We love experiencing these animal rescue venues that are near and dear to our heart. This park is…read moreno exception. Sadly, due to the hurricane devastation two years ago, they are still recovering getting back to where the park used to be. This should not deter you since there is plenty to see and do. We wanted to take the boat tour, but due to current drought conditions that was not available on the day we came. Karen and I highly recommend this for all ages from 8-80 and between. You will not be disappointed! as the second wildlife park in our month long stay in Florida. We surely enjoy

Originally, we road-tripped north almost 2 hours to experience a rare opportunity to swim amongst…read moremanatees in a natural setting. When we arrived we found out that the manatees had migrated away from the springs about 2.5 weeks ago. Disappointed we drove about 6 miles south and happened upon Homosassa Springs State Park, where they have 3 resident manatees that live in the springs year round. This small state park, was devastated by the hurricane several years ago. They have photos showing how high the waters were and many buildings are still closed. We had to wait for the tram to take us across the way to the park, they also have a boat to get there in a unique way. However, the water was too low to enjoy the boat ride. The park has about 3-4 manatees during the off season and you just have to look for them as they live in a natural setting. Eventually we found them a bit down river from the springs. Once in a while you'd see their nose pop up for air. They are such beautiful creatures. There is also a small zoo with a black bear, flamingoes, a white tailed deer, reptile case, an array of birds, and a variety of wild cats. They used to have a hippo but she died about 10 months ago. Definitely worth the $13 entry fee. It's a cute and well maintained park that is about at 75% of its operating capacity due to closed buildings that have not yet been renovated following Hurricane Milton. Although, we were disappointed to miss out on a once in a lifetime experience to *actually* swim amongst manatees, being able to see them in their natural habitat was truly special.

Beautiful park and area didn't notice a separate large and small dog entrance that others had…read morepreviously had written and in the description of the park that's listed here. Unless I missed that second area I only see the one.

Looking on Yelp for a local dog park to take my little 12 lb fur baby and found this gem and it's…read moreless than 3 miles away from my home! The dog park is located in the Avalon Park development off of SR 54 near the main clubhouse. To my surprise it is pretty big and all fenced in with benches in the shade as well as in the sun. It also has a water fountain and has two dog waste stations and poop bags are stocked! The downside was my dog didn't have anyone to socialize with as it was pretty quiet and no one around but he still managed to run around and get in some good exercise playing fetch with me. I will definitely come back with him again on a day like this beautiful day! Hoping next time their will be other dogs for him to play with.

The most memorable park in Ocala! I have to admit I did not see it all so I will be going back…read moreshortly to see so much more. I was at peace just walking a bit sipping coffee and taking in the calm and beauty. There is much to see at Shalom Park it's very beautiful place to be. When I was there they were having a yoga class it was so nice to see. I walked around and spoke to some lovely people they mostly were enjoying some morning exercise. I'm sorry that I missed the zen garden but this just gives me an excuse to go back faster. It's obvious that many frequent this park for so many reasons you can easily see. It's lovely, peaceful, clean and you feel pretty safe comparatively. They have activities here from what I've read and the yoga class is proof of this but I think there is much more that I need to explore and check the calendar for to see and know for myself. There are 2 miles of trails, the zen garden, an area called the Labryrinth where you can take a physical, spiritual or meditative walk along its winding path. Stop along it's 24 points of reflection and create your own Labryinth experience. Labryinth's have one way in and one way out come in and form your own perspective enjoying this relaxed atmosphere. The Pergebo was magnificent as I felt so much happiness being there. It is part gazebo and part pergola, I didn't even know such a thing existed until now! It's covered in confederate jasmine and blossoms in the spring with tiny white fragrant flowers. This is located on the path at the end of the olive trees! I enjoyed the pond so much with all the beautiful fish and sounds of the falling water. You can feed the fish and see them all come at once jumping out at you. Gorgeous Koi such beautiful colors. Sit on a bench and relax if you'd like there are many all around the park for you to enjoy. They say the pavilion is often used for educational purposes and horticulture events and that there are often presentations that people can escape the sun or rain showers. The stage is where I had seen the yoga class taking place. They have weddings, live concerts, the parks sunset series and much more on the stage throughout the year. Mounted on the stage, The Peace Panels display quotes of peace by renowned authors, musicians, and political leaders! The olive tree promenade has 18 trees on each side 18 is the symbol of peace; the number 18 is the symbol of life,and many couples use this as their entry way for marriage. The formal gardens is an area where there is lot's of live large oak trees, colorful bushes and lot's of foliage all around in a nice quiet shaded atmosphere. People often gather here for a picnic, wedding or just to enjoy and relax and enjoy the environment. The bat house can hold 800 bats during the night. Bats are a natural way of achieving insect control in the park and each bat can consume 6-8,000 insect every night! There is so much more to see and encounter at Shalom Park I encourage you to visit and explore. The story of Shalom Park from their website: As with most great achievements, Sholom Park began as a vision, born in the hearts of Sidney and Ina Colen. Inspired by a visit to Boston Gardens, Sholom Park was created for a purpose; to provide a place where the pursuit of inner peace and learning may be enhanced and enjoyed. The park was named after Sidney Colen's grandfather, Sholom, which is also the Hebrew word for peace. The park does not serve a political or religious agenda or belief system After years of conceptualizing the vision, a master plan for the park was developed in 1999 and the park concepts began to take shape. In 2001, horticulturist, Steve Curl was hired to oversee the final design and construction of Sholom Park as the vision came to life. On October 17, 2004, Sholom Park celebrated its grand opening and ribbon cutting along with hundreds of friends and supporters. Hours: 8 AM - 5 PM Address: 7110 SW 80th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34481 Phone: 352) 854-3677 Email: info@sholompark.org Wheelchair accessible *** Bike racks available ***

