Things to Do in Kissimmee FL Besides Theme Parks

When most people think of Kissimmee, Florida, they think of it as the city right next to Walt Disney World. And while its proximity to the theme parks is certainly part of its appeal, Kissimmee has developed into a destination in its own right, with a rich mix of natural beauty, cultural diversity, outdoor recreation, and unique attractions that have nothing to do with roller coasters or character meet-and-greets.

Whether you are a local resident looking for something new, a repeat visitor who has already done the parks, or a first-timer who wants to experience the real Central Florida beyond the tourist bubble, here are the best things to do in Kissimmee that do not involve a theme park ticket.

Shop and Explore at Visitors Flea Market

There is nothing quite like the experience of walking through a massive flea market, and Visitors Flea Market is one of the best in the entire state. Located at 5811 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy on Highway 192, this 50,000 square foot air-conditioned market features over 225 vendor booths selling everything from clothing and electronics to handmade crafts, jewelry, home goods, souvenirs, and much more.

What makes flea market shopping different from regular retail is the sense of discovery. Every booth is independently operated, so you are dealing directly with vendors who are passionate about what they sell. You will find items here that you simply cannot find at a chain store or shopping mall, and the prices are typically a fraction of what you would pay at retail.

Admission is always free, the market is open 365 days a year, and with Monday through Thursday hours running 10AM to 8PM, Friday and Saturday 10AM to Midnight, and Sunday 10AM to 9PM, it fits into just about any schedule. The market is also pet friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Experience the Great Outdoors

Kissimmee sits at the headwaters of the Everglades, surrounded by lakes, wetlands, and natural beauty that most tourists completely overlook. If you enjoy the outdoors, these activities should be on your list:

Airboat Rides on Lake Toho and the Everglades

Several operators in the Kissimmee area offer thrilling airboat rides through the local waterways, where you can spot alligators, bald eagles, ospreys, and other native Florida wildlife in their natural habitat. Tours typically last 30 to 90 minutes and depart throughout the day. It is one of the most uniquely Florida experiences you can have, and it is far more authentic than any theme park animal encounter.

Shingle Creek Regional Park

Often called the "headwaters of the Everglades," Shingle Creek Regional Park is a hidden gem right in the heart of Kissimmee. The park features scenic nature trails, kayak and canoe launches, fishing spots, and some of the most beautiful cypress-lined waterways in Central Florida. It is completely free to visit and offers a peaceful escape from the tourist corridor.

Lake Toho and Kissimmee Lakefront Park

Lake Tohopekaliga (locals call it Lake Toho) is one of the top bass fishing lakes in the entire United States. Even if you are not an angler, the Kissimmee Lakefront Park on its northern shore offers walking paths, playgrounds, a marina, and stunning sunset views. The park hosts community events and festivals throughout the year.

Forever Florida

Located about 45 minutes south of Kissimmee, Forever Florida offers zipline adventures, horseback riding through a 4,700-acre conservation area, and a wildlife preserve with native Florida animals. It is a full-day outdoor adventure that feels worlds away from the theme parks.

Explore Kissimmee's Cultural Side

Kissimmee has one of the most culturally diverse communities in Central Florida, and that diversity is reflected in its food, festivals, and local establishments.

Downtown Kissimmee

The historic downtown area along Broadway and surrounding streets has undergone a revival in recent years. You will find local restaurants, art galleries, antique shops, and a small-town charm that feels completely different from the tourist corridor on Highway 192. The Kissimmee Main Street Friday Night event brings live music, food vendors, and community gatherings to the downtown area on select Fridays throughout the year.

International Dining Along Highway 192

The stretch of Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway running through Kissimmee is home to some of the most authentic international restaurants in Central Florida. You can find genuine Puerto Rican, Colombian, Brazilian, Haitian, Vietnamese, and Indian cuisine within a few miles of each other. For the ultimate international food experience in one location, visit World Food Trucks at Visitors Flea Market, where over 100 food trucks represent cuisines from around the globe.

Old Town Kissimmee

This walking district on Highway 192 features shops, restaurants, and amusement rides with a nostalgic Americana theme. The weekly Saturday Night Classic Car Cruise brings hundreds of classic and custom cars for a free car show that draws enthusiasts from across the region. Friday nights feature a muscle car cruise, and Sundays spotlight classic cars from specific eras.

Family Activities Without the Theme Park Price Tag

If you are traveling with kids and need a break from the parks (or your wallet needs a break from park ticket prices), Kissimmee has plenty of family-friendly options:

• Fun Spot America — A smaller, more affordable amusement park with go-karts, rides, and free admission (pay per ride or buy a wristband)
• Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament — An immersive dinner show with jousting knights that kids and adults both love
• Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures — Kid-friendly airboat tours through alligator country
• Chocolate Kingdom — A factory tour and interactive experience for chocolate lovers of all ages
• Visitors Flea Market — Free admission, kids love exploring the booths, and there are plenty of affordable toys and treats
• Mini golf courses — The 192 corridor has several themed mini golf courses at a fraction of theme park prices

Nightlife and Evening Entertainment

Kissimmee may not have the nightclub scene of downtown Orlando, but it has plenty of evening entertainment that is often more relaxed and affordable:

World Food Trucks at Visitors Flea Market is open until 2AM on weekdays and 4AM on Fridays and Saturdays, making it one of the liveliest late-night spots in the area. The weekend atmosphere is energetic, with crowds enjoying diverse food and drinks well into the early morning hours.

Old Town's car cruises happen on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings and are free to watch. The combination of classic cars, live music, and the walking district's shops creates a fun evening out for the whole family.

Several bowling alleys, comedy clubs, and dinner shows along the 192 corridor offer evening entertainment at reasonable prices. Many restaurants and bars in the area also feature live music on weekends.

Why Kissimmee Deserves More Than a Drive-Through

Too many visitors treat Kissimmee as nothing more than a place to sleep between theme park days. But the city has a genuine character and identity that is worth exploring. Its natural landscapes offer some of the best outdoor recreation in Central Florida. Its cultural diversity creates a food scene that rivals any city in the state. And its non-park attractions provide entertainment and experiences that are often more memorable — and significantly more affordable — than another day standing in line at a theme park.

Next time you are planning an Orlando-area trip, set aside at least one or two days to experience what Kissimmee has to offer beyond the parks. Start with a visit to Visitors Flea Market and World Food Trucks, then branch out to the natural beauty, cultural attractions, and local experiences that make this city special.