Whether you want to hit the theme parks, get up close to alligators or enjoy top-notch shopping and dining, there are so many things to do in Orlando’s Kissimmee and Davenport areas.
Located to the south and west of Disney, these quaint towns boast a multitude of attractions that make them destinations unto themselves. Kissimmee is larger and slightly closer to Disney World, while Davenport’s peaceful setting is close to the theme parks and also the natural wonders of Central Florida.
When looking to stay, our collection of luxury Orlando vacation homes provide the perfect base for year-round fun and relaxation in Kissimmee and Davenport.
Thinking of visiting? Then check out this list of fun things to do in Kissimmee and Davenport.
Things to do in Kissimmee
Situated in Central Florida’s Osceola County, Kissimmee is close to everything Orlando has to offer. Disney World is practically on the doorstep, world-class shopping and dining is within easy reach, and the town sits at the Gateway to the Everglades. Home to some of Orlando’s best vacation resorts (many with water parks) Kissimmee is the perfect place to both stay and play.
Make tracks in a monster vehicle
Located at Kissimmee’s Gatorland, the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure will see you making some serious tracks through the ‘Alligator Capital’. Gatorland guests can board one of three 12-foot-high off-road monster vehicles for an exciting ride around a private section of the park. You’ll roar over hills, trudge through mud, creep through an alligator graveyard and splash through gator-packed swamps. Each vehicle is specially themed around the park’s iconic alligators including Bonecrusher, Cannibal Jake and Swamp Ghost.
Stay in a fun-packed resort
Forget about staying in a boring hotel. Kissimmee is home to some seriously fun resorts. At places like Reunion Resort, you’ll find a wide range of condos and villas, along with fantastic resort amenities including a palm-fringed water park, championship golf courses, a spa, biking trails, a kids’ club and an array of restaurants and bars. Most of the villas at Reunion Resort have their private pools, and many have extra perks like fun game rooms, home theaters and amazing themed rooms. Reunion also lays on free shuttles to Disney World – what more could you want?!
See all villas at Reunion Resort
Shoot some hoops
Whether your sport of choice is football, soccer, baseball, volleyball or even skateboarding, Kissimmee has exactly the place to play. You can get out and about in the warm Florida sunshine at any one of the many athletics fields or sports courts. Places like like Denn John Park, Chamber’s Park, Fortune Road Complex and Oak Street Complex all offer sporting activities, with courts available to rent for around $10.
Explore alligator infested waters
With its scenic swamps and remote marshes, it’s no wonder that alligator spotting tops the list of things to do in Kissimmee. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided airboat tour which combines the thrill of speed (they reach up to 45 mph) with up-close animal encounters. Expect to see everything from exotic flora and fauna, to Florida’s most famous wild resident – the alligator! Kissimmee Swamp Tours offers 60-minute guided tours around Lake Kissimmee from $49 for adults/ free for children under 3.
Let the kids choose their own themed bedrooms
Kids and big kids alike will love the themed vacation rentals in Kissimmee. Just a short drive from the Disney parks, many homes come with incredible themed rooms. This 5-bedroom vacation home has themed kids bedrooms, an awesome space-themed home theater AND a quirky themed games room. It also offers a private pool plus access to Reunion Resort’s incredible water park, golf courses, restaurants and more. It will definitely make your vacation one to remember!
Have fun at an amusement park
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Kissimmee, Old Town offers heaps of family friendly entertainment. Styled as a classic amusement park, it has dozens of rides, attractions, shops, restaurants and bars. The perfect destination for a day or night of fun, this popular spot hosts weekly events including America’s longest-running weekly car cruise. Other highlights are the huge ferris wheel, fun-packed arcade, haunted house and magic shows.
Play basketball in your own court
You don’t have to go out to find sports courts. Some of the vacation rentals in Kissimmee have their own indoor basketball courts – how cool is that?! Ideal for families and sports fans, this 8-bedroom villa has its own basketball court, swimming pool, games room and home theater. Kids get a choice of cool themed bedrooms. And the home includes free shuttles to the theme parks.
