Kissimmee is a gateway to family fun, conveniently located on the outskirts of Orlando. This hidden gem makes a relaxing base for wider Florida travel, and the local love of adventure sports is enough to keep everyone entertained.
Explore in a kayak
Shingle Creek is a forested waterway and the northernmost point in the Everglades system. Take to the water in a kayak to explore the rugged landscape and feel a million miles from the bright lights of Orlando. From the Regional Park at the creek’s northern tip to the confluence at Tohopekaliga, the scenery is spectacular and the water pristine.
Spend a slow afternoon fishing or step up your game from the dreamlike kayak to something more powerful. Speedboat rides are a thrilling way to bring the whole family together – largely through laughter.
Park up on Paradise Island to see the untrodden and rustic side of Florida. Lucky visitors might even catch a glimpse of turtles in the sunshine.
Culture in the wilderness
A few short kilometres from the glitz of Disney World lies a part of Florida that has remained unchanged for many decades. The best way to sample local culture is to step back in time, and the Osceola County Historical Society makes this a reality.
Pioneer Village is a great spot to soak up some cracker heritage – the wood-framed, wood-cladded houses that have been part of Florida’s architectural vernacular since the 1700s. This town has centuries-old cracker houses, blacksmith shops and a traditional orange county citrus-packing house.
Fairytale theme parks
Walt Disney World Resort is the most famous theme park in Orlando – and it’s no surprise. Within this gigantic metropolis of fun and frivolity, you’ll find Magic Kingdom Theme Park, home to the famous enchanted castle and a rollcall of Disney characters. Nearby Epcot – still within the resort – is all about innovation, technology and international culture, where you’ll find 11 country pavilions.
There aren’t many places where you can soak up the Florida sunshine, relax in a British village, and then have your photo with Mickey and Minnie Mouse all in one afternoon. If you’re head of the Toy Story franchise, don your cowboy boots and stroll over to Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Make sure you dedicate time for the rest of Kissimmee, too. You can swim with dolphins at SeaWorld, go boating in Legoland, or brave world-renowned rides themed around your favourite films and TV shows – including Harry Potter, the Simpsons and Spiderman – at Universal Studios. The opportunities are endless for families or fun-loving adults.
Embark on a retail road trip
Shopping malls line the streets of Kissimmee. The high street is walled with international eateries, motels, lodges and great shopping centers. Head to Kissimmee Shopping Center to find great stores, then discover the treats that line US Highway 192. You’ll find everything from thrift stores to jewellery shops here. To wind down after a day of shopping, catch a show at a local diner theatre.
Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets is located on Kissimmee’s northern ridge. Here you’ll find big-name brands and something for all the family, including the enchanting Disney Character Warehouse. This store makes a great souvenir stop to capture amazing memories that you can treasure for years to come
Go interactive at the Kennedy Space Centre
If you’re looking for a day excursion with a difference, head to the out-of-this-world launch pads at the Kennedy Space Center. Time your visit right, and you might even see a rocket launch. If you miss it, though, there’s still an immersive 3D space film to experience and you can even eat lunch with an astronaut.
One of its latest additions is the Astronaut Training Experience Center. Bright and futuristic, it feels like it’s been plucked straight from a sci-fi film, and it’s where you can get your own taste for astronaut training. Feel the gravitational force of the high-tech attractions and learn about the past and future of space travel.
Kissimmee is a great location for any visitor to enjoy experiences that range from romantic, adventure and family activities. Reserve your car rental in Kissimmee with Hertz to experience all the wonders of Florida.
