Starved Rock State Park is a popular spot for campers and anglers, and it’s no surprise why. The Illinois River has some of the best fishing opportunities and the park’s beautiful setting and proximity to Chicago make it an attractive destination for daytrippers—or a quick weekend away. In recent years, however, Starved Rock’s visitor numbers have surged. When the park reaches capacity, traffic can back up for miles, leaving adventure-seekers stuck in their cars instead of casting a line or taking in the scenery. Read on for equally dazzling places to enjoy nature without getting stuck in gridlock traffic.
Located just 90 minutes from Chicago, Lowden State Park has 80 campsites with access to electricity and a shower building. There are another 46 primitive campsites, for a more rustic experience, in a separate campground. This park sits right on the Rock River, which has an average depth of about 3 feet at the height of summer. Rent a canoe or kayak from local outfitter White Pelican if you don't own your own boat, but there are docks located along the riverbank where the public can cast a line. Check out the dock by Margaret Fuller Island for a great view.
The Hennepin Canal is an ideal spot for families willing to trade amenities for solitude. The Hennepin Canal includes nine campgrounds, 150 miles of trails and some of the most abundant stocks of fish you’ll find in Illinois. All campsites are first-come-first-served, have no showers or running water, but toilets are available at each campground. Fishing on the canal is allowed 24 hours a day and trawlers should have no trouble pulling out bass, catfish, walleye, crappie and bluegill. Visitors who prefer to cast a line from their boat will find 29 miles of portage-free canoeing along the feeder canal from Rock Falls.
Spring Lake Park outside Macomb has an impeccably maintained campground, with great amenities, and 6 miles of shoreline to cast from. Spring Lake is stocked with blue catfish, muskellunge, bass, bluegill and crappie. Campers have 102 campsites to choose from, with space for either tents, RVs, or cabins. An on-site bait shop rents pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, paddleboats, and fishing poles. Within the park itself, there are over 12 miles of biking and hiking trails, so you’ll have plenty to do if the fish just aren’t biting.
Located about 60 miles north of Chicago, Chain o' Lakes State Park is great for families looking for a variety of activities. Camping is abundant, with 151 sites and three cabins. A concession stand rents boats and sells bait. Anglers will find bluegill, bass, walleye, crappie, muskie, northern pike, bullhead, and catfish. This park lives up to its name, with three lakes and the Fox River within the park itself. That means the shorelines get marshy and most fishing is done from either on a boat or designated fishing piers. Other activities at Chain o’ Lakes include hose rentals, hunting, and over 10 miles of hiking trails. There is even an accessible picnic area with a quarter-mile hiking trail, that will accommodate anyone with mobility concerns.
Nauvoo State Park is a stunning and peaceful place. This park is small, just 148 acres on the banks of the Mississippi River. It includes a 13-acre lake with one mile of shoreline, stocked with bass, catfish and bluegill. There are no boat docks or rentals, so be prepared to cast from the shoreline or use the primitive boat launch. Campers will find 105 camping spaces, a few short hiking paths and a playground area. Visit the in-park museum to learn about the town’s history as a stop for French explorers and as a settlement for early Mormons.
— Lindsay Welbers
Lindsay Welbers is the author of “Chicago Transit Hikes: A guide to getting out in nature without a car.” She lives on the Northwest side of Chicago and writes the ultralight camping blog “Third Coast Hikes” which encourages Chicagoans to explore their backyards, especially the corners they may not have considered before.
We’ve heard a lot about how resilient our children are and have been throughout this pandemic, and it’s true. But we also must remember that children, and adults, are not born resilient. Resiliency is a learned skill that requires constant practice.
When children experience a traumatic event, like this year-long pandemic, where they can’t see their friends, can’t hug grandparents, can’t celebrate birthdays and holidays, you may notice they get angry or act out, and that is because they need help regaining control and establishing a more positive mindset. Other behaviors you may see that indicate this need for control are hitting/biting, tantrums, becoming overly emotional, trying to escape or hiding.
