-
Wild Florida
Earth Day might officially be celebrated on April 22, but residents and guests of Kissimmee can connect with nature and enjoy all its benefits anytime of the year.
Many studies have shown spending time outside alleviates stress, boosts your mood and immune system, and promotes social connections and creativity among adults and children. With an average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, Kissimmee is the perfect place to go outside and play.
Whether you’re local to the area or planning your next visit to Kissimmee, here are five ways to celebrate nature.
Float through Kissimmee’s sunny skies.
Take in the best view of Kissimmee from 1,000 feet above during a hot air balloon adventure. Enjoy breathtaking views of iconic theme parks, beautiful resorts, and Florida swamps. Plus, there are plenty of choices for airborne adventures including Bob’s Balloon Rides and Maverick Balloon Adventures, with options available for private flights and groups up to 20.
Get wild at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Did you know Animal Kingdom’s birthday is Earth Day? No wonder it’s the most magical place to celebrate Earth year-round. While there are exciting adventures to experience every day, Animal Kingdom is hosting limited-time experiences for Earth Week. From April 18-24, guests can enjoy unique character appearances, learning opportunities, specialty merchandise, themed food and beverage, a new Wilderness Explorer activity, and much more.
Paddle through the headwaters of the Everglades.
Kissimmee’s Shingle Creek is known as the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. At The Paddling Center, guests can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for an excursion unlike any other. On guided or self-guided tours, just minutes off the busy highway, paddlers will hear the calming sounds of birds chirping and splashing water. Certified guides share facts and information about the local wildlife and plants along the way, as well as the rich history of Shingle Creek.
Drive through a self-guided safari. Located off Cypress Creek, Wild Florida’s new Drive-thru Safari Park allows guests to drive their own cars through 85 acres of nature and exotic animals; plus, a stop along the way to get eye-to-eye with giraffes on the feeding platform. The eco-tourism park also offers airboat tours to get close to Florida wildlife in its natural habitat. Keep an eye out for alligators, fish, and birds — including bald eagles. The attraction’s gator and wildlife park exhibit several different species of animals, such as alligators, tropical birds, emu, lemurs, and more.
Swing among the treetops.
Orlando Tree Trek is for the adventurous. With more than 97 aerial challenges set atop canopy trees, there are four separate courses for every elevation and skill level. This attraction, located in Kissimmee, offers three separate courses built for kids including 21 challenges. Plus, a 425-foot zip line to end the adventure.
The Experience Kissimmee Story
Almost 50 years of vacation-making experience. More than 9,000,000 overnight visitors. And closer than the wave-of-a-wand away from world-famous theme parks and attractions, the headwaters of the Everglades, extraordinary natural wonders, and plates for every palate. We’re Experience Kissimmee, the official tourism authority for Osceola County, Florida. (That means we oversee sales and marketing for the destination.) We’re also the Vacation Home Capital of the World®, with more than 70,000 accommodation options, including luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and over 50,000 vacation homes.
