Kissimmee is a great base for Florida family vacation
Kissimmee, in central Florida is the perfect launching point for a family vacation that includes not only Walt Disney World, but also plenty of what defines Florida—alligators, marshes, horseback riding, working ranches and so much more. The Florida Everglades are easily accessible to visitors via airboat rides where you’re likely to be treated with a gator sighting as well as plenty of other wild life. To be assured an up-close look at a live alligator or two, be sure to visit the alligator themed attraction that features both alligators and crocodiles and plenty of other wildlife that’s native to Florida’s cypress marshlands.
Experience a day in the life of the Florida Cracker Cowboy at a working cattle ranch that encompasses 4,700 acres. You and your family can explore the ranch and wildlife preserve by horseback or via an elevated cracker coach.
If snakes are of interest to anyone in your family, don’t miss the Serpentarium that houses more than 600 reptiles, including lizards, small turtles, an 18-foot king cobra snake as well as an anaconda!
You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a family vacation in Kissimmee because some of the best-kept secrets here are free of charge, or very inexpensive. Spend a day or two of your vacation doing the things the locals do for fun:
• Visit Old Town Take advantage of free days at the museums
• Hike the nature trails to hidden fishing spots
• Enjoy the interesting sculptures throughout community
• Go fishing at Lake Tohopekaliga, a popular fishing lake known to anglers around the world.
• Spend a day or two at Lake Kissimmee State Park where the whole family can enjoy hiking, kayaking or canoeing, horseback riding, or just playing.
No matter what you decide to do, keep one eye on the sky where you may see a bald eagle, since Kissimmee area claims the biggest population of nesting bald eagles in the United States. There’s nothing quite as thrilling as seeing this majestic bird in its natural habitat.
There are plenty of family-friendly accommodations available in Kissimmee—from full-service campgrounds to expensive resorts. It’s easy to find the perfect place to stay while you enjoy all that this amazing central Florida vacation land has to offer.
