Best Things to Do in Kissimmee, FL With Kids
Kissimmee's own attractions — separate from the Orlando theme parks it sits next to — are Wild Florida's airboat and wildlife park, Medieval Times' dinner-and-jousting show, Old Town's free entertainment district, Fun Spot America's go-karts and rides, and a Boggy Creek Airboat swamp tour closer to town.
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1Area photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Wild Florida Airboat & Wildlife Park
Combines a walkable wildlife park — alligators, exotic and native animals viewable up close — with an airboat ride through central Florida wetlands, giving kids both a hands-on (well, eyes-on) animal encounter and the classic swamp-boat experience in one visit. It's a genuinely full activity, not a quick stop.
Watch out: It's in Kenansville, roughly 45 minutes from central Kissimmee — factor in real drive time, it's not a quick in-town stop. The airboat portion is loud; ask about ear protection for younger kids.
2Area photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
A two-hour dinner theater show with real horses, jousting, and sword fighting, eaten with your hands as part of the theming — loud, theatrical, and the kind of over-the-top spectacle that sticks with kids long after the trip. Kissimmee has its own dedicated arena for the show right on US-192.
Watch out: The show has genuine sword-fighting and jousting sound and action that can startle very young or sensitive kids — know your child before booking front-row seats. The meal is eaten without utensils, which some families love and others find messy; napkins are provided generously.
3Area photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Old Town Entertainment District
A free-to-enter district with shops, a small amusement-ride area, and a well-known Saturday-night classic car cruise-in that's genuinely fun to watch even without spending a dollar. It's a good lower-cost evening activity that doesn't require committing to a full theme-park budget.
Watch out: Rides are pay-per-ride or small bundle passes, not a single all-inclusive ticket — decide ahead how much ride budget you want, since it's easy to nickel-and-dime yourself. The Saturday cruise-in is a specific weekly event, not a nightly one; check the schedule if that's the draw for you.
4Area photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Fun Spot America Kissimmee
Free admission with a pay-per-ride or all-day armband model, multi-level go-kart tracks (including one built specifically for skill progression), a Ferris wheel, and a mix of thrill and family rides that add up to a genuinely full evening — at a noticeably lower cost and crowd level than the major theme parks nearby.
Watch out: Height requirements apply to several go-kart tracks and thrill rides — check current minimums if you have a shorter kid who's hoping to drive rather than ride along. Armbands are the better value if more than one or two family members are riding repeatedly.
5Area photo: Clément Bardot / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Based on East Lake Tohopekaliga, much closer to central Kissimmee than Wild Florida's Kenansville location, this is the option if all you want is the airboat swamp-tour experience itself without the added wildlife park and longer drive. It's a shorter time commitment that still delivers real gator sightings and Florida wetland scenery.
Watch out: It's loud — ask about ear protection for younger kids before boarding. Gator and wildlife sightings aren't guaranteed on every single ride; morning tours tend to have somewhat better luck.
Frequently asked
Is Kissimmee the same as Orlando for theme parks?
No — Kissimmee is a separate city just south of Orlando, often chosen for lower-cost hotels and vacation rentals near Disney and Universal. Kissimmee's own attractions (Wild Florida, Medieval Times, Old Town, Fun Spot) are distinct from the big Orlando theme parks and worth a day or two on their own.
Should we do Wild Florida or Boggy Creek for an airboat ride?
Boggy Creek if you're staying in central Kissimmee and want a shorter time commitment — it's closer and just the airboat ride. Wild Florida if you have more time and want the added wildlife park with up-close animal viewing alongside the boat ride; it's about 45 minutes from central Kissimmee.
Is Medieval Times worth it for younger kids?
Generally works well for ages 5 and up who can handle loud sword-fighting and jousting sound and action. Very young or sensitive kids can be startled by the intensity of the show, so it's worth considering seating a bit farther back for a first visit.
How does Fun Spot compare to a major Orlando theme park?
It's much smaller and cheaper — free admission with pay-per-ride or armband pricing, focused mainly on go-karts and a handful of family/thrill rides, not a full day-long theme park experience. It's a good lower-cost evening activity, not a replacement for a full Universal or Disney day.
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