Kissimmee Weekend With Kids

Just south of the city of Orlando you'll find Kissimmee, Florida a town best known for having parts of the Walt Disney World Resort within its borders. But there's much more to Kissimmee than it's close proximity to Cinderella's castle. In fact, Kissimmee itself offers a much more laid back family vacation experience that's perfect for people who want to avoid large crowds and high prices. Get a glimpse of what Central Florida looked like before the theme parks came to town while still finding plenty of things for everyone to do.

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Gaylord Palms Resort
A truly one of a kind hotel, Gaylord Palms is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation with kids. It's amazing how much there is to see and do right at the hotel, including watching the alligators and dining on a pirate ship. You can also check out the impressive outdoor pools, which is always a big hit with kids. If you ... More >
A truly one of a kind hotel, Gaylord Palms is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation with kids. It's amazing how much there is to see and do right at the hotel, including watching the alligators and dining on a pirate ship. You can also check out the impressive outdoor pools, which is always a big hit with kids. If you visit Kissimmee in the winter, be sure to check out Gaylord's infamous ICE! exhibit.
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Celebration Town Tavern
Celebration is basically an expansive neighborhood in Kissimmee, and Celebration Town Tavern is located in the neighborhood's downtown area. Yes, it's kind of confusing, but the bottom line is: you should eat here. This is a favorite restaurant for New England transplants who are craving great seafood. Their specialties are oysters ... More >
Celebration is basically an expansive neighborhood in Kissimmee, and Celebration Town Tavern is located in the neighborhood's downtown area. Yes, it's kind of confusing, but the bottom line is: you should eat here. This is a favorite restaurant for New England transplants who are craving great seafood. Their specialties are oysters and clams of the fried variety. They also have 99 bottles of beer on their menu, which I don't recommend sharing with the children. The kids will, however, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a neighborhood restaurant where everyone seems to know each other's names.
Zip lining will not be appropriate for young children, but it's a great family activity if you have tweens or teens.
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Old Town
I once heard Kissimmee's Old Town described as "a county fair that never leaves", and that's pretty accurate. This is a walking, shopping and carnival district in Kissimmee that's free to enter. As the name suggests, you'll find the area has a very retro feel and even has a weekly Saturday Nite Cruise. At 8:30 every Saturday afterno... More >
I once heard Kissimmee's Old Town described as "a county fair that never leaves", and that's pretty accurate. This is a walking, shopping and carnival district in Kissimmee that's free to enter. As the name suggests, you'll find the area has a very retro feel and even has a weekly Saturday Nite Cruise. At 8:30 every Saturday afternoon, a parade of vintage cars rolls through Old Town. A classic rock band plays live music every Saturday night to set the mood. It really is like a fair that never leaves town!
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Forever Florida
Put on the bug spray and head out to Florida's real wilderness at Forever Florida. Take a swamp buggy tour through swamp lands or go on a guided horseback ride through the woods. Or, my personal favorite, strap on a helmet and a harness and go ziplining through the tree tops! Zip lining will not be appropriate for young children, bu... More >
Put on the bug spray and head out to Florida's real wilderness at Forever Florida. Take a swamp buggy tour through swamp lands or go on a guided horseback ride through the woods. Or, my personal favorite, strap on a helmet and a harness and go ziplining through the tree tops! Zip lining will not be appropriate for young children, but it's a great family activity if you have tweens or teens. If your kids are still little, they can still enjoy the guided tours and animal spotting - including wild boar, peacocks and deer.
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Aquatic Adventures Airboat Tours
The headwaters of the Florida Everglades are located in the Kissimmee area, and there's no better way (or possible way, actually) to explore them than on an airboat tour. The flat bottomed boat is propelled through the shallow waters by a large fan, making it possible for guides to glide through the plant-life. If you're anxious to s... More >
The headwaters of the Florida Everglades are located in the Kissimmee area, and there's no better way (or possible way, actually) to explore them than on an airboat tour. The flat bottomed boat is propelled through the shallow waters by a large fan, making it possible for guides to glide through the plant-life. If you're anxious to see alligators, head out first thing in the morning or ask about night tours. These tours are appropriate for kids of all ages, although younger children may need to sit on a parent's lap.
As the name suggests, you'll find the area has a very retro feel and even has a weekly Saturday Nite Cruise.
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About the Author

Britt Reints
Britt Reints
Professional Writer, Full-time Wanderer.
Websitefacebook.com/Missbritt
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