Article ·
How to Plan Thanksgiving Break in Ocala with Kids (2026)
Marion County Public Schools Thanksgiving break is Nov 23–27, 2026. Family ideas in Ocala with dates and official links.
By Zippy Guide · Published Nov 3, 2026 · Last checked Nov 3, 2026
Marion County Public Schools has Thanksgiving break Nov 23–27, 2026 (school break dates; other districts may differ). Hours on Thanksgiving Day are not posted for every place, so check each official page.
1. Discovery Center
The City of Ocala's hands-on science center for kids, with a StarLab planetarium on Saturdays. A good pick for hot, humid or rainy days.
- Where: 701 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala, FL 34470
- Price: Adults and children $8; seniors and veterans $7; family of four $28; ages 2 and under free. StarLab $3 extra (Saturdays 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM).
- Guide page: Discovery Center
- Official page: Discovery Center
2. Glass-Bottom Boats at Silver Springs State Park
Glass-bottom boat tours over the springs at Silver Springs State Park, just east of Ocala. Tours run every day of the year.
- Where: 5656 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Silver Springs, FL 34488
- Price: 30-minute tour: adults $17; seniors (55+) $15; ages 3–12 $15; 2 and under free. Extended tour: $35 / $30 / $30. Park admission is $2 per person extra.
- Guide page: Glass-Bottom Boats at Silver Springs State Park
- Official page: Glass-Bottom Boats at Silver Springs State Park
3. Appleton Museum of Art
Ocala's art museum on State Road 40, with the Artspace hands-on makerspace included in admission.
- Where: State Road 40, 7 miles east of I-75, Ocala, FL 34470
- Price: Adults $10; seniors (55+) $8; ages 6–17 $5; 5 and under free. Artspace included.
- Guide page: Appleton Museum of Art
- Official page: Appleton Museum of Art
4. Light Up Ocala
The 42nd annual holiday kickoff downtown, with a kids' zone, the Junior Sunshine parade with Santa, and the lighting at 6 PM.
- Where: Downtown Ocala, FL 34471
- When: Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Price: Not posted
- Guide page: Light Up Ocala
- Official page: Light Up Ocala
More ideas for the week: Thanksgiving Break in Ocala with Kids.
Questions
FAQ
When is Thanksgiving break in Ocala in 2026?
Marion County Public Schools has Thanksgiving break Nov 23–27, 2026. Other districts may differ.
What is open Thanksgiving week?
Hours on Thanksgiving Day are not posted for every place, so check each official page before you go.
Sources
- Discovery Center — checked Nov 3, 2026
- Glass-Bottom Boats at Silver Springs State Park — checked Nov 3, 2026
- Appleton Museum of Art — checked Nov 3, 2026
- Light Up Ocala — checked Nov 3, 2026
