This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Ocala/Marion County VCB for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

If there is one thing the boys and I love, it is traveling together as a family. We have been to 48 out of 50 of the United States, but we still feel absolutely blessed to live in Florida. Granted, it can get a little toasty in the summer, but it is full of beautiful and exciting destinations within a few short hour's drive from us. Ocala/Marion County is located in Central Florida, and has all of the important things that make up a truly memorable family vacation. Check out some of our favorite things that make this a "must see" place for your summer vacation.

Camping Out and Making Memories

Don't get me wrong, you can definitely make last memories with your family when staying in a hotel, and if that's your thing, there are plenty of Ocala/Marion County Lodging options to meet your needs including hotels, inns and BandB's. However, I have found that the boys and I make most of our memories when camping out as a family. Ocala/Marion County has a wide range of campgrounds and even rustic cabins that make for a truly remarkable experience around the campfire during the summer months.

Cooling Off

Summer in Florida can get down right hot, and the best way to combat that is by finding a way to cool down. At the top of our favorite Ocala/Marion County Activities list for the summer is cooling down in one of the natural springs around the area. 

Home to Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Salt Springs and many more, these naturally fed water sources remain super cool all year round, making them the perfect way to cool down in the summer sun.

There is no lack of summertime fun either. You can canoe, snorkel, kayak, fish and boat in the waterways around the Ocala/Marion County area and no matter when interests your family has, you can find them here. Want to take a break from the water? Marion/Ocala County is known as the Horse Capital of the World™, with plenty of equine activities to back that title. There's also adventure fun like zip lining, hiking and even golfing. 

Win an Ocala/Marion County Stay!

If you have or plan to visit Ocala/Marion County this summer, you could win a 2-night stay, including a dinner voucher and entry into a fun local activity. All you have to do to enter is post a photo to Instagram of yourself doing one of the 10 fun summer decathlon activities in Ocala/Marion County using the hashtag #MAR10NSummer. The contest ends September 5th and there are unlimited entries!

If making memories and having a blast is your idea of summer fun, then there's no better place to do it that in Ocala/Marion County. With its wide range of activities, lodging and yearly events, there is something to fit everyone's vacation speed. Visit the Ocala/Marion County site today to start planning your trip to this Florida Travel destination, and start making memories!