Ocala, Florida, is in central Florida, about an hour from Orlando and both the Gulf and Atlantic shores. The town is near Silver Springs, home to one of the largest attractions in the area -- Silver Springs Amusement Park. Ocala offers its own attractions for residents and visitors who stay in the city or stop for a day trip during their Silver Spring vacation. The town features both outdoor and indoor activities, with things to do that appeal to adults and entire families.
The City of Ocala sponsors two aquatic "fun centers": Hampton Memorial Aquatic Fun Center on Northwest Martin Luther King Boulevard and the Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center on Southeast 36th Avenue.
Both facilities include a public pool that is 5.5 feet deep at its greatest point and has a zero depth at its shallow end. Children can enjoy playing with waterwalls and spray cannons at both facilities. Each park also has a waterslide. The city offers swimming lessons at both community pools. Snack bars are located at the centers.
Both of the Aquatic Fun Centers in Ocala open daily throughout the summer months of June, July and August as well as on weekends during May. The Jervey Gantt Aquatic Fun Center usually remains open to visitors on weekends through the end of September before closing for the season. For the 2010 season, general admission was $2.50 for both centers. Children receive reduced admission rates. Free on-site parking is available at both parks.
Silver River State Park is on Northeast 58th Avenue, northeast of downtown Ocala. The Florida State Parks department is responsible for the public park area. The Silver River flows through the site, allowing for both land and water recreational activities.
For camping enthusiasts, Silver River State Park has 59 sites for recreational vehicles or tents as well as 10 camping cabins. The park has 15 miles of trails for hiking and cycling. Additional paths are designated for horseback riding. Canoeing and kayaking are permitted on the river, and canoe rentals are available on-site. The park's interpretive center features exhibits about local wildlife. A playground with a swing-set, slides and monkey bars is also located at the facility.
Silver River State Park is open daily year-round, including on all major holidays. The Florida State Parks department charges an entry fee to access the park and assesses the fee per car, bicycle, other vehicle or pedestrian that enters. Additional fees are required to camp at the park.
The Appleton Museum of Art is on Silver Spring Boulevard, between Northeast 42nd and 46th Avenues in northeast Ocala. The museum features paintings, sculpture, drawings, photographs and decorative objects such as ceramics. Among the most famous works in the collection is "Martin Luther King" by 20th-century British artist Joe Tilson. Ancient works from Egypt and classical Greece and Rome are also prominently featured in the museum's galleries as well as Pre-Columbian artwork from as early as 2000 B.C..
The Appleton Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Sunday, closing Mondays and on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Additionally, the museum typically closes for most of the month of August for repairs. As of November 2010, general admission was $6. Senior citizens, college students with identification, children, teachers, active U.S. service members and AAA Motor Club members receive admission discounts. Free on-site parking is available.
