Weekend

Attraction briefs: April 7-13

Guests can now enter the supercute world of Hello Kitty at the new Hello Kitty Shop Featuring Hello Kitty and Friends at Universal Orlando Resort. The new retail experience, located inside Universal Studios Florida, features an array of specialty merchandise - including items exclusive to Universal Orlando - and the opportunity to meet Hello Kitty herself. 
 PUBLICITY PHOTO
Guests can now enter the supercute world of Hello Kitty at the new Hello Kitty Shop Featuring Hello Kitty and Friends at Universal Orlando Resort. The new retail experience, located inside Universal Studios Florida, features an array of specialty merchandise - including items exclusive to Universal Orlando - and the opportunity to meet Hello Kitty herself. PUBLICITY PHOTO UNIVERSAL ORLANDO

ATTRACTION BRIEFS

History of Florida's Shrimp Exhibit: The Florida Maritime Museum will host an exciting new exhibit, "Gold in the Gulf: A History of Florida's Shrimp," through April 16. The exhibit is a journey into the lives of the American families and immigrants that kick started the $40 million shrimping industry on Florida's Gulf Coast. Along with the heritage of the industry, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the shrimp they eat, from the most common species of shrimp to the different techniques used to harvest these crustaceans. The exhibit runs through April 16. The museum is at 4415 119th St. W., Cortez. For hours and detailed information: 941-708-6120 or floridamaritimemuseum.org.

Dinosaurs in Motion at MOSI: Snap the jaws of a T. Rex, flap the fins of a Plesiosaur, and control millions of years at your fingertips as the Museum of Science and Industry presents the highly interactive "Dinosaurs in Motion" open to the public now through May 8. Dinosaurs in Motion weaves science, art, and innovation themes throughout and touches on each of these educational topics at each sculpture. Art portions highlight sketching, drawing, and sculpting; science segments explore kinetics, biomechanics, and robotics; and innovation areas encourage observing and experimenting. For museum hours, ticket prices and detailed information, call 813-987-6000 or mosi.org. The museum is at 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.

Mardi Grass at Universal Orlando: Let the good times roll at Universal Orlando's Resort 2016 Mardi Gras celebration on select nights through April 19. Guests can enjoy a family-friendly version of the famed "N'awlins" celebration featuring delicious Cajun cuisine, a dazzling parade and exhilarating concerts from some of the biggest names in music, The talent line up is: Jessie J, Daddy Mack Blues Band, April 9. Yandel, Big Al and The Heavyweights, April 16. For detailed information, ticket prices and park hours: universalorlando.com/celebration. The resort is at 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando.

Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival: The Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival returns with a lineup of concerts from musical legends, sensational new culinary selections, and an expanded selection of more than 120 wines, craft brews and cocktails from around the world. The chart-topping artists will take stage on weekend throughout April with the headlining act starting at 6 p.m. Artists include: Chris Young, April 9; The-All-American Rejects, April 10; Meat Loaf, April 16; Lynyrd Skynyrd, April 17; Gente de Zona, April 23; Jordin Sparks, April 24. The event is included with any Pass, Fun Card or daily admission to the park. Food and beverages available for purchase. For hours, ticket prices and detailed information: 888-800-5447 or buschgardens.com. The park is at 10165 N. McKinley Dr., Tampa.

LEGOLAND all new events: LEGOLAND will celebrate its fifth birthday in 2016 and brings an exciting lineup of special events, including Brick Dash 5K Fun Run and Walk, April 16, LEGOLAND Night Lights, Saturdays and Sundays June 18-July 31, LEGO Club Weekends featuring LEGO Star Wars Miniland Model Display, Sept. 10-11, Brick or Treat on select days in October, Firefighter Fridays Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28, LEGOLAND Fifth Birthday Celebration Oct. 15, Christmas Bricktacular on select dates in December, and Kids' New Year's eve on Dec. 31. All events are designed for kids 2-12 years old and offer incredible entertainment with more than 50 rides, shows and attractions in 13 themed lands. All events are included with park admission, except for the Brick Dash 5K Fun Run and Walk on April 16. For detailed information, park hours and ticket prices: florida.legoland.com. The park is at 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven.

Lowry Park Zoo Annual WaZoo BeerFest: Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo will present the 21st annual WaZoo BeerFest 7:30-10:30 p.m. May 7. The all-inclusive tasting event features over 250 beers and beverages from 70 breweries worldwide, pub fare and live entertainment throughout the Zoo. The event is included with admission. VIP tickets will be available. Information: lowryparkzoo.org. The park is at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa.

Bank of America "Museums on Us": Bank of America's "Museums on Us" is offering cardholders free admission to some of the most exciting cultural venues in the United States May 7-8. Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders can get free access to more than 150 participating museums in 94 cities and include the Florida Holocaust Museum and Tampa Museum of Art in Tampa and the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg. Present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission. The offer is valid for cardholders only, guests are not eligible. The program excludes fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows the first full weekend of each month. Information: museums.bankofamerica.com.

New ticket offer at Lowry Park Zoo: For the price of a single-day adult or child admission, guests can come back to visit free as often as they wish through the end of 2016 with the "ZooperPass." Guests can purchase the ZooperPass online or at the Zoo's ticket windows for $29.95 (adult), or $22.95 (children, ages 3-11). This is a limited time offer. The pass is valid from the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2016. Some blackout dates apply. Other offers are available. For park hours, ticket prices and detailed information: 813-935-8552 or lowryparkzoo.org. The park is at 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa.

Orlando Eye: For a limited time Florida residents can ride the Orlando Eye, a 400-feet observation wheel at a special rate of $18 for adults, and $13 children ages 3-12. Proof of residency is required. Restrictions apply. For hours and detailed information: officialorlandoeye.com. The park is at 8401 International Dr., #100, Orlando.

RealRail Train Displays: Come enjoy the operating train displays 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, except on holiday weekends, at 6804 14th St. W., Bradenton. Admission is free. Tax free donations are accepted. Information: realrail.com.

Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery: Bunker Hill Vineyard and Winery is a Certified Florida Farm Winery and is Florida's premier certified "Master Level" Green winery. Wines are 97 percent hand crafted from 100 percent whole fresh Manatee County grown grapes and are bottled in recycled/repurposed wine bottles. The winery offers seven varieties of the native Muscadine grapes and makes 11 different wines: red, white and rose, including red and white sparkling wines and whole fresh fruit wines. The winery is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week and offers complimentary wine tastings and tours. The winery is at 8905 Bunker Hill Road, Duette. Information: 941-776-0418 or bunkerhillvineyard.com.

Palmetto Historical Park free daily tours: Free tours of Palmetto Historical Park are at 2 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. Fridays. Operating hours: 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and every first and third Saturday of each month. The park is at 515 10th Ave. W., Palmetto. Information: 941-723-4991 or email palmettohistoricalpark@manateeclerk.com.

Bearadise Ranch: Bearadise Ranch, established in 1926, is home to the Welde family bears and was started to educate and promote awareness for habitat preservation and conservation for all bear species. The public can tour the ranch and view the bears while swimming and playing in a natural habitat. Educational presentations are included with admission. There is a bear museum and a gift shop on premises. Reservations for tours are required. Tours run now through mid-June and will resume in the Fall. Information: 941-322-2462 or bearadiseranch.com. The park is at 6908 245th St. E., Myakka City.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Attraction briefs: April 7-13 ."

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