Wow! WoW! Wow! I think this park is profoundly under the radar and simply not well known enough…read more This isn't just some playground with a path. In fact, there is no playground equipment at all. What it does offer, though, is everything one could want in a natural setting. You can walk for a little while or lose yourself in it for much longer. The paths are easy, accessible, and thoughtfully laid out, with enough variation to keep things interesting from start to finish. It never feels repetitive, which is rare. The labyrinth was genuinely enjoyable, with multiple points of interest throughout. Subtle shifts in sound and visual texture keep you engaged, yet everything remains grounded in simple nature, shaped by the hands of men.. nothing artificial or forced, just an intentional design that draws you in. The crowning glory moment for me was the Zen garden. I cannot remember the last time I felt that level of calm and stillness. It has a way of centering you almost immediately. I would have stayed longer, but I needed a restroom, which unfortunately was closed at the time. This is a place I will return to without hesitation. My mother has yet to see it, and I already know she is going to love it.

My family and I love this park. This place is always extremely clean and very welcoming. They have…read morea pool that you can pay for a very inexpensive yearly membership or a one time day pass - they have disc golf, basketball courts, a splash pad, camping grounds, beautiful trails, baseball fields, and even more! Everything is really well kept and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I definitely recommend coming here for a really nice day. Kids, adults, and dogs will have so much fun and it's a very inexpensive place to enjoy nature and spend quality time with family and friends!

Lovely park, picnic areas, playground, tot splash pad, pool. We've visited several times.read more

Parking was nice, I saw a sheriff come through and check on stuff via jet ski which was nice, it…read moredidnt seem too crowded and it's right by the Upper Deck which is crazy good and convenient. You can swim (or wade) right across.

great place to paddle board kayak and enjoy the day . make sure you have your life vest on your…read morewater craft and whistle they check other than that get there early parking fills fast by 8 am no parking during the weekend

Nice and plenty of shade but no grass so dogs will get a little extra dirty but is nice and big …read more Clean restrooms too.

3seperate fenced areas. For medium and large dogs Water…read morebowls Seating for people Obstacles to play on Many regulars. But can be on the weekend Good rules to hold owners accountable Public restroom Area to wash dogs Bags for you to pick up Double gait entry

The park itself is great. It's separated into large and small dog areas and has water fountains for…read moredogs and people. There's even about five pieces of agility equipment, including a nice ramp up and down. Always fine when it was just me and another guy with his standard poodle. Then some yahoo, let his pack of four husky mixes immediately charge into the park, and one of them ran right up to my dog with its teeth, bared and growling. No words from that owner. My words? "Time to go." We've spent too much on this shelter dog to risk anything. Back to sniffspots.

Trying to get a simple yes or no answer & basically flipped off…read more To no response &. Whatever it was something else( Do I have to be a resident of the Villages to use dog parks in their area?

Crews Lake Wilderness Park has beautiful and well maintained grounds. No fee to enter like some…read moreother wilderness parks. I attended a wedding here and it was a peaceful and serene experience. There is a boardwalk and pavilions for events. The restrooms were also nice and clean. Actually better than some restaurants.

I really love this park!…read more I saw the signs for it & just decided to check it out as I love to visit the Nature parks. This park is exceptionally beautiful. It has an old vintage Florida feel with gorgeous old moss covered trees, kids play areas, an old vintage railroad, tons of biking & walking/hiking trails & a giant Lilly covered pond/lake. I had such a great time the first time I went. There was wildlife everywhere & I got to video some very friendly birds. I went back again & it was even more beautiful the second time, than the first time as it had just rained & all the flowers were blooming. They have a little garden there. It's just so precious. This place is so very beautiful. I keep finding all these different trails, they are obviously working on it & making it bigger with more trails. It's a very peaceful place, Like a forgotten tropical wilderness stuck in time. I have not seen more than 5 people here at once. I love all the Nature Parks for hiking but I have to admit. This one is very special & very unique. I can't wait to return. Highly recommended.

Basic field for dogs to run around in. Clean and well maintained. Nice to have this asset available…read morefor dogs.

Well kept, my Anatolian shepherd does the happy dance a mile from the park…read more People are attentive to their pets, there is ample water everywhere, and she can run full tilt! They have a flag system to mark stool and keep the grounds in excellent t condition. Grateful for this place!

It's so beautiful to see crystal clear water once you've there it's all about nature and rebootingread more

From Tampa, it took an hour and 30 minutes to get to the river. We first wanted to take a swim in…read morethe swimming area so we went there first before it got really crazy. The area is a bit small and there isn't really a lot of sun spots for you to chill at. It is cool to experience once but I think if you tube, you still will be able to get a swim in because parts of the river are pretty deep. After the swim area, we headed to the tubing section. It is a 15 minute drive from the main park entrance. The fee was 54 for two people that had an annual pass. Highly recommend bringing a small cooler with snacks and drinks and an extra tube for it. It took us about 2 hours to float back to our car and the river is very calm and relaxing. I've floated a river in San Antonio but wasn't as nice as Rainbow springs. Very clean and the water is sooo clear. Overall, really enjoyed our day visit to this state park!