KISSIMMEE VACATION RENTALS, FLORIDA

Most kids know the all-time popular children’s song, ‘Old Macdonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O,’ right? Well, now it’s time for your kids to experience the real thing. Green Meadows Farm is a welcome breather from all the usual theme parks. Your kids, with your assistance, can try milking a cow, petting furry farm animals and generally assist with farming activities. The farm has more than 300 farm animals, as well as a little train that chugs around the ranch. The farm is open from 9:30 AM to 4 or 5 PM daily. The admission fee is $19 for ages 3 and above and $16 for seniors aged 55 and above.

Kissimmee offers some of the best freshwater fishing in the world. The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes is recognized worldwide for its trophy largemouth bass and proudly holds several world records. Lake Cypress, Lake Gentry Lake Jackson and Lake Hatchineha are other few lakes where you can fish for bass, bluegill and black crappie. You can even choose to head beyond the coast for some deep-sea fishing. Temporary 12 month, 7day, and 3 day fishing licenses are available for nonresidents. Children under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish in Florida.

Most of the Kissimmee vacation homes, Kissimmee condos and Kissimmee apartments are surrounded by spectacular vistas and you can explore them on foot, on a cycle or on a horse.  Here’s your opportunity to inspect nature’s treasures from close quarters at your own pace.

Flowing southward from Osceola County towards Lake Okeechobee, the meandering Kissimmee River was straightened by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1940’s. A river restoration project, currently in progress created the Florida Trail along the newly restored river. The historic route, once a cattle drover’s path, was used by settlers in the 1800’s as they moved south. The Florida Trail winds southward through Kicco, a ghost town where wooden sidewalks and a graveyard attest to the area’s early settlers, and passes by the sites of Fort Kissimmee and Fort Bassinger. These forts were erected during Colonel Zachary Taylor’s 1837 march to battle the Seminole on the shores of Okeechobee. Hikers can enjoy long unbroken stretches of the trail for backpacking. Hickory Hammock is popular for day hikes, while the Avon Park and Kicco sections appeal to backpackers ready for a 3 to 4-day trek.

Comprising of more than 23,000 acres in Eastern Osceola County, Blue Creek offers some interesting trails for hiking and nature tours. Whether you prefer to hike, bike or ride, you are sure to cross your path with white-tailed deer, marsh rabbits, gopher tortoise or a wild turkey.

Lake Lizzi Nature Preserve is another great park, especially for horse riding. A 950-acre nature preserve, you get to view a kaleidoscope of interesting species from both the plant and animal kingdom.

Children, as well as adults, can enjoy hot air balloon rides. Several companies offer hot air balloon and airplane rides. Rides begin early in the morning and you need to reserve 3-4 hours for this activity.

Birdwatchers will love the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Home to several lakes, the area also houses a former ranch, Prairie Lakes. Prairie Lakes has the highest concentration of bald eagle nesting in the lower 48 states, with the regal creatures living in the area year-round. Endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers also live in the Prairie Lakes area. The endangered woodpeckers are most active around dawn and dusk.

Triple N Ranch is a wildlife management area that is open to the public. There you can hunt, horseback ride and hike. You can also view a variety of wildlife, including sandhill crane, bobcat, river otter, deer and turkey. The ranch is open from sunup to sundown and after sundown you can relax and unwind at your luxurious Kissimmee rental apartment or Kissimmee condo. No off-road vehicles are allowed. Firearms are only allowed with a valid Florida hunting license. No trapping devices are allowed to be used when hunting.

Whether you planning a short or a long stay at your luxurious Kissimmee villa, the one outdoor activity you cannot leave without trying is diving and snorkeling. The Kissimmee Professional Dive Center offers local and out of county dive trips. The center is open Monday to Friday, from 9 AM to 7 PM and on Saturdays from 9 AM to 6 PM. The center closes on Sundays. You would need to reserve at least ½ day for this activity. The center can provide water sports and beach gear rentals.

Orlando Dive & Snorkel Tours gives you the chance to swim with manatees, large tarpon and catfish and hundreds of mangrove snapper at various water-bodies including the Crystal River, Rainbow River, Blue Grotto and Blue Springs. It is open year-round, from 8 AM to 5 PM.