Osceola County, located in the heart of Central Florida, offers a blend of adventure, culture, and history that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re exploring its natural landscapes, discovering its pioneer past, or enjoying family-friendly attractions, Osceola County promises unforgettable experiences. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Osceola County.
🌴 Outdoor Adventures & Nature Escapes
- 🦒 Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park (Kenansville) – A 170-acre drive-thru safari featuring giraffes, zebras, bison, antelope, and many more exotic species roaming freely. Visitors can feed giraffes, take photos from the safety of their vehicles, and enjoy narrated audio tours explaining the animals’ natural behaviors and conservation facts. Includes access to the Gator Park, home to alligators, sloths, and tropical birds. There’s also a petting zoo and restaurant overlooking the water. Open Mon–Sat 9 am–6 pm; tickets around $35 for adults; discounts for kids and Florida residents.
- 🐊 Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures (Kissimmee) – Airboat rides through the headwaters of the Everglades where you can spot alligators, bald eagles, turtles, and herons. The facility also features a butterfly garden, gem mining experience, Native American village exhibit, and a lakeside BBQ restaurant serving smoked meats and Southern favorites. Sunset and night tours are available for an added thrill of spotting glowing alligator eyes. Daily tours; $30–$60 per person depending on length and timing.
- 🧗 Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park (Kissimmee) – A high ropes and zipline course nestled in pine trees offering 97 challenges and suspended bridges. Courses progress in difficulty, providing excitement for beginners and seasoned climbers alike. Safety instructors guide guests through climbing walls, swinging logs, and long zipline runs. The park also has two kids’ courses for younger visitors. Open daily; 3-hour sessions from $35; reservations recommended.
- 🌅 Lakefront Park (St. Cloud) – A spacious waterfront area along East Lake Toho featuring paved walking trails, shaded picnic areas, splash pad, playground, sandy beach, and a fishing pier. Kayak rentals are available, and the marina hosts boat tours and fishing excursions. The park is popular for birdwatching at sunrise and sunset when herons and ospreys feed along the shore. It’s a peaceful escape perfect for family outings or romantic strolls. Free admission; open sunrise to sunset; amenities include restrooms, parking, and playgrounds.*
🏛️ History & Culture
- 🏺 Osceola County Welcome Center & History Museum (Kissimmee) – This immersive museum offers a deep dive into the story of Osceola County through lifelike dioramas and interactive exhibits. Learn about local wildlife habitats, early cattle ranching traditions, citrus farming, and the area’s transformation into a tourism hub. The museum also includes educational programs, rotating art displays, and a research library for history enthusiasts. Families will appreciate the child-friendly scavenger hunts and the shaded picnic area outside. Free admission; open daily 10 am–4 pm at 4155 W. Vine Street; allow about 1–2 hours for a full visit.
- 🏡 Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek (Kissimmee) – A living history park preserving authentic 19th-century Florida life. Visitors can tour fully restored homesteads, barns, and outbuildings relocated from around the county. Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, candle making, and traditional crafts, while the surrounding nature trails offer glimpses of native flora and fauna. The site also hosts annual heritage events like Pioneer Day and historical reenactments that bring local culture to life. Open daily 10 am–4 pm; $8 adults; guided tours Saturdays; free parking available.
- 🏛️ Historic Osceola County Courthouse (Kissimmee) – Completed in 1889, this beautifully preserved Romanesque Revival courthouse remains one of Florida’s architectural treasures and the state’s oldest working courthouse. Inside, visitors can admire the original oak staircases, stained glass, and historical courtroom displays detailing Osceola’s legal and civic past. The courthouse anchors downtown Kissimmee’s charming square, surrounded by boutiques, restaurants, and murals that showcase the area’s artistic spirit. Located at 3 Courthouse Square, downtown Kissimmee; open weekdays for self-guided visits and occasional tours.
🎡 Family-Friendly Attractions
- 🎠 Old Town Kissimmee – A vintage entertainment district that feels like a trip back in time, filled with classic rides, carnival games, quirky shops, and nightly entertainment. Wander through the streets lined with retro architecture, neon lights, and live music venues that celebrate Americana. Don’t miss the famous Saturday night Classic Car Cruise, where hundreds of restored vintage cars roll down Main Street, accompanied by 50s and 60s tunes. On Fridays, enjoy free outdoor concerts featuring local bands and tribute acts. Families can enjoy the Ferris wheel, haunted house, arcade, and dining spots ranging from diners to ice cream parlors. Free admission; open year-round; special events nearly every weekend.
