Sometimes living in one of the largest cities in the world with 4 small kids poses a problem.. there just aren't a ton of things to do that, #1- won't break the bank, #2- aren't so over populated that the chances of you not losing a kid are slim to none, and #3- with traffic, don't take ALL DAY just to get there! But alas, there are gems just waiting to be discovered, and we were fortunate enough to find a beauty on a fairly recent family outing (okay, it was the end of April.. so I'm a smidgen behind.. whatcha gonna do?!).
Instituto Butantan.
From it's impressive serpentarium, museums, and GORGEOUS "I don't think we're in Sao Paulo anymore" lush park grounds complete with nature trails and fresh(er) city air, it was the perfect afternoon retreat! There are hooded cobras from Africa and India, boa constrictors, and South American anacondas. Besides serums against venoms of snakes, spiders and scorpions, the institute manufactures vaccines against tetanus, whooping cough, diphtheria, rabies, and tuberculosis, thanks to the rather depressing "monkey house" residents. The institute has a hospital, Hospital Vital Brasil, open 24hrs, where free treatment is offered to anyone who has been stung by poisonous animals... great to know we have options just in case a rattlesnake takes the elevator to the 14th floor again!
On each species description, there were pictures of what they like to eat.. when we got to the anaconda, and the pictures were of large animals (antelope, etc), the kids quickly realized that that sucker could easily make a snack of them too!
The life cycle of a snake.. though, I'm not sure what taxidermied mating turtles have to do with it.. welcome to Brasil I guess! Lol.
A huge thank you to all the poor monkey's who help us improve our life expectancy rates.. :(
Only in Brasil will you find a dog that could beat an American at soccer!
We Americans may not know how to kick, but we sure can throw! :)
Instituto Butantan.
The snakes were cool, but watching these cute little faces was definitely better! :)
The kids loved the museum as much as the snakes!
Enjoying the grounds, and all that green!
Our little gone Brazilian daughter..
All in all, a fantastic and highly recommended day here in SP!!! :)
THANK YOU for posting this, I've been desperate to find a family outing that doesn't involve strange children's shows with scary looking clowns (we're not so into the overpriced artistic shows that Brazilians seem to love so much). We're totally going here next weekend. Let me know if you find other gems a la Thanksgiving Point and I'll do the same!
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