Not Everything in the Kissimmee area costs money!

This is Part II of a list of great things to do that are free(!) or nearly there in the villa area. See Part I here. For even more interesting things to do closer to home, explore this list of activities and attractions courtesy of the Kissimmee Convention and Visitors Bureau.

You may think you know Kissimmee. The year-round sunny weather, the theme park thrills, the exciting dinner shows, the perfect place to create lasting memories. But the locals will tell you there is even more. What’s the best part? Some of Kissimmee’s best-kept secrets are free!

Disney Springs , actually in Disney World (not Kissimmee) is a great place to explore, even if you’re not into shopping or looking for a great dining experience. It’s a fascinating place to walk, explore and people watch! Plus, there is often lots of free live entertainment being featured, with world-class performers of all types screened and presented by Disney for your enjoyment. Parking is plentiful, nearby and also free. You’ll see a big part of Walt Disney World outside the theme parks! It’s even interesting to see how great a parking garage can be when Disney does it! See DisneySprings.com for more information.

Old Town Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Complex is a great place to spend a day, because admission is free. On weekends, Old Town becomes a haven for car buffs. On Friday nights, you can stroll the streets eyeing some of the finest custom and exotic cars you’ve ever seen. The Saturday Nite Cruise®, a 30-year tradition, features classic cars that just might bring back a few memories. There is live entertainment each night and it’s a jumping street party that is simply fun. Check out the Old Town website for more information.

The historic and charming downtowns of Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and Celebration provide a great haven to while away a day.

In Kissimmee, stop at the historic Courthouse, the oldest in continuous use in the State of Florida; then meander through the downtown area to see the Kissimmee Sculpture Experience. Each year artists submit their work and a dozen are selected to adorn the tree-lined streets. Then head to Lakefront Park, but be sure to check out the Monument of States along the way.

For more leisurely meandering, head to St. Cloud, dubbed “The Friendly Soldier City” for the thousands of Civil War veterans who relocated here in the early 1900s. Stroll, shop, dine, and “people watch” in antique stores, shops, waterfront parks, and restaurants.

For something to see at a relaxed pace close to Breezy Oak Villa, explore the neo-classical architecture and charm of downtown Celebration , an incorporated city designed by a number of renowned architects and created on Disney World property. Downtown Celebration plays host to special events on a regular basis, including a farmer’s market. It also provides an inviting international dining region with a variety of restaurants all within a four-block area. Town info here.

If you’re a nature lover, you’ll be interested to know that Osceola County has the largest population of nesting bald eagles in the continental U.S. It’s also one of the country’s few re-introduction sites for the endangered Whooping Crane. You can spot some of these awe-inspiring birds at Lake Lizzie Nature Preserve, the Osceola County Environmental Center, and in the Wildlife Management Areas of Bull Creek, Prairie Lakes, Three Lakes, and Triple N Ranch – all Great Florida Birding Trail sites.

For more information on great places to hike, check out our page on Osceola County Nature Trails!

Link: GWTtrails.pdf – all Great Florida Birding Trail sites.

If you live to fish, be sure to drop a line into the lakes of Kissimmee, famous for their views and abundant bass. Lake Tohopekaliga, conveniently located in downtown Kissimmee, is known to avid fisherman around the world and is a fantastic place for boating, birding, and picnicking along the water’s edge. You can also head over to East Lake Toho in St. Cloud for a full day of free family fun revolving around a beach, a playground, and several lakefront fishing spots including a tranquil fishing pier with a gazebo. It’s also a great place to settle in with a good book.

Take one day of your vacation to slow down the pace and just see what all you can do for free. You’ll discover a different side of Kissimmee … the heart of Florida.

As you study this information and visit all of the links on this page, you’ll no doubt discover that there is just so much more to do and explore in central Florida than you can possibly do in a week or two. Plan on returning to Breezy Oak Villa soon so you can continue your adventure in the Heart of Florida!