Why We Love It: Jupiter, Florida doesn't get as much press as Miami or Palm Beach but it's quite possibly one of our favorite places in southern part the Sunshine State. Life is quieter and slower here and Florida's natural wonders are on display.
Speaking of natural wonders, you can find the area's native animals at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a wildlife hospital that takes in sick and injured animals and rehabs them. You'll find everything from snakes to bears to jaguars, crocodiles, pelicans, deer, owls, and bobcats. The sanctuary is also super small and easy to walk through, although we suggest bringing the Florida trifecta of hats, sunscreen and bug spray with you.
What Ages: All ages are welcome here! As we said, the sanctuary is small with little paths that take you around to see the different animals. Most of them are in large fenced-in areas. You can definitely bring a stroller too. Our toddler loved seeing all the different animals and he kept insisting all of them were hungry. (They weren't. Ok, maybe a few of them were eating.) But our older girls, in third and second grades, really got in on the action of seeing the new animals, finding out where they came from and reading about what they are like.
When to Go: The Wildlife Sanctuary is open Monday-Saturday from 10am to 4:30pm. It is closed on Sundays and the major holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. In the warmer months, you'll want to go right at 10am. And it's not ideal for rainy days since all of it is outside. One tip: There are vultures here. Yes, vultures. They aren't part of the sanctuary but rather they come to steal the food away from the larger birds like turkeys and eagles. They surprisingly do not bother humans but just know this before you go.
How Much Does it Cost?: The sanctuary does not charge admission so basically it's free. However, the place is supported entirely by donations. So please consider giving at least $10 for your visit.
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