Best Bets for Easter in Tampa Bay

Apr 19th 2011 11:00AM / by Nanette Wiser

If Peeps and pastel candy corn make you smile, then this weekend's Easter festivities will delight your family and friends. Gather your minions and make reservations now for Tampa Bay's best brunches at Tradewinds, Sirata, Marchand's, Hyatt Sand Key, Fleming's, Ceviche, 400 Beach, Don Cesar or jelly belly up to these events.

Eggs-travaganzas: At the Florida Aquarium April 23-24 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), get a picture with the Easter Bunny (small fee) and and ogle the Easter Bunny dive (11 a.m., 2 p.m.) in the Coral Reef exhibit. On April 22 (11 a.m.), the Orangutan family hunts for eggs at the Zoo's popular annual event. MOSI celebrates April 23 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) with an egg scavenger hunt, egg toss, egg catapult and scientific discussions about animals that hatch from eggs.

Florida Aquarium, 701 Channelside Dr.;813-273-4056

Lowry Park Zoological Garden, 1101 West Sligh Ave.;813-935-8552

MOSI, 4801 East Fowler Ave; 813-987-6000

Cotton Tail Express: All aboard the Museum's diesel-powered train April 23 (9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m.) ato the Easter Egg Patch where Mr. Bunny greets the kids and the annual egg hunt and other festivities make this a beloved family tradition ($18/adult; $14/kids 3-11).

Florida Railroad Museum, 12210 83rd St. E, Parrish; 941-776-0906

Coachman Park Easter Party: Grab the family and their bonnets (noon-2 p.m.) for this waterview extravaganza complete with petting zoo, wandering Easter bunnies, pony rides, bouncy house, giant blow up slide, face painting, live entertainment, food and the Easter Egg hunt (12:30). Bring your basket to collect all the goodies.

Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater; 727.442.2099

Easter Brunch Tampa Bay: Cruise the brunch buffet aboard Yacht StarShip for Easter and snap your picture with Peter Cottontail while nibbling applewood smoked bacon, scrambled eggs, balsamic grilled chicken, roasted salmon, leg of lamb, ham, fresh salads (grilled eggplant and artichoke), shrimp cocktail and heavenly desserts. Reserve now; seating is limited.

Yacht StarShip; 813-223-7999