If you start to notice your child exhibiting one or more of these behaviors, there are areas you, as a parent, can focus on to help them bounce back, maintain a positive attitude and cope with stress. Validating feelings, promoting quality relationships and interactions, and creating safe, secure environments, are all ways you can help your child flex their resiliency muscle.
The most important way to promote resiliency is by following a pathway of validating feelings and expressing understanding for what children are going through. It is important for them to know that we understand and care about how they’re feeling. Quality interactions and strong family relationships can help children identify their feelings. Even the youngest of children, who might not know the emotion they are feeling or be able to give it a name, can share how they feel through visuals or by reading a book about the feeling. It’s imperative to let children know that not only are they going to be safe and secure, but that these feelings are real and valid. The ability to identify those feelings is what leads to resiliency.
Additionally, creating a safe, secure environment for your children also helps build resiliency. During the pandemic, children have largely spent most of their time at home or at school/childcare, so focus on safety and security in both of those environments.
Here is a list of specific things you and your children can do at home and at school to help build resiliency:
1. Create a routine so they know what’s going to happen every day
2. Build visual schedules that show their routine via pictures so they see the events of their day.
3. Provide continuity of care for children
4. Make sure interactions with teachers, other children and at home are positive
5. Build and focus on those “how are you feeling” type questions
6. Validate your child’s feelings by helping them name the feelings and give them techniques for moving through those feelings
7. Establish cozy corners – a quiet place children can go when they’re having “big emotions”
8. Make a sensory bin of things they can touch, squeeze, look at etc.
9. Look in the mirror with your child so they can see their emotions
10. Set up “mindful minutes” to practice breathing exercises, empathy exercises, discuss book recommendations and other activities found at our Facebook page
11. Seek help if you are a parent or caregiver who demonstrates loss of control of your emotions and actions in response to stress – children pick up on how people around them react
Resilience is the foundation of a child’s mental health, confidence, self-regulation, stress management and response to difficult events. We all want our children to feel and be resilient so that they can go grow stronger, even through an event like the pandemic!
Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.
Listen up, home bakers! Two of America’s most iconic and beloved brands will come together in one extra fun line of new products when the Funfetti OREO hits grocery shelves in February. Bringing America’s Favorite Cookie into the baking aisle, each of the five new products feature real OREO cookie pieces for a delicious OREO baking experience.
The new Funfetti OREO baking line-up includes:
Funfetti Vanilla Premium Cake Mix with OREO Cookie Pieces. The cake mix is vanilla creme flavored to give an OREO creme flavor, with OREO cookie pieces included within the mix.
Funfetti Chocolate Premium Cake Mix with OREO Cookie Pieces. The cake mix is a dark cocoa flavor, with OREO cookie pieces included within the mix.
Funfetti Vanilla Flavored Frosting with OREO Cookie Pieces
Funfetti Premium Brownie Mix with OREO Cookie Pieces included in a separate pouch for final decoration
Funfetti Buttermilk Pancake & Waffle Mix with OREO Cookie Pieces included in the mix
“Funfetti fans have been adding OREO cookies to their baked creations for years, and we’re thrilled that we can celebrate those baking mashups with this new portfolio of products,” said Dan Anglemyer, COO of Hometown Food Company. “Funfetti is a celebration of fun, surprise moments and continues to grow in popularity as families spend more time baking together at home. Whether you’re biting into a cupcake with colorful sprinkles or enjoying real OREO cookie pieces on top of a brownie, Funfetti creates delicious, fun moments for the whole family – and we’re excited that Funfetti and OREO will help make more.”
To help celebrate its biggest collaboration ever, Funfetti is hosting a digital baking competition that will be judged by a famous baking duo – Duff Goldman, host of Kids Baking Championship and other Food Network shows and owner of Charm City Cakes, and Matthew Merril, TikTok baking star and former contestant on Kids Baking Championship. Contestants will create their most unique baked goods using the new Funfetti OREO collection, and the winner will receive a one-year supply of Funfetti products or $500 in cash, have their winning recipe featured on PillsburyBaking.com and be able to host an Instagram Live baking demo on @pillsburybaking.
