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Kissimmee is near Orlando and many people stay there to save money on a trip to Disney World. The area has much more to offer, in addition to affordable accommodations. A Kissimmee guide will help you enjoy all this area has to offer. There are many attractions and opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and interact with nature.

A Kissimmee Guide to the Great Outdoors

The beautiful climate in Florida allows for outdoor activities all year long. Fishing is a popular activity in this area. Lake Kissimmee is a 35,000 acre lake. This lake is the largest on the Kissimmee River. Lake restoration was done in 1996. The restoration created a better spawning ground and increased the quality of the fishing. Large mouth bass is a popular fish in this lake. There are tournaments held here each year and fish as large as twenty pounds have taken the top prize.

Kissimmee's Great Outdoor Days are held each year in late October. A three day fishing tournament, the Lake Toho Pro Am is held at this time of year. This is a weekend event with music, activities and other entertainment. The festival is a free event that offers many fun activities for the whole family, even members who don't enjoy fishing.

Nearby Conservation Village is a great place for kids to learn the importance of conserving our lakes and rivers. There is a stocked pond where children can enjoy fishing. During the Outdoor Days Festival, there are cardboard boat races where the whole family can participate in creating cardboard boats and racing them. During the festival, a classic car show is held. Central Florida car club members exhibit their vehicles. This is open to the public free of charge.

If you want to enjoy nature on your trip, consider visiting the Everglades. You can take an airboat ride to see wildlife up close. Tours are available for a half hour or hour. You will see native plants and wildlife, including alligators on these tours. Bring your camera to get some great pictures of the gators.

Kissimmee Guide to Attractions

If you love gators, consider visiting Gatorland during your stay in Kissimmee. This is a very popular attraction in this area. The park is home to alligators, crocodiles, reptiles and a variety of bird species. There is a 2000 foot boardwalk, where you can walk through the swamp and get a closer look at wildlife. There are alligator nurseries and breeding areas where you will learn about these amazing creatures.

Reptile World is another attraction where your family can see and learn about reptiles. This is the largest exhibit of reptiles in the state. There are shows with snake handlers. During the show, the handler demonstrates extracting venom from cobras and rattlesnakes.

Green Meadows Farm is a great place to spend some quiet and relaxing time with your children. The kids will love learning about the animals and interacting with them. The farm is home to over 300 animals. There is an interactive tour, where every child gets a chance to milk a cow. The farm also offers pony rides and hay rides for guests.

If you love riding horses, consider visiting Horse World Stables. There are 750 acres with trails for riders of every skill level. Guests also get the opportunity to feed and pet the animals in the stables. A game of volleyball or horseshoes will add to the fun of your visit to Horse World. A picnic area is available for you to enjoy a picnic lunch outside. More >> Orlando Attractions