What are some fun vacation activities to do between theme park days?
Chances are, you plan to visit Disneyworld, Universal and Seaworld theme parks near Kissimmee, Florida. But did you know there are a lot of other day trips that are fun to hit while you are visiting Central Florida? Here are a few of our favorites that will be sure to give your family some exciting vacation memories:
- Kennedy Space Center: Located about an hour from Kissimmee, Kennedy Space Center is a fascinating destination for families interested in space exploration and science. You will be over the moon with all there is to explore! Visitors can tour the space shuttle Atlantis, view historic rocks and spacecraft, and even meet astronauts.
- Legoland, Florida: This theme park is located in Winter haven, about 30 minutes from Kissimmee. It’s geared toward younger children and features rides, shows and attractions based on the popular Lego toy brand.
- Gatorland: This family-friendly wildlife park in Orlando I home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles and other exotic animals. Visitors can watch live shows, feed the animals, zipline over the marsh and even take an off-road tour.
- Clearwater Beach: For a break from the theme parks, take a 2 hour trip to the coastline and enjoy the Florida West Coast. This beach is known for soft white sand and calm, clear waters. It’s a great spot for swimming, sun-bathing and beach-combing.
- St Augustine: Families can step back in time with a visit to St Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the United States. This is about 1-1/2 hours from Kissimmee and such a fun day. The city is home to historic landmarks such as Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and the Fountain of Youth Archaeological park, as well as charming shops and restaurants. Families will the Pirate and Treasure Museum, and the Bridge of Lions. Another favorite activity is zip-lining over hungry crocodiles at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.
- Daytona Beach: Daytona Beach is often associated with spring breakers, but this Florida beach town offers more than just that. The famous Daytona 500 is one of the many races held throughout the year at the Daytona International Speedway, which also offers tours to educate visitors about NASCAR and racing. For a more hands-on experience, sign up for a racing package and feel the excitement of circling the track yourself.
- Tampa Bay: The Tampa Bay region offers a diverse array of attractions, ranging from bustling urban centers to scenic natural areas and popular tourist hotspots. Notably, it is the site of the renowned Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park. Additionally, there are numerous enjoyable excursions within easy reach of Tampa, such as the highly rated St. Pete Beach, which was named Tripadvisor’s Best Beach of 2021 and is located just across the bay from downtown.
- Blue Spring State Park: Blue Spring State Park offers two distinct experiences that vary depending on the season. During the summer, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear water, which maintains a comfortable 72 degrees year-round. Many guests choose to explore the underwater world by snorkeling or scuba diving, while others opt to float down the river on the gentle current.However, from November to March, the park closes the water area to visitors due to the arrival of endangered manatees seeking refuge in the warm waters of the spring. The park prohibits people from entering the water to ensure the safety of the animals. Fortunately, visitors can still observe the magnificent creatures from the 0.3-mile boardwalk that winds along the river.
These are just a few of the many day trips from Kissimmee that families can enjoy. With so many attractions and activities in the area, there’s something for everyone.
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