Firefly Forest School

Firefly Forest School Forest school community in Morris County

about to start camping in the Walmart parking lot
08/27/2026

about to start camping in the Walmart parking lot

Sharing with you our favorite low cost traditions 🍎———————————Sunbread Recipe 🌞3 eggs 3 tbsp sugar2 cups flour1 stick of...
08/26/2026

Sharing with you our favorite low cost traditions 🍎
———————————
Sunbread Recipe 🌞

3 eggs
3 tbsp sugar
2 cups flour
1 stick of butter, melted
2 packets active dry yeast
3 tbsp milk
1 tsp salt

Directions

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk the milk and yeast in a small bowl and let stand for 5 minutes, or until it starts to foam.

In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, and butter.

In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon salt.

Pour the wet ingredients from steps 1 and 2 into the bowl of flour and salt (from step 3).

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about ten minutes. If it’s too wet and sticks to your hands, add a bit more flour (I usually add 1/4 to 1/2 a cup).

Roll the dough into a ball and place it in a large, greased bowl. Cover and let rise for 1-2 hours, or until the dough doubles in size.

Remove the dough from the bowl, place on a floured surface, and knead it for a few minutes, then split the dough into two equal pieces.

Mold one piece of dough into the shape of a sun (I flatten it into a round disc). Using your index finger, poke two holes to make eyes. Roll a small ball for the nose. If you want to add a smile, you can do that now too. Place the dough on the baking sheet.

Separate the second half of the dough into 10-12 equal balls (the amount will depend on the size of your sun). Roll the balls into long 5-6” rolls and spiral them into tiny round snail-like circles. Attach them to the outer edge of the sun to create sun rays.

Cover the bread and let it rise for one hour.

Bake at 400 degrees for 10-20 mins, checking frequently to make sure it doesn’t burn. When you think it’s ready, poke a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.

Let cool, create an egg wash, if desired, and a serve warm - Recipe courtesy of simplivingwell.com

Join us for September for some wonderful nature classes! Link in bio -> firefly families -> nature classes-> pick your d...
08/24/2026

Join us for September for some wonderful nature classes! Link in bio -> firefly families -> nature classes-> pick your date!

08/24/2026

Comment “Autumn” and I’ll dm you how to get here, how to avoid crowds and the best restaurant nearby! This waterfall hike is so kid friendly, we visit every year 🤎🍂

Day 3 in Acadia National Park with kids 🌊🦞Start your morning at Jordan’s Restaurant for some blueberry pancakes, a hot c...
08/23/2026

Day 3 in Acadia National Park with kids 🌊🦞

Start your morning at Jordan’s Restaurant for some blueberry pancakes, a hot cup of coffee, and delicious omelets. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before a day of exploring.

Next, head over to Lulu’s Lobster Boat Tour for the 11:30 departure. This was one of my son’s favorite activities of the entire trip. He got to hold a lobster, learn about lobster anatomy, help bait the traps, and even assist with lowering them back into the ocean. It’s a hands-on experience that keeps kids engaged the entire time and is an absolute must-do for families visiting Bar Harbor.

After the tour, grab lunch at Sweet Pea’s. The pizza is delicious, and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around and play on the lawn while you relax. There are even animals to visit, making it a fun stop for little ones who need to burn off some energy.

In the evening, head into Acadia National Park and park near Ocean Path. If you arrive after 5 PM, you won’t have to worry about the daytime crowds, and finding parking is much easier. Spend some time relaxing by the beach before taking the scenic walk over to Thunder Hole. Visiting the park for ocean path is one of my insider tips!

I like to time this about two hours before high tide for the best chance of seeing the waves crash dramatically into the rocks. But even on quieter days, this stretch of coastline is stunning. Watch the seagulls glide overhead, listen to the waves, and stay for one of the most beautiful sunsets in Acadia.

One final tip: don’t forget bug spray at thunder hole. The black flies can be intense, especially in the evening.

