Attractions: Week of Sept. 2

Area attractions run on a rotating basis as space allows.

SARASOTA

Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary: 7101 Palmer Blvd.

A safe haven for exotic cats, bears and native wildlife, the Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary provides educational programs to the public about the animals and encourages their appreciation. The habitat now includes fun and enlightening educational demonstrations at 1:30 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are required. A minimum donation of $12 per adult, $10 per senior/military and $5 per child is requested. No charge for active military. Information: 371-6377 or visit www.bigcathabitat.org.

Crowley Museum and Nature Center: 16405 Myakka Road

Self-guided tours on regular basis include Pioneer History Museum, a boardwalk through 2,000 feet of swamp and an observation tower. Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Sunday; 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays. Admission: $7, $3 for children ages 5-12 and free for children younger than 5. Information: 322-1000 or www.cmncfl.org.

G.WIZ: The Hands-On Science Museum: 1001 Boulevard of the Arts

G.WIZ, the Gulfcoast Wonder and Imagination Zone, is a hands-on science museum with more than 85 interactive science exhibits. “Avatar to Art”: 3D Work by Jeff Hazelton” has been extended through Sept. 19. For a full list of the monthly activities, call the museum. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors 65 and older, $6 children ages 3-18. Children younger than 3 are admitted free. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Information: 309-4949 or visit www.gwiz.org.

Historic Spanish Point: 337 N. Tamiami Trail, Osprey

Historic Spanish Point is a 30-acre archaeological, environmental and historical museum on Little Sarasota Bay in Osprey that connects you with 5,000 years of human history in southwest coastal Florida. Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday with guided tours at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. Tram tours are available at 1:30 p.m. for an additional $2. Sunday hours are noon-5 p.m., with guided tours at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. (no tram Sunday). Admission is $9 adults, $8 seniors or Florida residents, $3 children ages 6-12. Members admitted free. Information: www.historicspanishpoint.org or (941) 966-5214.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens: 811 S. Palm Ave.

Discover an open-air and under-glass museum of more than 20,000 tropical plants, including a living collection of more than 6,000 orchids, in this 8 1/2-acre botanical garden on Sarasota Bay. Botanical art and photography exhibits in the mansion. Garden and museum hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission: $17 adults, $6 children ages 6-11, free for children younger than 5 and for garden members. Information: 366-5731, ext. 221, or visit Web site www.selby.org.

Mote Aquarium: 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, City Island

“As for Science,” through July 31. Displays at the aquarium spotlight the work of Mote scientists and encourage people to appreciate local marine life. Exhibits include two manatees, Hugh and Buffett, sea turtles, a 135,000-gallon shark tank, touch pool and giant squid specimen, “Molly Mollusk.” Hours: 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. daily. Admission: $17 adults; $16 seniors older than age 65; $12 children ages 4-12; children age 4 and younger and Mote Marine members are admitted free. Information: 388-2451.