlando, you can visit Bok Tower Gardens. Visitors marvel at the Singing Tower with its carillon of 60 bronze bells, the gardens, the pond, and a concert series that is renowned worldwide.
Race your Family with some Kissimmee Go Karts
Enjoy indoor go-kart racing as well as bumper boats and mini-golf at Kissimmee Go-Karts. You may even win a race or two!
Check out the City from a Hot Air Balloon Ride
For the best view of Kissimmee, check out Bob’s Balloon Rides. Take a hot air balloon ride with the family!
Watch a Game at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports® Complex
You can enjoy activities like cheerleading, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, tennis, soccer, and much more at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports® Complex. There are over 30 venues that host events every year!
Complete your Mission Kissimmee Escape Room
Enjoy interactive team adventures that will take you out of this world! At Kissimmee Escape Room, you and your teammates will work together to escape from a themed room.
Enjoy a Picnic at Kissimmee Lakefront Park
You can enjoy a day in the park at Kissimmee Lakefront Park. There are picnic tables available so you can have lunch or dinner while watching the sunset. Its a perfect romantic date idea to head to the picnic area.
Explore Shingle Creek Regional Park
Shingle Creek Regional Park is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and wildlife. The 340-acre park offers several amenities such as hiking trails, playgrounds, sports areas, and even an outdoor amphitheater.
Check out some Artifacts at the Museum of Military History
The Museum of Military History has a vast array of military history artifacts and exhibits. You’ll see award-winning displays too.
Things to do Close to Kissimmee
There are tons of places that are also close to Kissimmee, Orlando besides theme parks (Central Florida). Here is a list of activities close to Kissimmee:
- Sea World Orlando
- Gatorland
- Icon Park
- Kennedy Space Center
- Loch Haven Park
- Wild Florida
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Giraffe Ranch
- The Gator Gully Splash Park
- Epic Paddle Adventures
- The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve
- Lake Tohopekaliga
- Madame Tussauds Orlando on International Drive
- Hard Rock Live Orlando
- Universal CityWalk
- Downtown Orlando
- Legoland Florida
- Crayola Experience
Kissimmee is a great place to visit! Where are you heading first?