Save this itinerary for your next family trip to Acadia! ✨and let me know where we should go next!!

DETAILS BELOW 👇🏼 Breakfast — Cafe This WayArrive by 7:30 AM before the crowds hit. There’s a big lawn area for kids to r...
08/21/2026

DETAILS BELOW 👇🏼

Breakfast — Cafe This Way

Arrive by 7:30 AM before the crowds hit. There’s a big lawn area for kids to run around, and the whole place has a relaxed, family-friendly vibe. Breakfast is always delicious but the blueberry pancakes are exceptional!! 🫐

Morning — Whale & Puffin Cruise

Head to the dock and board with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. for a whale and puffin cruise. Make sure to book in advance during the summer season. Bring your own binoculars, though rentals are available onboard. We saw whales, puffins, seagulls, and seals (never guaranteed). There’s a Snack bar onboard which has popcorn, hot dogs, and drinks.

1 PM— Explore Town

Walk around Bar Harbor and stop at Side Street Cafe. They have a great kids’ menu, and modeling clay at the table keeps little ones entertained. There’s also a dog-friendly porch with extra room for kids to move. Grab ice cream afterward, and if you want coffee, Stadium and Acadia Perk are great!

Late Afternoon — Hotel Reset

Head back to the hotel for a couple hours to relax and recharge before dinner.

Dinner — Bar Harbor Lobster Pound

Arguably the most family-friendly restaurant in Acadia. Not only do they have Co****le, giant Connect Four, ring toss, frisbee, and a huge stick teepee in the woods for kids to play in, but there’s also an ice cream boat that lets off steam every few minutes. We had the lobster roll (warm) which was amazing but they also offer a cold option, the lobster nachos, a drink from the bar and a blueberry pie with Icecream from the boat . Everything here was fantastic and the vibes were so relaxing. You honestly could stay and watch the sunset here but if you’re looking to see some wild life head to…

Sunset — Pretty Marsh

Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset. It’s quiet, parking is easy, and you may spot dolphins and seals in the marsh. I’ve been to a lot places for sunset in Acadia and this is one of the best spots!

ALL THE DETAILS⬇️ 🦞🌊🫐A lot of people say Acadia feels like a completely different park in the morning and they’re right....
08/19/2026

ALL THE DETAILS⬇️ 🦞🌊🫐

A lot of people say Acadia feels like a completely different park in the morning and they’re right.

For Jordan Pond, aim to arrive by 8:30 a.m. at the latest. We found plenty of parking around 8:40 on a midweek morning, but it was cutting it close.

If you’re hiking with little kids, the Jordan Pond Loop is the perfect choice. For older kids or adventurous families, add the South Bubble trail to see Bubble Rock. I’d skip North Bubble unless you have plenty of time, older hikers, and a packed lunch.

Bring lots of snacks. We save gummy candy for hikes when our son needs an extra boost, especially near the summit. Along the trail, you’ll also find huckleberries to pick, a fun bonus that keeps little hikers motivated

Afterward, head to Happy Clam Shack for lunch. It’s one of the most family-friendly spots we found, with haddock bites,lobster bisque, lawn games, chalk, co****le, and plenty of space for kids to run around.

After lunch, head back to your hotel for some downtime. If you’re traveling with kids, I can’t recommend a hotel with a pool enough. Ours also had a gym and a small arcade/play center, which made afternoons much more relaxing.

For dinner, make your way to Mainely Meat BBQ at Atlantic Brewing Company. The restaurant has a fully enclosed playground right next to the patio, plus coloring books, crayons, and markers for the kids. It ended up being one of the most relaxing dinners of our trip. If you’re with a group, order the BBQ platter to share and sample a few beer flights.

After dinner, stroll into town for sunset at the harbor, then grab ice cream and wander the waterfront. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a free movie under the stars. Check the Acadia event schedule before your trip, summer movies are often held on Wednesday evenings. Don’t forget a donation for the free popcorn! 🍿

Address

Hedden County Park
Randolph, NJ

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