Peanut Island

Peanut Island is one of my favorite spots in Palm Beach county. It is a 79 acre island located at the mouth of Lake Worth Inlet. To get here, you do have to take a short boat ride, but there are plenty of water taxis around if you don't own a boat. This wonderful place has all sorts of things you can do. From relaxing on the beach, to going on a adventurous hike around the island- there is something for your whole family on Peanut Island. It also has a small coral reef where you can snorkel and see all sorts of amazing fish and critters, pavilions and grills to have a nice barbecue, and even a campsite on the island! You will discover more and more places hidden in Peanut Island every time you go! 

Busch Wildlife

Busch Wildlife is a Jupiter gem.  This wildlife sanctuary is home to many of Florida's native animals. Some are there being rehabilitated, while others are permanent residents due to not being able to be released back into the wild for various reasons.  You can get an up close look at Florida panthers, skunks, raccoons, alligators, and even bears!  They have an animal hospital for injured wildlife, so if you "rescue" a hurt animal you can take it into the sanctuary for rehabilitation.  We've dropped off a baby yellow belly slider turtle we found in our pool that had a cracked shell.   And we know of others that have dropped off baby possums and birds they found injured in their yards.  They also have a great Junior Naturalist program that one of our daughters has been involved with for several years.  They learn hands on about the animals, participate in feedings and cleaning out environments, as well as presenting their chosen animal at their wildlife encounter daily programs.  www.buschwildlife.org

Loggerhead Marinelife Center

The Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a great local place to visit to view turtles and sea life up close.  We've been going here since our girls were little.  They still love to check in on the turtles!   There are a lot of programs offered there (including fish feedings, story time, guided tours and hikes, and of course viewing turtles and hatchlings). You can follow them on facebook as well to get updates as to when turtles are being released back in the ocean after being rehabilitated at their facility. https://www.facebook.com/loggerheadmarinelifecenter