While Orlando certainly lives up to its nickname of the theme park capital of the world, sometimes it’s nice to step away from the big crowds, loud noises, and high prices. The Old Town part of Kissimmee offers a more relaxed pace, “Old-Florida” nostalgia, and plenty of good old-fashioned, family-friendly attractions at just a fraction of the price a day at a theme park would cost.
Old Town has plenty of unique attractions, shopping, and dining and is the perfect place to spend a day with the whole family. When you’ve had your fill of theme parks and want a change of pace, Old Town Kissimmee offers the perfect getaway just minutes from your vacation rental in the heart of Central Florida. Here’s the inside scoop on all the best things to do in Old Town Kissimmee!
About Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town has been a staple of old-fashioned family fun in Kissimmee for over 30 years and is a can’t-miss Central Florida attraction. Modeled to represent a “classic Florida town,” the streets of Old Town are dotted with retro architecture, vintage carnival rides and games, and lots of unique shops, restaurants, and bars.
If you’re in the mood for some pampering, Old Town also has spas, nail salons, and barber shops. There’s plenty to do in this sprawling 18-acre entertainment district, whether you just have a few hours or plan to spend the whole day.
Best Things to Do in Old Town Kissimmee
Old Town Rides and Attractions
Beloved for its unique, “old-timey” rides and attractions, Old Town features an antique carousel, a roller coaster, and an iconic vintage balloon Ferris Wheel that looks like it leaped right off the storybook page! You’ll also find plenty of games for all ages in the old-fashioned arcade, outdoor shooting target range, and a ninja obstacle course.
The Slingshot
Photo Credit: Michel Curi via Flickr CC 2.0
Adrenaline junkies can test their wits in Old Town’s famous Slingshot, which catapults riders over 300 feet in the air, or the Vomatron, a 200-foot giant spinning propeller that is not for the faint of heart! For even more thrills, the adjacent Fun Spot America park features roller coasters, fast go-karts, and more thrill rides.
Mortem Manor
Photo Credit: Inside the Magic via Flickr CC 2.0
For a scary good time, visit Old Town’s famous Mortem Manor — named one of the ”Scariest Haunted Houses in America” by The Travel Channel. This Victorian-themed haunted house is full of suspenseful special effects and live actors ready to scare even the bravest of visitors (this attraction is best for older kids and adults who love all things spooky).
Shopping and Dining in Old Town
Old Town Kissimmee is the perfect place to stroll and shop, and with dozens of unique stores and artisan boutiques, you never know what treasures you’ll find. From clothing, shoes, and accessories to handmade soaps, jewelry, leatherwork, art, crystals, candies, teas, and more — Old Town is full of unique finds!
Americana, Gemstones, and Jewelry
Photo Credit: Byjeng
Must-stops include The Old Town General Store, a staple for classic Americana-themed t-shirts and souvenirs, Black Market Minerals for gemstones and jewelry, and Salty’s for their signature Salt Water Taffy. Feeling nostalgic for the 60s and 70s? The Groovy Store brings you back with plenty of tie-dye t-shirts, bell bottoms, and psychedelic decor, while you can find lots of music memorabilia at Skully’s Rock ‘N Roll Experience.
Casual Dining
Photo Credit: Michel Curi via Flickr CC 2.0
After all that shopping, you’re bound to be hungry. Dining options in Old Town range from quick bites like pretzels, pizza, and popcorn to sushi, Southern cuisine, tacos, and more.
No visit is complete without a stop at the iconic A&W Restaurant for their nostalgic burgers, fries, and root beer floats or Shoney’s Old Town for their classic all-American buffet. You can also grab a coffee or a cocktail at one of the many coffee shops or bars or a sweet treat at one of Old Town’s bakeries, ice cream shops, or cotton candy stands.
Old Town Special Events
Car Shows
Photo Credit: Michel Curi via Flickr CC 2.0
From car shows to concerts, there’s always something going on at Old Town. Every weekend, car lovers can enjoy the Friday Muscle Car Show and Saturday Classic Car Show and Cruise.
Karaoke and Festivals
Photo Credit: VIAVAL TOURS
You can also find live music almost nightly, Karaoke parties, special festivals and celebrations, magic shows, fireworks, and more. Many of the restaurants and bars around Old Town also have their own lineup of live music and/or special events.
Holiday Festivities
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images CCL
During the holidays, Old Town shines even brighter with thousands of twinkling lights, Christmas trees, colorful decorations, holiday parades, and visits from Santa. And, if you’re looking for a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party, Old Town has fun for all ages with live music, games, face painting, fireworks, and more.
Unique Experiences in Old Town
Photo Credit: rchat
In addition to Old Town’s rides, attractions, shopping, and dining, there are some unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. You can get a Henna tattoo, create a custom suncatcher, have a caricature drawing done, or even make a wax sculpture of your hands. If you’re a jerky lover, The Beef Jerky Experience has you covered with over a hundred different varieties, including alligator jerk, for a uniquely Florida flavor!
For a truly unique experience and one of Old Town’s most popular spots, Old Town Portrait Gallery is a must-do! Here, you can choose from several different vintage sets and costumes and have a custom “old-timey” photoshoot. From the Wild West to the Roaring 20s, you and your family can step back in time and have a one-of-a-kind photograph souvenir.
Late-Night Old Town
Photo Credit: Monkey Business Images
For the 21+ crowd, Old Town has plenty of bars and lounges that are open late on the weekends. Bobby’s Garage is open until 1:00 AM on the weekends and is a great place to unwind with a craft beer or cocktail and watch a sports game.
The party continues until 2:00 AM at Sun On The Beach, Old Town’s hottest nightclub, featuring live music and themed parties. For a more relaxed evening, Vino’s Hookah and Wine Bar offers a wide variety of wines, hookahs, and cigars and is open until 11:00 PM on the weekends.
Stay and Play Near Old Town
Old Town Kissimmee is the perfect place for a fun-filled day with the family, a relaxed afternoon of shopping and dining, or an evening of cocktails and live music. It’s conveniently located near Downtown Kissimmee and just a short drive from Orlando’s famous theme parks and attractions, so there’s always more fun to be had!
Looking for the best place to stay while you play? Book your stay with Element Vacation Homes for the ultimate family-friendly getaway. The fun never stops in an Element Vacation Home with amenities like themed rooms, arcades, mini-golf, rock climbing walls, home theaters, resort-style pools, and more.
