Rainy Day Activities in Ocala
Ocala's indoor entertainment for rainy days, from bowling and skating to art museums.
Bowling, skating rinks, trampolines, museums, theater, movies and shopping across Marion County
Ocala offers bowling at two Lucky Strike centers (formerly Bowlero), roller skating at Skate-A-Way South and Skate Mania, trampolines at Sky Zone, and art at the Appleton Museum — enough variety to fill any rainy afternoon in Marion County without ever stepping outside.
Central Florida's afternoon thunderstorms are a fact of life, but Ocala has more than enough indoor activities to keep everyone entertained when the skies open up. From bowling and roller skating to relaxing afternoons at art museums, Marion County has indoor options for every age and interest.
Whether you are a family looking for kid-friendly entertainment, a couple seeking a unique date activity, or a group of friends wanting to make the most of a rainy weekend, this guide covers the best indoor venues and experiences Ocala has to offer.
Families willing to make a longer rainy-day drive sometimes head for the Planet Obstacle adventure park in Lake Mary, an indoor ropes-course and trampoline park about 75 miles southeast of Ocala; the guide explains what it costs and whether the trip is worth it compared with staying local.
Where Can You Find Action & Adventure Indoors in Ocala?
High-energy indoor activities for thrill seekers of all ages
Ocala's two Bowlero centers now operate as Lucky Strike: East Ocala on SE Maricamp Road with 40 lanes, (352) 694-1111, and West Ocala on SW 17th Street with 32 lanes, (352) 732-0300. Both have an arcade and take online lane reservations.
View DetailsIndoor roller skating rink east of downtown Ocala. Its Google Maps listing shows sessions Tuesday evening, Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and evening, and Sunday afternoon, and a beginner Learn to Skate class meets there Saturday mornings. Prices are not published online; call (352) 671-8100. Ocala's other rink, Skate Mania at 5461 SE Maricamp Rd, posts its weekly schedule online.
View DetailsIndoor trampoline park with freestyle jump courts, dodgeball, a Ninja Warrior course, climbing walls and a Foam Zone. Phone (352) 304-5050.
View DetailsFamily fun center with an arcade of more than 60 video and prize redemption games; its go-karts and mini golf are outdoor attractions. Phone (352) 861-9700.
View DetailsFamily entertainment restaurant with arcade games, a Trampoline Zone and pizza for younger children. Phone (352) 622-6357; birthday packages start at $99.99 for six kids.
View DetailsWhat Arts, Culture & Entertainment Options Are Indoors in Ocala?
Museums, theaters, comedy shows, and creative workshops
Appleton Museum of Art
Ocala's premier art museum with rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection. Hosts Free First Saturday events monthly with family-friendly programming. A perfect rainy day destination for art lovers and curious visitors alike.
View DetailsOcala Civic Theatre
Ocala's community theater, producing a full season of plays and musicals. Tickets and the 2026-27 season are listed on its website; box office (352) 236-2274.
View DetailsJoke Joint Comedy
Joke Joint's Google Maps listing places its comedy shows at The Moose on US-441 in Belleview, south of Ocala. Show dates are not published on a working website, so call (352) 871-0909 before going.
View DetailsAR Workshop Ocala
DIY workshop that now describes itself as a mobile experience serving Ocala and surrounding areas, with hands-on home-decor projects such as canvas pillows and private-event workshops. Phone (352) 356-5063.
View DetailsFor a movie, Epic Theatres of Ocala is at 4414 SW College Road, and Regal Hollywood in Ocala is at 2801 SW 27th Avenue near Paddock Mall.
Where Can You Shop Indoors in Ocala on a Rainy Day?
Malls, antique shops, and specialty retail for rainy day browsing
The biggest dry option is the enclosed mall on SR 200: see Paddock Mall hours and stores for its schedule (10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, 12 PM to 6 PM Sunday), anchors and food court. The indoor shops below round out a rainy afternoon.
Multi-vendor antique mall on NW Blitchton Road (US 27) with furniture, collectibles, vintage items and estate pieces. Phone (352) 624-2511.
View DetailsBookstore with books, magazines and gifts, in the same shopping center as Epic Theatres. Phone (352) 237-1581.
View DetailsCitrus and gift shop on US 301 in Citra, north of Ocala, selling citrus fruit, marmalades, candies and Florida souvenirs.
View DetailsFrequently Asked Questions
What are the best indoor activities in Ocala on a rainy day?
Ocala offers numerous indoor activities for rainy days including bowling at the two Lucky Strike centers (formerly Bowlero), roller skating at Skate-A-Way South and Skate Mania, trampolines at Sky Zone, the arcade at Easy Street by Funworks, art at the Appleton Museum, plays at Ocala Civic Theatre, movies at Regal and Epic Theatres, and shopping at Paddock Mall.
Are there indoor activities for kids in Ocala?
Yes, Ocala has several kid-friendly indoor options. Chuck E. Cheese offers arcade games and activities for younger children. Easy Street by FunWorks has interactive entertainment and prize redemption. Skate-A-Way South and Skate Mania are Ocala's two roller skating rinks. Sky Zone on SW College Rd is an indoor trampoline park. The Appleton Museum of Art hosts Free First Saturday events with family programming.
Where can I go bowling in Ocala?
Ocala's two former Bowlero centers now operate as Lucky Strike. Lucky Strike East Ocala is at 3225 SE Maricamp Rd, (352) 694-1111, with 40 lanes, and Lucky Strike West Ocala is at 1818 SW 17th St, (352) 732-0300, with 32 lanes. Both have an arcade and take online lane reservations.
Is there indoor go-kart racing in Ocala?
Not that we know of. Ocala Gran Prix, an outdoor racing track on NW 44th Ave, closed in 2021. Easy Street by Funworks on SW 27th Ave has go-karts; call (352) 861-9700 to ask whether they run in the rain.
What museums are in Ocala?
The Appleton Museum of Art at 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd is Ocala's art museum, with a permanent collection, rotating exhibitions and a monthly Free First Saturday. The Brick City Center for the Arts at 23 SW Broadway St downtown is home to the Marion Cultural Alliance and shows work by local artists.
Are there comedy shows in Ocala?
Joke Joint runs comedy shows at The Moose, 10035 US-441 in Belleview, according to its Google Maps listing; call (352) 871-0909 for the schedule.
What indoor shopping options are in Ocala?
Paddock Mall at 3100 SW College Rd is Ocala's enclosed mall. Other indoor browsing includes Ocala Antique Mall and Estates at 4427 NW Blitchton Rd, Barnes & Noble at 4414 SW College Rd, and the shops along Broadway and Magnolia Avenue downtown.
More Things to Do in Ocala
Rain or shine, Marion County always has something to offer.
Actividades para días de lluvia en Ocala
Para los días de lluvia, Ocala tiene boliche en los dos centros Lucky Strike (antes Bowlero): Lucky Strike East Ocala en 3225 SE Maricamp Rd y Lucky Strike West Ocala en 1818 SW 17th St. Hay dos pistas de patinaje sobre ruedas, Skate-A-Way South en 2008 E Silver Springs Blvd y Skate Mania en 5461 SE Maricamp Rd, y el parque de trampolines Sky Zone en 2400 SW College Rd. El Appleton Museum of Art, en 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd, ofrece arte y un Free First Saturday cada mes, y Paddock Mall, en SW College Rd, es el centro comercial cerrado de la ciudad.