Article · November 3, 2026

Indoor and Cool-Off Things to Do with Kids in Ocala (2026)

Ocala ideas for hot, humid days: the Discovery Center, the Appleton Museum of Art and glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs State Park.

By Zippy Guide · Published Nov 3, 2026 · Last checked Nov 3, 2026

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

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

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

Watch

Videos from local creators and organizations, shared for reference. Zippy Guide isn't affiliated with them.

Art Minutes: The Appleton Museum of Art — video by Appleton Museum of Art on YouTube.
Video: Appleton Museum of Art
Watch on YouTube, by Appleton Museum of Art

Questions

The Discovery Center, the City of Ocala's hands-on science center for kids, with a StarLab planetarium on Saturdays.

Yes. Tours at Silver Springs State Park run every day of the year.