Pokemon GO is essentially a virtual geocaching mobile app. The game utilizes your phone's GPS to detect where you are and will show you a map to where the next Pokemon is located. There are several Pokestops throughout our area, most at historical locations, libraries, parks and businesses to get more Pokeballs, eggs and other Pokeswag. You should check the app everywhere you go to find more Pokemon, because the goal is to catch them all! Here is a list of some of the most popular Pokestops in Osceola County, FL.
1. Ice Factory, Kissimmee, FL
Ice Factory is a Pokestop! Not only that but they are offering free skate upgrades when you show them your Pokemon Go app! Grab your coats and gloves and head to Ice Factory to cool off and collect your Pokemon. It's also being rumored that Life Assembly Church next door to Ice Factory has a Poke Gym.
2. Gatorland, Orlando, FL
This is one of my family's favorite places to visit. The kids love the splash pad, animal shows and checking out the gators. I love that they are happy! Now Gatorland is also home to 14 Pokestops and a Poke Gym! Stop by now through the end of July and you can get 50% off with their Florida Resident discount!
3. Ken's Jewelry & Repair, Kissimmee, FL
Located at the corner of 192 and Central Ave in Kissimmee, Ken's Jewelry & Repair is a Poke Gym! Stop by and check out their inventory while battling other teams.
4. The Catfish Place in St. Cloud, FL
St. Cloud has a ton of Pokestops! Take a walking tour of Downtown and you will find a bunch! Then head over to The Catfish Place and catch a few more! If you haven't been Downtown in awhile I think you will be pleasantly surprised and catch tons of Pokemon along the way.
5. Old Town, Kissimmee, FL
Old Town is a great place to explore and catch lots of little critters! PLUS it's a Poke Gym!
Bonus Locations: St. Cloud Post Office, Cornerstone Church, St. Cloud Civic Center area, Peghorn Park in St. Cloud, Meat n' Fire, Disney Magic Kingdom, Kmart in Kissimmee, St. Cloud Lakefront
While you are playing Pokemon GO it is very important to stay alert, be careful of your surroundings and utilize common sense. Here are a few pointers we have put together to ensure you have a pleasant Pokemon GO experience.
- Do not play and drive. Distracted driving is the cause of many accidents. We know it's tempting, but it's just not safe.
- Don't get tripped up, look up! Be aware of your surroundings. It's easy to follow a GPS map blindly but remember to look up. Trees, bumps, moving vehicles, and debris are not on the map.
- Don't Poke in the dark. We get it. You're addicted. You wanna catch them all and catch them all now. But lingering in the dark, alone, with a cell phone is never a good idea. We recommend catching Pokemon as a family, during the day and utilize caution when going to new areas.
- Poke around with friends and family. Nobody wants to wander around alone. Bring friends and family. It will keep you more alert and aware of your surroundings. Plus it will be a bonding experience.
- Afraid your kids will be to tempted wander? Only download the app on an adult's phone. If it's on your child's phone enforce safety rules and boundaries of where they can play Pokemon GO and when.
- The game is not a race. The Pokemon will wait for you, nobody can steal them. There is no reason to speed or drive recklessly.
No matter where you go hunting Pokemon as a family, I'm sure it will be worth the trip. Many families have been bonding over the game for several days and thier experiences have been full of Pokelove. Where are your favorite spots to to play Pokemon GO? Let us know on Facebook!
Macaroni Kid Kissimmee-St. Cloud is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in Osceola County, FL (and part of Orange County, FL). We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, school and summer camp guides, kid-friendly activities and more. We proudly serve families in Celebration, Kissimmee, St. Cloud, Harmony, Meadow Woods, Buenaventura Lakes (BVL), and Hunter's Creek! We are also a valuable resource to many visitors and tourists on a budget. Find all of your affordable family fun while visiting Orlando!
