Lil Shark Park (Cedar Key, FL)
A free public beach playground at 192 2nd Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625 — about 80 minutes west of Ocala. Not in Ocala, but a popular day-trip destination for Marion County families.
Editor’s note (May 2026)
An earlier version of this page described Lil Shark Park as a neighborhood playground in Ocala. That was incorrect. Lil Shark Park is in Cedar Key, FL — not Ocala. Cedar Key is a Gulf Coast fishing village in Levy County, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes west of Ocala by car. The page has been rewritten to describe Lil Shark Park accurately as a Cedar Key day-trip destination.
What Is Lil Shark Park?
Lil Shark Park is a free public playground on the Cedar Key public beach at 192 2nd Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625. The park is best known for its shark-themed playground equipment — a signature feature that draws families with young children. Its Gulf Coast beach setting makes it a popular destination for picnics, sandcastle-building, and a half-day stop on a Cedar Key visit.
Cedar Key itself is a Florida day-trip favorite from Ocala — a small fishing village known for clam farming, sunsets, seafood restaurants, and quiet Gulf waters. Lil Shark Park combines well with a stop for lunch on the Cedar Key waterfront, a visit to one of the local shops, or a sunset on the public docks.
Park Amenities
Shark-Themed Playground
Slides, climbers, swings, a seesaw, and a playground spinner make up the signature shark-themed equipment.
Cedar Key Public Beach
The park sits directly on the Cedar Key public beach — a calm Gulf swimming area with sand and shallow water.
Restrooms, Showers, Pavilion
Restrooms and outdoor showers (for rinsing off after the beach), plus a covered pavilion with picnic tables.
Basketball & Kayak Rentals
A basketball court is at the park, and kayak rentals are available nearby for paddling the Gulf shoreline and nearby keys.
Planning a Day Trip from Ocala
Cedar Key is roughly 80 minutes from Ocala by car. From downtown Ocala, take FL-200 W or US-27 / FL-326 W to FL-24 W into Cedar Key — a straight, scenic route through rural Levy County. Plan for a half-day to full-day trip: morning at Lil Shark Park and the beach, lunch on the waterfront, and an afternoon exploring the small island town.
Pack what you’d bring to any beach: towels, sunscreen, water shoes (the beach has some shell pieces), and a change of clothes. Cedar Key has limited shopping for forgotten gear — bring everything you need from home.
Other Day Trips & Verified Ocala Playgrounds
Family Day Trips from Ocala
Cedar Key, Crystal River, Gainesville, Daytona, and other family-friendly day-trip destinations within 90 minutes of Marion County.
Browse Day TripsPlaygrounds in Ocala
Verified family-friendly playgrounds at public City of Ocala and Marion County parks — Tuscawilla, Lillian Bryant, Coehadjoe, Jervey Gantt, and more.
View PlaygroundsFrequently Asked Questions About Lil Shark Park
Where is Lil Shark Park?
Lil Shark Park is at 192 2nd Street, Cedar Key, FL 32625, in Levy County — on the Cedar Key public beach, about 80 minutes west of Ocala by car. It is not in Ocala, but it is a popular day-trip destination for Marion County families.
How much does Lil Shark Park cost?
Lil Shark Park is a free public playground on the Cedar Key public beach. There is no admission charge.
What amenities does Lil Shark Park have?
Lil Shark Park has shark-themed playground equipment (slides, climbers, swings, a seesaw, and a spinner), the Cedar Key public beach, restrooms, outdoor showers, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, and a basketball court. Kayak rentals are available nearby.
How far is Cedar Key from Ocala?
Cedar Key is roughly 80 minutes (about 1 hour 20 minutes) west of Ocala by car. From downtown Ocala, take FL-200 W or US-27 / FL-326 W to FL-24 W into Cedar Key, a scenic route through rural Levy County.