Everyone the world over knows Orlando, Florida, home to Disney World & Universal Studios. Most people are vaguely aware of Legoland, located about an hour outside of Orlando. And, if you’re a baseball fan, you’re familiar with Winter Haven, home of Major League Baseball’s spring training facility for years. But, few have heard of Ocala, a mid-sized city located just 90 minutes north of Orlando International Airport. If you’re looking to get away from major amusement parks and explore some of the more natural side of things, Ocala is an easy drive from Orlando and Silver Springs State Park is a wonderful way to get outside in ‘gator country!
Silver Spring State Park, gateway to the Ocala National Forest, is home to a number of activities for adventure goers. A portion of the Park used to comprise the Silver Springs Zoological Park, which my family visited in February 2011 when my oldest was not quite two, but the Zoo has now closed and the Park is fully managed by the state.
waiting for our boat ride
checking out the ‘gators (note the plexiglass barrier!)
The Park is open from 8:00 am to sundown, 365 days a year and admission is only $8 per vehicle. There are rental pavilions, if you want to throw a party or a family reunion, along with campsites and rental cabins. Activities include glass bottom boat tours, canoe and kayak rentals, and you can even arrange for a guided horseback trail ride via Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides. Although we have enjoyed canoeing the Silver River, my personal favorite activity is the glass bottom boat tour, which is free for children under six years of age. Visit the Park’s website for full information, including hours and updated fees and check our Silver River State Park if you want to get up close and personal with the ‘gators!
Every so often, we encounter a place that is so fabulous for those traveling with kids that it is worthy of being featured on its own. For more fabulous locations, please check out our other Spotlight features!
9 comments
I have heard great things about Ocala before, but haven’t gotten there. Now I want to even more – it looks lovely!
A government maintained park with such good facilities sounds too good to be true! I am totally inspired to visit the place and have a great experience!
This looks so great! Might just add it to my bucket list 😉
Nice post! I’ve never heard of this park before, but it sure looks like a good place to take the family, with good facilities too!
I love how adventurous you are with the kids. I’ve never heard of Ocala before honestly but it seems like they’re really well-maintained and offer a good amount of activities for families. i love your cover picture – the one in which you’re canoeing in the Silver State Park.
Hey Nancy! Thanks for the fantastic advice – I am sure it must be so cool exploring this park with kids. I will definately put this one on my bucket list!
Have a nice day,
Martina and Jürgen
When I was a teenager my family would drive up to Ocala and camp! I’m not sure which park it was but there were natural cold springs that had otters in there and eels that would come out at night. You could play in the one spring during daylight hours and the river was canoe accessible. So fun, thanks for reminding me of the great stuff Ocala has to offer.
wow…pics looks so beautiful….ocala looks like a great place for some outdoor fun..have bookmarked thsi article for future reference.
Love Orlando, but I’ve never heard of this park! Next time I’m there I’ll have to stop by!