Things to Do with Kids in Ocala

The World Equestrian Center showcases top horse-and-rider combinations competing in show jumping, dressage, and hunter classes during its annual Championship Show. Spectators are invited to watch competitive equestrian events in state-of-the-art arenas. The complex offers dining, retail shops, and family activities throughout the week, with free admission and parking.

The September Friday Foodie Fest at Lake Lillian Park brings the Belleview community together for a late-summer culinary celebration. Food truck vendors serve up classic southern barbecue, wood-fired pizzas, gourmet sliders, and sweet treats. In addition to a wide range of food options, families can enjoy free kids' crafts, face painting, and inflatable slides.

Welcoming the cooler autumn breeze, this fall edition of the Ocala Downtown Market showcases seasonal squash, pumpkins, local honey, and warm baked goods in the spacious covered pavilion. Live acoustic music adds a festive atmosphere as shoppers explore farm-fresh ingredients and hot food truck specials. Located at the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue, the Ocala Downtown Market brings together over 80 vendors every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, rain or shine. It is a family-friendly venue featuring a children's playground, immediate access to the Citizens' Circle splash pad, and a permanent coffee stand. It is adjacent to the O-Trak pedestrian and bicycle path, making it highly accessible for visitors walking or cycling from the historic downtown square. This specific market event is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the downtown pavilion.

The [World Equestrian Center](/businesses/world-equestrian-center) hosts Emma's Patisserie Experience at its Ocala campus, 1390 NW 80th Ave. The afternoon event is built around the resort's pastry program, part of the dining and hospitality calendar that runs alongside WEC's equestrian competition schedule. The experience begins Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. WEC Ocala is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and was named to TIME's 2024 World's Greatest Places list. Tickets and seating details are available through the World Equestrian Center events page.

Ocala Comic Con returns to the [World Equestrian Center](/businesses/world-equestrian-center), 1390 NW 80th Ave in Ocala, for a two-day run on Saturday and Sunday, September 19 and 20, 2026. Organized by Red Comet Productions, the convention is billed as one of the largest fan events in Marion County, with celebrity guests, comic artists, cosplay, vendors, and panels across the WEC campus. Doors open Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Advance two-day tickets run $56.13 through September 15, with at-door pricing of $60 for both days, $40 for Saturday only, or $35 for Sunday only; children 10 and under attend free. Full guest lineups and ticket details are available at ocalacomiccon.com.

The [World Equestrian Center](/businesses/world-equestrian-center) hosts the Ocala Home & Garden Show at its Ocala campus, 1390 NW 80th Ave, on Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026. Now in its fifth year, the free two-day show fills the WEC Expo building with exhibitors covering kitchen and bath remodeling, windows and doors, pools and spas, landscaping, furniture, interior design, and sustainable energy options. Weekend programming includes cooking seminars and a Most Unique Dog Contest with cash prizes. Admission and parking are free, with show hours running 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. WEC Ocala is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and was named to TIME's 2024 World's Greatest Places list.

Welcoming the cooler autumn breeze, this fall edition of the Ocala Downtown Market showcases seasonal squash, pumpkins, local honey, and warm baked goods in the spacious covered pavilion. Visitors will find seasonal decorative items, gourmet popcorn, and handcrafted leather goods from Marion County vendors. Located at the corner of SE 3rd Street and SE 3rd Avenue, the Ocala Downtown Market brings together over 80 vendors every Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM, rain or shine. It is a family-friendly venue featuring a children's playground, immediate access to the Citizens' Circle splash pad, and a permanent coffee stand. It is adjacent to the O-Trak pedestrian and bicycle path, making it highly accessible for visitors walking or cycling from the historic downtown square. This specific market event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026 at the downtown pavilion.

The City of Ocala's Cultural Arts division kicks off the 2026–2027 First Friday Art Walk season on Friday, October 2, 2026 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Historic Downtown Ocala, centered on the Downtown Square along SE Broadway Street. The free, family-friendly event fills the downtown streets with more than 40 artist displays, live entertainment, free family art activities from local arts organizations, and extended shopping hours at downtown shops and restaurants. First Friday Art Walk runs the first Friday of each month from October through May, making this October date the launch of the new season. Admission is free, leashed pets are welcome, and free public parking is available downtown including the Downtown Parking Garage on SE Broadway Street.