Ride the world’s tallest Skycoaster
Things to do in Kissimmee don’t get much better than this! Head to Fun Spot America and you’ll find every kind of ride, from classics like bumper cars and go karts to unique thrills like the tallest Skycoaster in the world. Strapped in a special harness, riders are winched to the top of the 300 foot high launch tower and then dropped towards the ground swinging from a cable tether. You’ll get a great view of the park and experience the closest thing to jumping out of a plane, besides actually jumping out of a plane!
Hone your swing
With its numerous world-class golf courses, Kissimmee is players paradise. Not only will you find dozens of manicured fairways, you can also perfect your swing at the lessons, clinics and various programs on offer. Reunion Resort has three signature-designed championship courses on-site, plus a wide selection of condos and villas perfect for golfing getaways. You’ll also find some great public courses like Mystic Dunes, Celebration, Orange Lake, Highlands Reserve and the resort courses at Disney World.
Enjoy easy access to Disney World
Whether you want to visit Disney for a day, a week or even longer, you’ll enjoy super-easy access from Kissimmee. At vacation communities like Reunion and Encore Resort, you’ll even benefit from free shuttle transfers to and from the theme parks. Explore the enchanting lands of Magic Kingdom, go on a trip around the world at Epcot, take in movie-themed thrills at Hollywood Studios, or get up close to hundreds of species of animals at Animal Kingdom. When you want to cool off, chill out at Blizzard Beach water park or slide your way through the attractions at Typhoon Lagoon.
Shop ’til you drop
Base yourself in Kissimmee and you’ll be close to Orlando’s world-class shopping malls. Right on the doorstep is The Loop, packed with shops, restaurants and attractions. Located at the corner of John Young parkway and Osceola Parkway, it’s split into two sections, The Loop and Loop West. Once you’re done with shopping, fuel up at one of the many well-known restaurants or kick back with a dessert at Ben & Jerry’s ice cream parlor.
Step back in time
Spend an evening at Medieval Times Dinner Theater and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to medieval Europe. Set in a castle (complete with drawbridge and moat) this popular dinner show is themed around traditional pastimes of jousting, falconry and feasting. Cheer on your chosen knight while dining on a four-course meal fit for a king, queen, prince or princess. Dinner includes garlic bread, tomato bisque and roasted chicken with all the sides – eaten in true medieval style without any cutlery! Currently, guests are expected to wear a mask to the show and contactless temperature screening will take place before entry.
Catch a movie – at home!
If you don’t fancy heading out, then why not catch a movie at home? Many of Kissimmee’s vacation homes have plush movie theaters! This 5-bedroom villa in Encore Resort has a fantastic home theater complete with cinema style seating. It also has a private pool, hot tub and two games rooms. Guests benefit from free unlimited use of Encore’s exciting water park, leisure activities and a wide range of dining options.
Kart around a 1-mile track
For fun things to do in Kissimmee, head to Kissimmee Go-Karts where you can ride around the largest track in Central Florida (almost 1 mile long!). Race around the exciting Super Track designed in a figure-of-eight style with under and over bridge drives. Also at the venue is an alligator pool packed with huge gators and crocs. There’s also a fun-packed arcade with over 50 games including skeeball, hoops, air hockey, Pacman and many more.
Dine out
No list of things to do in Kissimmee would be complete without mentioning the restaurants! You can dine at all manner of eateries including the myriad options along Highway 192. Known as the fun highway of Kissimmee, this area is home to favorites like Bahama Breeze, Longhorn Steakhouse, Carrabba’s, Cracker Barrel, TGI Fridays, Taco Bell, Red Lobster and dozens more. You’ll also find plenty of places to dine at Old Town, The Loop, downtown Kissimmee and more!
Hit the little links
It may be known for its championship golf courses, but if you prefer mini golf you’re in luck as Kissimmee has some great mini golf courses too. Whether you’re looking for family fun, or maybe the perfect date spot, mini golf offer an ideal opportunity to get out and enjoy the warm weather. From jungle journeys to swashbuckling adventures you’ll find mini golf courses for every level and interest.