Now through Jan. 26, home bakers have a chance to show off their skills for a chance to be entered in the digital competition. Simply pick your favorite baking partner, submit photos of yourselves and the favorite creation you’ve baked, along with a short description explaining why you and your partner are the perfect pair to bake for Duff and Matthew. Pillsbury Baking will select 10 semifinalist duos, who will be posted on Pillsbury Baking’s website for the public to vote. The three duos who receive the most votes will participate in the digital baking contest in February, and the winner will be announced in March. More details and rules for entry can be found at PillsburyBaking.com.
Funfetti OREO will be available nationwide in February retailing from $1.30 to $4.00. For more information or more baking inspiration, visit PillsburyBaking.com or visit @PillsburyBaking on Facebook and Instagram.
Doo doo doo doo! Nickelodeon has announced the cast for its highly anticipated new preschool series Baby Shark’s Big Show!. The new animated series will premiere with an original holiday special on Friday, Dec. 11, at 12:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Based on the world-famous pop culture phenomenon, the 2D-animated series will feature Kimiko Glenn (Orange is the New Black); Luke Youngblood (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone); Natasha Rothwell (Insecure); Eric Edelstein (We Bare Bears); Debra Wilson (MADtv); and Patrick Warburton (Family Guy).
Co-produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio and SmartStudy, the global entertainment company behind the beloved children’s brand Pinkfong, Baby Shark’s Big Show! is made up of 26 half-hour episodes and will follow Baby Shark and his best friend William as they journey on fun-filled comedic adventures in their community of Carnivore Cove, make new friends and sing original catchy tunes along the way.
Meet the inhabitants of Carnivore Cove:
Baby (Glenn) – A sweet, bubbly, and abso-toothly fearless little shark who has a habit of biting off more than he can chew.
William (Youngblood) – A quick-witted pilot fish with a flair for the funny, William is always down for jaw-some adventures with his best bud Baby.
Mommy (Rothwell) – Fun-loving with a fierce streak, Mommy Shark works for the Mayor of Carnivore Cove.
Daddy (Edelstein) – A worrier who can’t help his loud and goofy nature, Daddy Shark is a dentist who flosses when he’s nervous.
Grandma (Wilson) – A new-agey prankster who’s all about good vibes and bubbleberry pies.
Grandpa (Warburton) – A charismatic shark who loves to tell stories about the glory days.
In Baby Shark’s Big Fishmas Special, the season’s hottest toy, Burpin’ Bubbz, is at the top of Baby and William’s Fishmas wish lists, and when Santa Jaws goes missing, it’s up to them to save the holiday. Following the premiere, the special will be available on Nick Jr. On Demand and Download-To-Own services, as well as NickJr.com and the Nick Jr. App, which will also feature short-form content.
Baby Shark’s Big Fishmas Special is part of Nickelodeon’s “Nickmas” holiday-themed lineup which features joyous premieres and specials from the network’s live-action, animation and preschool series, including the season two premiere of original festive competition series, Top Elf; the brand-new star-studded special The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular; and all-new episodes of hit series Blue’s Clues & You!, The Casagrandes, Danger Force, All That and more, plus classic fan-favorite holiday episodes of Rugrats, PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants and The Loud House.
New episodes of Baby Shark’s Big Show! will roll out across Nickelodeon’s preschool platforms in the U.S. beginning spring 2021, followed by Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. channels internationally.
If the name Nik Wallenda rings a bell, it’s because he just walked over an active volcano, live on ABC, as his latest high-wire stunt. And his next major event will be walking the plank at the grand opening of the all-new Pirate Island hotel at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort.
photo: LEGOLAND Florida Resort
In true pirate-fashion, Wallenda will “walk the plank” from inside the theme park to the new hotel to kick off the resort’s opening festivities on Thursday, April 16. LEGOLAND Florida Resort park and hotel guests are invited to take part in the fun and watch the nail-biting stunt safely from the ground.
