There’s a reason why Florida is one of the top vacation spots in the United States. Each year, millions of people visit Florida — and many of them go to Ocala. Ocala is popular amongst tourists because it isn’t quite as crowded as places like Orlando, and is much safer for families — and often less expensive — than Miami. For that matter, Ocala is still close enough to a lot of the major attractions in Florida for people to take day trips out of town if they want to. But at the same time, there are many different activities for people to take part in within Ocala itself. For one thing, no matter where you are in Florida, you’re never more than 60 miles from the beach. For another, many of the things to do in Ocala are perfect family activities. With 37% of families saying that vacations together make them happy, it’s no wonder that lots of people are on the hunt for outdoor activities and attractions in Ocala that will make everyone happy. Below, we’ll look at some of the things you can do in Ocala — some of which are a bit more unconventional than others. The more you break out of your comfort zone, the more fun you’ll have.
1. Zip Line
Zip lining isn’t an activity that you can do just anywhere — so you should look for a zip line company while in Ocala. A zip line may at first seem intimidating. Yes, it’s adventurous, and yes, it might not be the best for those who have an intense fear of heights. But if you’re up to the task, a zip line adventure may be one of the most exciting things you do in your life. Zip lining allows people to take in some beautiful sights while at the same time getting an adrenaline rush. It’s an activity that probably isn’t the best for young children, but older kids and their parents shouldn’t have a problem with it. One of the appeals of zip lining is that it really allows you to try something new and get a thrill, while being quite safe. As long as you’re working with a reputable company, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about — the equipment involved in zip lining is extremely strong, and it’s generally considered a low-risk activity. Certainly, it’s not as risky as sky diving — but you get a similar thrill from it.
2. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a major activity in Florida that many people don’t hear about. While horseback riding might seem to be an activity that requires a lot of training, an estimated 7 million people ride horses each year in the United States — and many do so without a lot of formal training. As long as you have an experienced horse and a good guide, you should be able to take a casual ride without any issues. Some people like to go riding on forest trails, which are generally fairly low-key outings. Other people like to take rides on the beach. Depending on your level of experience, you may be able to take a faster ride on the beach than you would on a trail. Horseback riding is fun and relaxing, and a great activity for parents to indulge in with their children. There are also horse shows to watch in Ocala, on occasion — and if you and your family are interested in horses, they can be very entertaining.
3. Camping
Camping in Ocala is a classic and fun activity for the whole family — you just should be careful to check the weather beforehand. Many campgrounds in Ocala offer cabins, which could be a great way to get the camping experience while at the same time avoiding the consequences of severe weather. You may want to wait until later in the summer to take a camping trip to avoid extreme heat — or alternatively, go in the springtime. Either way, you’ll have fun!