Things to do in Davenport, Florida
Located southwest of Kissimmee in the Lakeland-Winter Haven area, Davenport is a beautiful town with a laid-back vibe. Perfect for those in search of a scenic stay, it’s home to an array of low-key attractions and excellent vacation resorts. Due to its located close to Interstate 4 and US 27, it’s within easy reach of Orlando’s theme parks, shopping malls, restaurants and nightlife.
Go wine tasting
Located in the heart of Davenport is the True blue Winery. Combining a friendly atmosphere with plenty of small town charm, it offers a a variety of prize-winning homemade wines created on the premises, including blueberry wine made from the on-site orchard. Enjoy a glass of wine alongside some delicious food. Or head visit with the kids for a fun afternoon of blueberry picking. It’s a great place for a day trip, a date night, or a fun gathering with friends.
Tee off at a top golf course
With its 18-hole course and fantastic restaurant, Providence Golf Course is a must if you’re looking for things to do in Davenport, Florida. Located at Clubhouse Boulevard, it was designed by renowned golf course architect Mike Dasher and provides a refreshing getaway for tourists. The course winds its way through scenic Florida landscape featuring freshwater creeks and charming woodlands. Also in Davenport are the two Greg Norman-designed championship courses at Champions Gate Resort.
Bike ride at Lake Marion Creek
When you visit Davenport check out Lake Marion Creek, home to a protected 8,000 acre area of wooded swamp with hiking & biking trails, fishing and abundant wildlife. What makes it unique is that it combines trails through town with untouched parts of the natural surroundings. The biking trails are located around the Huckleberry Island area, while fishing is available on Snell Creek. Lake Marion Creek offers a scenic environment for cyclists, hikers, bird watchers and nature lovers alike.
Have fun at home
Located in Davenport, Champions Gate Resort packs in a waterpark, a movie theater, golf courses, a restaurant and a wide range of super-fun vacation rentals. Make the most of the resort’s amenities or have fun in your private vacation rental. This 8-bedroom villa has space for up to 16 guests and features a home theater, private pool, game room and full access to the resort’s amenities.
Fly fish at Lake Davenport
If you’re looking for a lake vacation that’s close to the Disney parks, then Davenport Florida is your answer. It’s home to numerous beautiful lakes including the vast Lake Davenport. Its prime location near the junction of US 27 and US 192 makes the area an easy commute from Orlando, just 30 minutes away. Watersports rentals and fishing equipment can be rented along the lakefront for anyone wanting to take to the waters. Typical catches here include bass, bluegill, catfish, crappie and sunfish.
Spot rare birds
Central Florida is a birders paradise, especially if you’re visiting between November and May. Bird watchers can enjoy sightings of various species like ibis, hawks and falcons, as well as quail and herons of practically every color. You may even catch a glimpse of some of the rarest birds in North America, including the Florida scrub-jay, snail kite, crested caracara and the Osceola wild turkey. Nestled in a peaceful conservation area, Watersong Resort is surrounded by lakes and a variety of wildlife, with many of its vacation rentals enjoying scenic lakefront views.
Hit the theme parks
From Davenport Florida it’s an easy 20-minute drive via the I-4 to Disney World and Universal Studios. Disney takes around 20 minutes by car, while Universal takes around 30 minutes. Legoland Florida is around 20 miles south of Davenport and is super easy to get to via the US-27. For Kissimmee’s attractions, it’s a 15-minute drive northeast following the US-17 and US-92 route.
The best resorts in Kissimmee & Davenport
If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Kissimmee and Davenport, check out these fantastic resorts. Fun and family friendly, they offer fantastic accommodation close to the local amenities and theme parks.
- Margaritaville
- Reunion Resort
- Encore Resort at Reunion
- Windsor Hills Resort
- Champions Gate Resort
- Watersong
- Solterra Resort
- Solara Resort
- Storey Lake Resort
Tempted to stay in Kissimmee or Davenport?
Book your stay with us and not only will you get beautiful accommodation at great prices, you’ll also benefit from amazing round-the-clock customer service and access to a wide range of travel extras such as car hire, discounted attraction tickets or help with arranging a special experience.
Follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your vacation home instantly without any phone calls or fuss. It’s easy to check availability, get a quote and book instantly online. Alternatively, submit an enquiry and we’ll get straight back to you.
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