Things to Do on a Rainy Day

While Florida is called the Sunshine State, the weather can be unpredictable. But afternoon showers is a rite of passage when you visit!

There are lots of fun things to do on a rainy day in Ocala/Marion County rather than staying in, and here are some local favorites:

Play Inside

Bring your friends and challenge your whit and mystery solving skills at the Ocala Escape Room. Choose 1 of 3 adventures to embark on and be ready to open locks, solve puzzles and rely on your team! All ages are welcome, but some might be recommended for older kids and adults only. Huddy's Escape is another great option located inside Paddock Mall!

Get that bottled up energy out at Sky Zone, Ocala’s indoor trampoline park! From dodge ball to a ninja warrior course, the massive indoor facility is filled wall-to-wall with trampolines and fun for both kids and adults.

Another fun thing to do with the kids, but not worry about the weather is playing games at the local family fun center, Easy Street by Funworks! Keep yourselves entertained with the many arcade games and rock climbing. If the rain stops, there is mini golf, go-karting and more outside.

Three arcade-style basketball hoops glowing with purple and blue neon lights in a dark room.

Explore Arts, Science And History

Dive into a unique historical collection of more than 18,000 artifacts from across the world and a growing collection of works from Florida artists at the Appleton Museum of Art. The museum also hosts many traveling exhibits throughout the year, so check AppletonMuseum.org to see what additional exhibits are in town!

For those who love all things speed and racing, the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is a must. Dive into the history of drag racing while exploring the hundreds of racing cars, antique cars and memorabilia, as well as the International Drag Racing Hall of Fame. The collection of antique cars is truly impressive. With the largest collection of Ford automobiles and an extensive assortment of world-famous vehicles, including dragsters, funny cars and motorcycles, Don Garlits is a one-of-a-kind museum.

A vintage white racing car with red and blue stripes on display in a museum or showroom.

For hands-on learning, visit The Discovery Center of Ocala. The center has rotating exhibits, weekly science classes, special events like adult date night and much more! Stop into the nocturnal room and see the animals who call it home. On Saturdays, join in for a star lab show in an inflatable planetarium. Check out what exhibit is open now at MyDiscoveryCenter.org.

For some local history insight, stop into the Silver River Museum located inside Silver Springs State Park. The museum provides hands-on learning opportunities and dives into Florida’s cultural and natural history, dating as far back as 12,000 years. Remarkable artifacts such as silver coins, a mission bell and a cannon are on display.

Check out many more museums and galleries HERE.

Shop Local

Spend the day shopping local. Explore the area through local boutiques and gift shops in Downtown Ocala and the Historic Village Shops of Dunnellon or go antiquing for hidden treasures in McIntosh. Find out more about the shopping options in Ocala/Marion here.

Interior of a cozy boutique or gift shop filled with artisanal goods and home decor.

See A Movie

Take an afternoon at the theatre on a rainy day to another level by experiencing the nostalgia of the historic Marion Theatre right in Downtown Ocala. This theatre has been open for 70 years and is an icon of the Historic Downtown Ocala. There is also a brand new theatre called Epic Theatres Ocala located in Market Street at Heath Brook, as well as Regal Hollywood & IMAX - Ocala and Ocala Centre 6.

Night shot of the Marion Theatre with vibrant neon blue and red lights on the marquee.

Eat A Delicious Meal

Rain or shine, stopping into local favorites for a tasty bite is a must. Check out the many delicious local restaurants in Ocala, especially Downtown. Enjoy a seafood basket sitting under covered patio on the river at Swampy’s Bar & Grille or the Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant in Dunnellon. If you are looking for a horse country experience, enjoy a savory meal at the equine-themed Horse & Hounds, where you feel like you stepped into an English pub. For all the restaurant options in the area, check out our page on dining here.