Top 10 Things to Do as a Family in Ocala/Marion County

Vacations are the perfect opportunity to make cherished family memories, and Ocala/Marion County is the perfect place to make them!

Here 10 Things You and Your Family Can Do Together when you spend time in our destination.

1. Visit Silver Springs State Park

Silver Springs State Park is one of Florida’s best hidden gems. With springs that stay a cool 72°F year-round, the area offers kayak and canoe rentals, as well as rides on their famous Glass-Bottom boats, where you can gaze into the clear waters to see fish, turtles, manatees and more.

2. Zip Line at The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours

Have a high-flying adventure on a zip lines at The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours. Built around an old limestone quarry, parents and kids aged 10+ years and over 70lbs. can ride on 9 different zip lines, cross 2 rope bridges and a rappel on a canopy tour.

3. Go Horseback Riding

Ocala/Marion County isn’t known as the Horse Capital of the World® for nothing! Many of the local horse farms offer horseback tours or carriage rides, so you can get up close with these beautiful animals and make any little kid’s fairy tale dreams come true.

4. Hike the Cross Florida Greenway

Get a breath of fresh air by hiking the Cross Florida Greenway. Surround yourself and your family with the gorgeous natural settings while you spot wildlife. With more than 100 miles to explore, there’s lots to see! Feel free to take a break from hiking and enjoy the campgrounds, picnic shelters and playgrounds, too.

5. Explore The Discovery Center

Who says learning can’t be fun? The Discovery Center of Ocala is a hands-on learning center where families can interact with different rotating exhibits.

6. Get Artsy at The Appleton Museum of Art

This unique collection of stunning paintings, sculptures, artifacts and more is unlike anything you’ll find in Central Florida. There’s something for everyone to marvel at, and The Appleton Museum of Art even offers hands-on classes and programs called ARTSpace on selected days.

7. Go to a U-Pick Farm

Families and kids of all ages will love the experience of picking your very own tasty fruits and berries at one of the many U-Pick Farms in the Ocala/Marion County area.

8. Get Revved Up for the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

Cruise on in to the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing! Kids and adults alike will be thrilled to see more than 90 racecars, 50 antique cars and more at this museum which was founded by one of motorsport’s most revered legends.

9. Play at Easy Street Family Fun Center at Funworks

If you want high-energy fun, visit a place where “fun” is its middle name: The Easy Street Family Fun Center at Funworks! Funworks offers a whole host of activities for families to enjoy like mini golf, go karts, arcade games, batting cages, rock climbing, laser tag, water balloon games, and even a two-story jungle gym!

10. Take a Big Leap to Sky Zone Ocala

The family will be jumping for joy—literally—when you come out to Sky Zone Ocala. Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park that offers fun attractions like rock climbing, ropes courses, dodgeball, foam pits, basketball games and more. For smaller kids, there’s also a toddler zone, so everyone can have a safe and fun experience.

So there you have it. Ten of our favorite things to do your family in Ocala/Marion County. Don’t be fooled, though—there’s a lot more where those came from! Come visit us and make your next family vacation one to remember!