Although Ocala, Florida may cast the illusion of being a hushed town steeped in rural equestrian lifestyles, the city offers an abundance of recreational and educational opportunities. Whether indoors or out, there are plenty of things to do in Ocala, Florida.
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park is located at 1425 NE 58th Avenue. The park is recognized by locals and visitors as one of the first tourist attractions in Florida. Activities include nature trails for hiking and biking, camping areas, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours. And for those who work up an appetite, there’s a restaurant.
Silver Springs River Museum and Environmental Education Center
Silver Springs River Museum and Environmental Education Center is located at 1445 Northeast 58th Avenue, and is part of the Silver Springs State Park. A project of Marion County Public Schools, the center is primarily in service to educate school-aged students with hands-on learning opportunities. However, on weekends and when schools are not in operation, the museum opens to the public and hosts a variety of special events.
Petting Zoo Ocala
Petting Zoo Ocala is located at 11150 W. Why 40. Here’s a place where members of the whole household can engage in petting, feeding, and even riding an array of animals including llamas, emus, kangaroos, donkeys, sheep, horses, and more.
Ocala Ghost Walks and Historical Tours
Ocala Ghost Walks and Historical Tours is located at 725 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Grab your camera, your EMF equipment, and your curiosity as you tour historical areas of Ocala, including haunted pubs. Psychic readings are also available. By appointment only.
Sholom Park
Sholom Park is located at 7110 SW 80th Avenue. This botanical garden is designed to provide peace, tranquility, and beauty to all who visit. The park offers a variety of visiting areas including a formal garden, labyrinth, various trails, a pond, and an enchanted forest. When you’ve reached your limits with the hustle and bustle of city life, step into wonder at Sholom Park.
The Discovery Center
The Discovery Center is located at 701 NE Sanchez Ave. Interactive experiences educate and entertain household members of all ages. The Discovery Center offers special programs, camps, events, and exhibits that foster the fun of learning.
The Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology
The Marion County Museum of History and Archaeology is located at 307 SE 26th Terrace. 13,000 years of human history are captured, preserved, and shared at this teaching and research institution. The museum also houses two walking tours that celebrate the area’s history.
The Appleton Museum of Art
The Appleton Museum of Art is located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd. Collections, exhibits, programs, and learning opportunities converge in this cultural center designed to challenge, inspire, and enrich the Ocala community.
The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours
The Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours is located at 8045 NW Gainesville Road. For those who want remarkable views of Florida’s landscape and an adrenaline rush to boot, the Canyons Zip Line and Canopy offers a variety of zip lines, rope bridges, and a rappel. And for those who prefer ground-level fun, horse tours traverse scenic routes throughout the camp.
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra
The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is located at 500 NE 9th Street. Delight your senses in this host irc venue, dressed to the nines in 1930s fashion. The building in the historic district features a renovated auditorium and an outdoor stage.
The Ocala Civic Theatre
The Ocala Civic Theatre is located at 4337 East Silver Springs Boulevard. This volunteer organization offers affordable, professional-quality live performances, as well as classes for students ages 4-18.
Horse Shows: In addition to the above activities, it’s worth noting that Ocala has long been recognized for its equestrian lifestyles, sports, and activities. There are ample harms, ranches, stables, and other resources available for horse-lovers in Ocala.
Ocala Marion County
Ocala Marion County also provides a full calendar of events covering a wide array of interests.
You’ll also find an array of golf courses and clubs, boutiques and specialty stores, spas, restaurants, and more.
Ocala, Florida is no stranger to fun. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking to catch an adrenaline rush, a historian interested in visiting landmarks, an outdoor enthusiast eager to take in the sights, an artist looking for a place to express yourself, a curious mind looking for hands-on learning, or even an amateur paranormal investigator, Ocala has something to offer every member of the household.
Welcome home to Ocala.
Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give Ocala Realty Experts a call today at 352-254-5255 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.
Great list! sholom park is a routine getaway for us for sure! Especially now with social distancing and all. We’re headed do to Orlando for the first time in 6 years next week, do you have a top recommends list for them? Thnx again! – sheila
Unfortunately, no we don’t have a list similar to this for Orlando. We will need to consider that for the future! Glad you enjoyed our list here!