The learning never stops with these fun, adults-only classes.
Written & Compiled by Karin Fabry-Cushenbery
The kids may be out of school for the summer, but that doesn’t mean Mom or Dad can’t learn a thing or two during the break. A variety of fun, educational or creative classes are available in our area for adults, whether you want to learn to dance, decorate a cake or swim. Get ready because school’s about to be back in session!
Get Artsy
The Appleton Museum of Art offers classes in various art mediums. Check out Dig into Clay: AM Wheel Throwing August 20 through September 14 on Saturdays from 10:15am-12:45pm. Over the six-week course, learn to throw vases, serving sets or even your own unique creations. $210 for members, $245 for non-members. Visit appletonmuseum.org to view the class schedule.
Hit The Dance Floor
Whether you want to learn line dances, swing dances, ballroom or the tango, Arthur Murray Dance Centers in Ocala has a class for that. Instructors are specially trained, and you’ll be turning in your two left feet for your dancing shoes before you know it. Visit arthurmurrayocala.com for class information.
Calm Yourself
Evolve Power Yoga offers a great selection of yoga and meditation-type classes. One to check out is Sound Bath where participants will relax to the tones of crystal bowls, which are calming instruments, and singing. The idea is to enter a relaxed, meditative state allowing you to feel centered and energized. Check evolvepoweryoga.com for upcoming class schedules.
Master An Instrument
On Top of the World’s Master the Possibilities offers classes in dozens of categories, from math and humanities to music and technology. The classes are open to OTOW residents and non-residents. Try the Individual Guitar/Banjo Lesson half-hour sessions from July 15-29. Class times vary, and the class is open to beginners through advanced players. Visit masterthepossibilities.com for details.
Put Up Your Dukes
Want to get in shape and learn the basics of self-defense at the same time? Visit Ocala Boxing Academy where their fitness class inspires students to do just that. Ocalaboxingacademy.com will provide all the info needed to get started.
Get Cookin’
The Fat Tuscan in Gainesville offers a great selection of cooking classes, including pasta making, holiday classes, bread making, crepes and desserts, soups, appetizers and tapenades, and much more. Check fattuscan.com frequently for newly added classes and to register for current classes.
Learn The Keys
Parramore Music has a variety of music lessons available, including adult piano lessons for beginners through advanced players. Visit parramoremusic.com to make contact with a teacher.
Bake A Treat
Who doesn’t love a sweet cookie treat? Ocala’s Be Still Bakery offers online cookie decorating classes for beginning, intermediate and advanced decorators. You’ll learn the basics of royal icing, icing consistencies and decorating techniques. Sign up at bestillbakery.com.
Be Cozy
Learn to make your own crocheted blanket or scarf in the Get Hooked beginner crochet class at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center. The class is offered on Tuesdays from 10-11am year-round for ages 50 and up, and students will need to bring their own crochet hook (size 4-5), yarn and scissors. Sign up at ocalafl.gov/recpark.
Build Your Business Skills
The College of Central Florida offers custom corporate training to help your business along, including a selection of computer classes on programs like QuickBooks, Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite. Visit cf.edu to find out more.
Snap A Pic
Have you always wanted to learn to take the perfect picture? CF’s Discover Digital Photography class is an instructor-guided, six-week course that offers 24 hours of instruction. A three-month self-guided option is also available. Course cost is $150. Learn more at ed2go.com.
Stay On Your Toes
Coeur Ballet Academy offers adult beginner and intermediate ballet lessons, as well as adult Pilates and Barre classes. For dates and times of classes, visit coeurballetacademy.com.
Pick Up An Oar
We talk about kayaking a lot, but if you’ve never done it before you might be a bit apprehensive. The Kayak 101 class at Discovery Kayak Tours will teach you everything you need to know about kayaks, paddles, rescue/gear, strokes and proper techniques. Visit discoverykayak.com/kayak-101 for more information.
Swim A Lap
Florida Aquatic Swimming & Training offers swim lessons for all ages, including adults ages 18 and over. The beginner class includes learning basic safety skills, and the intermediate class helps students refine strokes to become more active in the water. Check out floridafast.com for details.
Scoot On Over
Get your boot scootin’ boogie on with Footloose Line Dancing Classes on Tuesdays from 11am-12pm. The class, which takes place at the Mary Sue Rich Community Center at Reed Place, is open to those age 50 and up and includes learning the basic steps to many popular line dances. Sign up at ocalafl.gov/recpark.
Pick Up A Racket
Year-round adult (and junior) tennis clinics and lessons are held at the Fort King Tennis Center. Learn the ins and outs of tennis in a supportive, fun environment. Visit ocalafl.gov/recpark for more.
Find Your Green Thumb
Want to attract beautiful pollinators to your garden? Then the UF/IFAS class Attracting Bees, Butterflies & Hummingbirds is for you. The speaker will discuss key ways to attract these friendly critters to your garden. The class, offered on July 18 from 11am to 12pm, is free, but registration is required. Visit sfyl.ufl.edu/marion for details.
Get In The Saddle
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to ride a horse, Grey Dawn Stables has the class for you. Their horseback lessons are open to all ages, and they offer both English and Western riding lessons. The horses are gentle, and necessary tack and safety helmets are included. Lessons are available for beginners to competition-level riders. Go to greydawnstables.com for more information.
Take The wheel
Whether you just need to sharpen your driving skills or are interested in taking the driving test at the DMV, Ocala Driving School offers driving lessons for teens and adults. Classes range from basic (six hours) to intermediate (eight hours) to advanced (10 hours) to advanced superior (12 hours). Registration takes place at ocalasafedrivingschool.com.