- 🎪 Osceola County Fair (Kissimmee) – A week-long February celebration that blends agricultural heritage with modern carnival excitement. The fairgrounds at Osceola Heritage Park transform into a bustling hub of color, lights, and sound featuring thrilling rides, livestock shows, arts and crafts competitions, and a wide variety of food stalls offering everything from funnel cakes to smoked BBQ. Families can meet farm animals, watch 4-H competitions, and enjoy live country music and rodeo performances. The fair also hosts daily parades, children’s play zones, and evening fireworks displays. A long-standing local tradition that captures the heart of Osceola’s rural charm; open mid-February with affordable daily passes and multi-day wristbands available.*
🌿 Nature & Wildlife Experiences
- 🛶 Shingle Creek Regional Park (Kissimmee) – The northernmost headwaters of the Everglades, ideal for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and biking. The park spans over 450 acres of preserved wetlands and forest habitats where you can see otters, turtles, herons, and egrets. Kayak rentals and guided eco-tours are available for visitors who want a deeper exploration into Florida’s natural landscape. The park features scenic boardwalks, picnic areas, and interpretive signage explaining the region’s role in the Everglades ecosystem. Shingle Creek also connects to the Shingle Creek Trail, a multi-use path extending toward Orlando, perfect for cyclists and joggers. Nature photographers and birdwatchers often gather here to capture the stunning wildlife and sunrise reflections. Free parking; open daily from sunrise to sunset; bring insect repellent and water during warmer months.
- 🦩 Wild Florida Airboat Tours – These airboat eco-tours departing from Kenansville offer 30–60-minute rides through untouched sections of Florida wetlands, giving guests an up-close view of alligators, bald eagles, and spoonbills in their natural habitat. Each tour is led by a certified guide who explains the ecosystem’s delicate balance and the efforts to protect native species. For thrill-seekers, night tours are available to spot glowing gator eyes under the moonlight, while early morning tours provide serene misty views of the swamp. The facility also features a petting zoo, reptile encounters, and a wildlife exhibit center where guests can learn about native and exotic animals. Open daily; tours book quickly during peak seasons—reservations are highly recommended.
🎉 Annual Events & Festivals
- 🤠 Silver Spurs Rodeo (Kissimmee) – Held every February, the largest rodeo east of the Mississippi featuring bull riding, roping, and barrel racing. Beyond the competitions, the event showcases traditional cowboy heritage, line dancing, and western-themed parades. Visitors can also enjoy craft stalls, live country music, and local food vendors serving BBQ favorites and fresh lemonade. The Silver Spurs Rodeo has been an Osceola County tradition since the 1940s, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Tickets $15–$25; plan early as it sells out fast; family packages and VIP seating available.
- 💃 Osceola County Hispanic Heritage Festival – This vibrant September festival transforms downtown Kissimmee into a colorful celebration of Latin American culture. Streets fill with salsa, bachata, and reggaeton rhythms as dancers in traditional attire perform in lively parades. Local restaurants and food trucks serve authentic dishes such as empanadas, arepas, and Cuban sandwiches, while artisans display handmade crafts and jewelry. The festival also includes cultural workshops, kids’ zones, and community performances. Free admission; family-friendly; perfect for experiencing the diversity of Osceola’s Latino communities.
- 🥁 Central Florida Caribbean Festival – A joyful October event that immerses visitors in island culture through live reggae, calypso, soca, and steel drum performances. Expect colorful costumes, carnival-style dancing, and a festive atmosphere filled with tropical aromas of jerk chicken and sweet plantains. Vendors sell Caribbean art, flags, and crafts, while DJs spin Afro-Caribbean and dancehall hits late into the evening. It’s one of the region’s most energetic celebrations of Caribbean heritage and unity. A lively, colorful experience ideal for all ages; typically held outdoors with free or low-cost entry depending on venue.
🗺️ Plan Your Visit
From airboat rides through the Everglades to lively downtown festivals, Osceola County combines old Florida charm with modern fun. Whether you’re chasing thrills, soaking in nature, or uncovering history, the county offers something special for every traveler.
Plan your trip today and experience the authentic heart of Central Florida!
