Photo: Chris Ulrich
Photo: Raquel S
Photo: SHANNON YODER
Ocala Civic Theatre, Inc.
★4.8(881 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours including intermission, depending on the production👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger elementary-aged children (5-10) are typically enthralled by the colorful productions and engaging stories, while preschoolers can enjoy family-friendly shows if they can sit for 60-90 minutes. Teens often appreciate the more sophisticated musicals and dramatic performances.🧡 Saved by 200+ families
About
Ocala Civic Theatre brings the magic of live theater to families with high-quality community productions that captivate young audiences. With an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 900 reviews, this beloved venue presents everything from classic musicals to seasonal shows, offering children their first unforgettable theater experience in an intimate, welcoming setting.
Highlights
- ✓High-quality community theater productions with talented local performers
- ✓Family-friendly musicals and seasonal shows designed to engage children
- ✓Intimate theater setting where kids feel close to the action
- ✓Affordable ticket prices making live theater accessible to families
- ✓Special holiday productions that become cherished family traditions
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead or check their website for the current show schedule and age-appropriateness, as productions vary throughout the season
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to get good seats (community theaters often have general admission seating) and let kids use the restroom before showtime
- 3.Office hours are limited (mostly 10am-2pm weekdays), so purchase tickets online in advance rather than trying to buy at the box office
- 4.Bring a booster seat or cushion for smaller children so they can see over the seats in front of them
- 5.Consider attending a matinee performance when available,kids are typically better behaved earlier in the day than evening shows
Best Time to Visit
Weekend matinee performances are ideal for families, as they fit children's schedules and energy levels better than evening shows. Check their seasonal production calendar, as holiday shows (Christmas pageants, summer musicals) are especially popular and family-focused.
What to Know
Ticket prices are typically budget-friendly compared to professional theaters. The venue is located on Silver Springs Boulevard with ample parking. Contact the theater directly during office hours to inquire about specific show run times and family-friendly concessions.
Seasonal Notes
The theater runs productions throughout the year on a seasonal schedule. Holiday shows around Christmas are particularly popular with families. Summer often features youth theater camps and productions. Check their current season lineup as show offerings and availability vary.
Nearby Eats
Silver Springs Boulevard offers several family-friendly dining options within a short drive, including chain restaurants with kids' menus. Consider dining before an evening show or grabbing lunch before a matinee performance.
More Activities Near Ocala
Restaurant
Peppermill Restaurant
$❤️12
Peppermill Restaurant is a welcoming family diner that takes the stress out of dining with kids by offering something for everyone. With an extensive menu spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus wallet-friendly prices, it's the perfect spot when you need to satisfy picky eaters and hungry parents alike in a no-fuss, comfortable atmosphere.
Restaurant
Carmela's Bistro
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Carmela's Bistro offers a welcoming escape for families seeking authentic Italian comfort food without the stress of fine dining. With a dedicated kids' menu featuring classic favorites, a relaxed atmosphere where little ones can be themselves, and servers who genuinely understand the needs of families, this Ocala gem makes dining out with children actually enjoyable.
Adventure
East Fort King Street
Free
East Fort King Street offers families a scenic, paved trail that's perfect for introducing kids to outdoor adventures in a safe, accessible environment. This multi-use path combines exercise with education through historical markers that tell Ocala's story, while providing plenty of opportunities to spot birds, butterflies, and local wildlife along the way.
Museum
Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
★4.9$❤️71
Rev up your family adventure at the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, home to an incredible collection of over 300 drag racing vehicles and memorabilia that will thrill car-obsessed kids of all ages. This impressive museum showcases the evolution of drag racing through vintage cars, powerful engines, and fascinating stories from the sport's legendary history, making it a must-visit destination for automotive-loving families in Central Florida.