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6 Fun Vacation Things to do on a Rainy Day in Florida

Even in a downpour, Kissimmee offers family fun - just don't forget your umbrella!

Smiling girl in a sun shower with an umbrella.

Don't let a little rain ruin your Kissimmee vacation

Here in Kissimmee, we’re known for our Central Florida weather – that’s year-round sunshine with an average of 236 sunny days every year. But even the Sunshine State sees an occasional bit of rain. You might find yourself in a quick-moving sun shower that only lasts a few minutes, or find yourself in a rare patch of rainy weather.

We know there’s a lot of planning that goes into vacations, so we want to give you some tips to have in your back pocket that make for good rainy weather fun! Although Kissimmee vacation homes and hotels near the theme parks have plenty to do in the chance of rain, here are six things to inspire family fun until the sun comes back out around the Central Florida area. 

Explore Historic Local and National Museums

When the rain begins pouring, it’s time to start exploring! And what better way to learn about Kissimmee's history than visiting the Osceola County Welcome Center? Inside, the rich history storytelling begins. Take a walk through the land from the dawn of time and journey into what you'll recognize as the present. For even more exploring, head over to the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek. This outdoor village dates back to the 1800s when horse and buggy was the primary mode of transportation and life was a bit simpler. 

Flying in the sky not taking you high enough? Then the Kennedy Space Center Visitor’s Complex is the next place to go. This gateway to space will bring your whole family face to face with shuttles, such as the famous Space Shuttle Atlantic, and you have the opportunity to be on a first-name basis with astronauts in the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. See? The sky isn’t the limit.

Spend Time in Kissimmee's Shopping Spots

Of course, shopping is fun rain or shine, but overcast weather is a good excuse to spend some time finding that perfect souvenir or outlet store deal.

If you love hunting for a bargain, we suggest hitting up Orlando Premium Outlets - International Drive, where you’ll find more than 180 name-brand outlet stores. Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores is a shopping village just minutes away from Walt Disney World Resort. 

Find your favorite high-end brands without the high price tags.

Combine boutique shopping with arcade games and activities for the whole family by heading to Old Town Kissimmee for a taste of classic 50s and 60s Florida. While known today for its atmospheric amusements and retro rides, Old Town started as a shopping district and today, its unique shops still shine bright.

Now, if you're looking for one of the newest areas to shop, stop by the Promenade at Sunset Walk. This entertainment and shopping district is perfect for those rainy days because you can shop, eat, and watch a movie at a luxury theater - all within a couple of blocks! 

Historic Downtown Kissimmee features a variety of antique shops and local art galleries. The tree-lined front street of Celebration Town Center also has a number of tempting specialty boutiques and its charming facades make for a memorable walk! Celebration is the town that The Walt Disney Company built, after all. Giving you the best of small-town America with a modern twist.

Indoor Thrills at Central Florida Attractions

Although you can still smell the fresh rain air at Top Golf, you're safe from the raindrops under the cover while mastering your golf swing. This is a great chance for the family to gather around the bay and challenge each other to a game or two of golf. 

Looking for more ways for family-friendly competition? Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is a great way to get the family together for some arcade games, bowling, and a two-level modular track. And with over 100 high definition TVs, your rainy-day paradise awaits! 

Experience the Theme Parks in the Rain

So, you’ve only got a few days in town, and the day you planned to explore our world-famous theme parks ends up being a rainy one. No worries! Not only will it make for a good family story, but many of the rides and attractions that make up the theme parks are housed indoors anyway. This is also the perfect opportunity to flaunt your poncho style.

Rain ponchos can be purchased at grocery stores and gift shops around town, or from the theme parks. Put a few in your purse and hit the parks! Prepare to make memories.

Wait for the Rainbows

We’ve alluded to the fact that our sun showers can be deceiving. Often when one occurs, you might think about nixing your plans for the day only to have the sun shine again moments later. Summer storms especially can pass in a matter of minutes, so your vacation isn’t likely to get rained out, and the post-shower skies can be spectacular!

Make Sunny Day Plans

This list just goes to show — there’s more than fair-weather entertainment in Central Florida! When the sun comes back out, we recommend you take a walk in nature or visit the amazing outdoor adventures. It’s a good idea to book a tee time at one of our famous golf courses, too.

Rain or shine, we hope our guide helps you experience Kissimmee!