Wallenda will walk across an over 500 ft. long high wire, using a 28-foot balance pole enhanced with LEGO bricks. Check out the video below of Wallenda’s invite and a sneak peek of the progress of the hotel!
If you can’t make it to LEGOLAND on April 16, don’t worry. The event will be covered on LEGOLAND’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Pirate Island Hotel will be connected to the existing LEGOLAND Hotel, becoming the third on-site hotel at the LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Located right outside the main gates of the park (130 steps, to be exact) the hotel will include 150 rooms, a heated pool and pool deck, a pirate ship in front of the hotel, a pirate-themed restaurant, nightly kid-friendly programming, LEGO character experiences, LEGO play pits and a lobby bar for the grown-ups.
Pirate Island Hotel will officially open to the public on Fri., April 17. Reservations are available at LEGOLAND.com/pirateisland
featured image: Chip Litherland for LEGOLAND Florida Resort
A 19-month-old picks up a delicious snack, but instead of eating it they hand it over to an adult who wants it. You may think this is an isolated case, but now imagine dozens of babies giving away their treats as well. According to a study that tests the beginning of altruism in humans published on Tuesday, that is exactly what happened.
The babies “looked longingly at the fruit, and then they gave it away!” said Andrew Meltzoff, co-director of the Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences at the University of Washington, in a statement. “We think this captures a kind of baby-sized version of altruistic helping.”
Meltzoff and his team studied nearly 100 babies who were 19 months old, a time when many babies are starting to have temper tantrums, especially when told no, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians (PDF). As they approach the “Terrible Twos” developmentally these babies are more likely to act out by hitting, biting, or scratching when denied what they want.
Studies show that food sharing among non-human primates is rare. When they do share, it appears to be among close relatives, or when they think it will benefit them by strengthening relationships with other chimps outside their inner circle.
In our society, humans often respond to people in need of food through donating to food banks, fundraising or simply sharing their lunch or snack. This study delves into the question; when does altruism begin?
Using favorites such as blueberries, bananas and grapes, the study tested whether the infants would give their food to a total stranger without being asked.
After showing the baby a piece of fruit, the researcher gently tossed it onto a tray on the floor which was within the baby’s reach but beyond the researcher’s grasp.In the control group, the researcher did not show any emotion.
The test group, called the “Begging Experimenter Group” had the researcher appear to toss the fruit accidentally and then unsuccessfully try to reach it.
If the baby was in the test group, called the “Begging Experimenter Group,” the researcher appeared to toss the fruit accidentally and then tried unsuccessfully to reach for it.
According to the study, more than half of the babies in the test group picked up the fruit and gave it to the adult. Only 4% of the babies in the control group did the same.
In a second experiment, a different group of 19-month-old babies were tested at their normal snack or meal time. Since this was a time when the babies were typically used to eating, the researchers wanted to test if they would keep the fruit for themselves.
The babies in the control group did keep the fruit, but 37% of the babies in the test group gave the fruit away to the hungry adult.
Psychologist Mark Strauss, who directs the Infant and Toddler Development Center at the University of Pittsburgh, said “we really don’t know that the differential behavior between the two groups has to do with food. It could be that the toddlers recognize in the ‘begging condition’ that the adult didn’t want to drop and they are being helpful.
Strauss, who was not involved in the study said, “Finally, given that the children may not have been hungry. There really is no evidence that the children are being altruistic, but rather just being helpful.”
An afternoon at the theater is the perfect opportunity to transport yourself to another world. See your favorite literary and movie characters brought to life on stage. There are even shows that last only 60 minutes for the youngest audiences and ones where the performers are kids themselves. Get your tickets today!
Disney's THE LION KING
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap.The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LIONKING, making its triumphant return to San Jose’s Center for the Performing Arts! Note: This show is not until summer but it's going to HUGE so buy your tickets today!
