Things to Do With Kids in Ocala: Add a Wildlife Adventure to the List

Family Adventures Start in Ocala

Ocala and Marion County offer families something increasingly difficult to find: opportunities to get outside, slow down and experience nature together.

From parks and trails to springs, wildlife and outdoor recreation, the area offers plenty of ways to turn an ordinary family day into an adventure.

And another family attraction is on the way.

Discover Florida's Natural Side

One of the best ways to introduce children to nature is simply to let them experience it.

• Explore a trail
• Visit a spring
• Watch birds
• Look for turtles
• Take photographs

Teach children to observe wildlife without disturbing it.

These seemingly simple activities can create lifelong connections with nature.

Turn Wildlife Into a Game

Give children a wildlife checklist before heading outside.

• How many birds can they spot?
• Can they find an animal track?
• Can they identify a butterfly?
• Can they spot a turtle without approaching it?

Turning observation into a game encourages children to notice things adults often walk right past.

A Future Family Destination for Ocala

The Ocala Zoological Park & Aquarium is being developed to add another kind of adventure to the community.

Future plans envision opportunities for families to encounter wildlife from Florida and around the world, explore aquatic environments and participate in educational experiences designed to make learning exciting.

The goal is to create somewhere families don't simply visit once.

We want children to return and discover something different every time.

Make Memories—and Discover Something New

A great family attraction provides entertainment.

A truly memorable one gives families something to talk about on the ride home.

   “Did you see that?”

   “Why did it do that?”

   “Can we come back?”

Those are the conversations we're looking forward to hearing.

Something Wild Is Coming to Ocala.