OCALA, FL (352today.com) – From movies and exploration to learning new skills and active fun, Ocala has plenty of exciting activities to stay busy during the week. Ocala features bowling, skating and escape rooms for staying active in the area while also featuring a bustling city square and downtown sights. Take a look at these spots for interesting things to do in the area.
Watch a classic or new movie in theatres
A fun way to kill time while staying entertained is catching a movie at one of the theatres in Ocala. The Marion Theatre shows classics, independent, foreign and more films with events such as Girls Night Out, Sit Down for Stand Up and other features. The Marion Theatre hosts screenings on Thursdays through Sundays.
EPIC Theatres of Ocala offers some of the newest movies that are coming out in theatres and a Flashback Cinema event featuring classic movies throughout September and October. EPIC Theatres of Ocala is open every day; however, hours of operation depend on time of screenings.
Regal Hollywood also offers some of the newest movies hitting theaters with 30-year anniversary showings of Toy Story and Apollo 13, a 20-year anniversary showing of The Devil’s Rejects, fathom entertainment screenings and more. Regal Hollywood is open every day; however, hours of operation depend on time of screenings.
Take a crack at an escape room
The Ocala Escape offers three themed one-hour rooms with Mr. Elegoo’s Enchanted Emporium which can hold up to eight players, Cabin in the Woods which can hold up to six players and The Basement which can hold up to four players. Each room and theme are different levels of difficulty for $32 per person. The Ocala Escape is open every day with varying times available.
Huddys Escape offers a variety of themed one-hour escape rooms that are changed throughout the year with the current themes of Nineteen70, Candy Shop – After Hours and Tomb of Tales. Each room and theme are different levels of difficulty with $35 per person with up to 10 people per room. Huddys Escape is open every day with varying times available.
Bowl with friends
Bowlero East and Bowlero West, formerly known as AMF Galaxy East Lanes and AMF Galaxy West Lanes, offer bowling, concessions, a sports bar and a small arcade for a range of fun. Whether honing bowling skills or looking for a night out with friends, these bowling spots are fit for the occasion. Admission is free for the sports bar, arcade and concessions. Bowling prices are $19.59 per person with a $5.99 shoe rental fee per person and a $1.61 lane reservation fee per person.
Both Bowlero East and West are open every day with varying hours throughout the week.
Learn how to skate
For those looking to roller skate whether as a pastime or an activity to do with friends, Skate-A-Way South offers skating, events and tacos. Every Tuesday is Taco Skate Night and the first and third Wednesday of every month is Home School Skate. Prices range from $6 to $11 depending on day, event and rental skates. For skateboarding, in-line skating and freestyle bicycling, the Ocala Skate Park offers an open area with ramps, railing, a beginner’s area, a snake run and more.
The Skate-A-Way South office is open Monday through Friday from 1 – 4 p.m. Public skating takes place on Friday from 7 – 10 p.m., Saturday from 1 – 4 p.m. and 7 – 10 p.m. and Sunday from 1 – 4 p.m. Other events take place throughout the week at different times. The Ocala Skate Park is open every day from sunrise to 10 p.m.
Explore Downtown Ocala
Downtown Ocala has plenty of unique shops, restaurants and history to explore within walking distance of the Ocala Historic Downtown Square and the parking garage. Some of the unique shops including Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop, Ivy on the Square Boutique and Brick City Center for the Arts. After exploring the area, some food options around the Ocala Historic Downtown Square are Harry’s Seafood, Bar & Grill, Mark’s Prime Steakhouse and Brick City Southern Kitchen with slightly further options including District Bar & Kitchen, The Lodge and MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. For late night fun, there are multiple bars that stay open between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m. such as Mutiny Bar, The Terrace on the Square and The Tipsy Skipper. More features of the Downtown Ocala include the Ocala Downtown Market which holds various markets through the month and The Marion Theatre, which screens classic, independent and international films as well as hosts various events throughout the year.
Downtown Ocala is free to explore every day at any time, though all shops and restaurants have varying times of operation.
