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.
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.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/arcade-resized_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=ae48c76cbd7b706b0f28da9f96366454 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/arcade-resized_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=e1cf387a417aa61d923c6226ed7eb701 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/arcade-resized_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=d71eb00ac2017f65c35bd7a7561ca58b 750w)
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.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/DonGarlits_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=0f28ce53c9a506cddf426012b6e1f869 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/DonGarlits_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=a690914d17fc204f3dc2e644abfb2517 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/DonGarlits_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=c44de27187de33c1fa072218f8ecc943 734w)
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.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/crones-cradle-shop-resized_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=f5f1ab242808d00b823f4c213c05356c 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/crones-cradle-shop-resized_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=8ee35c79525cc0e2fe704ac17e549390 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/crones-cradle-shop-resized_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=1d0e218522dc5b0ccda21e7293bf5092 750w)
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.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Marion-theatre-at-Night-sign-edited_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=65bd38618d566e8a7a7d816ea4bd204e 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Marion-theatre-at-Night-sign-edited_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=8f7773d9c4929e4585f609f0d319e9b8 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Marion-theatre-at-Night-sign-edited_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=62afe74010a45761f78cbc75588f4bc6 750w)
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.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/restaraunt-burger_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=2fe2439cda5e2a2d026df467c65b9913 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/restaraunt-burger_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=cfdd0e902ee5a8b03a518b366b8ee49b 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/restaraunt-burger_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=bcc224dc2dd376aaa9effb2a76171f69 750w)
Additional Ideas
See a show… check and see what performances are happening locally at The Reilly Arts Center, Ocala Civic Theatre, Circle Square Cultural Center, or the Orange Blossom Opry.
Take a drive through horse country… See how to experience horse country up close and hands on.
Sharpen your axe throwing skills at The FireHouse Urban Axe Throwing.
Get crafty with friends at Painting with a Twist or Picasso’s Palette.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/painting-with-a-twist_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=db5debbad6120244bfdb29c6c9e849e4 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/painting-with-a-twist_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=28636b0d74b2454eb2fd70383f093f2f 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/painting-with-a-twist_77a996cadb6acd997fdd4924ba23cc85.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=48bc184fc50b541f0ac46cc61455c610 750w)
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Ocala, Florida 34470
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Sky Zone2400 SW College Road
Ocala, Florida 34471
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Appleton Museum of Art4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
OCALA, Florida 34470
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Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing13700 SW 16th Avenue
Ocala, Florida 34473
United States
Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center1445 NE 58th Ave.
Ocala, Florida 34470
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Epic Theatres of Ocala4414 SW College Road
Ocala, Florida 34474
United States
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Dunnellon, Florida 34432
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The Blue Gator Tiki Bar & Restaurant12189 S Williams Street
Dunnellon, Florida 34432
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Reilly Arts Center500 NE 9th Street
Ocala, Florida 34470
United States