The Center for the Performing Arts 255 Almaden Boulevard San Jose, CA Showing: July 15-Aug. 9 Tickets: broadwaysanjose.com
Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical!
Whatever you do, don’t let The Pigeon star in his own musical production! Because it’s not easy being The Pigeon– you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Starring an innovative mix of actors, puppets, songs, and feathers, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! (The Musical) is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.
Ruth Finley Person Theater 50 Mark West Springs Road Santa Rosa, CA Showing: April 1 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: tickets.lutherburbankcenter.org
Newsies
Led by Jack Kelly, New York Newsboys go on strike against the unfair practices of the publishing giants. This Tony-Award winning show features the songs "Seize the Day" and "Carrying the Banner," and gives audiences a peek of what life was like at the turn of the 19th Century. This performance is approximately 2.5 hours long with one 15 minute intermission and is appropriate for ages 5 and above due to subject matter.
Center for the Performing Arts 500 Castro Street Mountain View, CA Showing: March 7-8, 13-15 Tickets: tickets.mvcpa.com
Uni the Unicorn
The other unicorns laugh, but Uni, who has golden hooves and sparkling purple eyes, is sure that little girls are real. Far away (but not that far) a real little girl believes in unicorns, despite what everyone says. One day, rain steals the magic from unicorn land. Can wishing for friendship restore it?
BACT Berkeley Center 2055 Center Street Berkeley, CA Showing: Sat.-Sun., Apr. 18-May 24
Sunnyvale Community Center 550 E. Remington Drive Sunnyvale, CA Showing: Sat.-Sun., May 30-June 7
Children's Creativity Museum Theater 221 4th Street San Francisco, CA Showing: Sat.-Sun., June 13-28
Best buds George and Harold have been creating comics for years, but now that they’re in 5th grade, they figure it’s time to level up and write a musical based on their favorite character, Dog Man, the crime-biting sensation who is part dog, part man, and ALL HERO!!
Ruth Finley Person Theater 50 Mark West Springs Road Santa Rosa, CA Showing: May 12 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets: tickets.lutherburbankcenter.org
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Matthew Murphy
If you haven't had a chance to see the two-part Harry Potter and the Cursed Child yet, now is the time to get your tickets! Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the most awarded play in theatre history, winning 25 major U.S. awards, including six Tony Awards with one of those for Best Play. Read our review (no spoilers!) here.
The Curran Theater 445 Geary St. San Francisco, CA Showing: Through Aug. 2 Tickets): harrypottertheplay.com
Before answering this question, I always begin by asking a parent to imagine what it would be like if their spouse or partner made an announcement one day, out of the blue, that went something like this:
“I have exciting news. You are a wonderful spouse and I love you very much. But, I have decided for our family that it would be incredible if we got another spouse to live with us and join our family. It is going to be so great! And, you will be the special ‘first’ spouse who gets to teach this new spouse everything you know. You are going to love it!”
Most of us would say something like, “Really?! …Seriously?”
This is basically how the idea of a new baby can come across to an only child. Of course, this news should be shared joyfully; however, I am suggesting that parents be mindful of the magnitude of the changes it will bring to the family dynamic and the questions it may raise for the firstborn.
For the child who has had the undivided attention of the adults in his or her world for the first few years (or more) of life, this is a significant change and a transition with which a young child has nothing to compare it. So, in addition to a predictable schedule, plenty of rest, nutritious food and clear limits, there will undoubtedly be times when they need extra support.
Let’s start with timing. I have seen many parents excitedly share news of their pregnancy with their first born as soon as they themselves receive it. Although generally, I don’t think that keeping secrets from children is a good idea, timing is an important thing to consider when telling a child that they are going to have a sibling.
Young children do not have a good grasp of the concept of time and struggle to comprehend just when this event will happen. Phrases like, “next summer” or “this October” have little meaning for the young child. Young children basically recognize three standards of time: yesterday (which is everything in the past), the present (which is right now) and tomorrow—which is everything in the future. A more sophisticated understanding of time does not fully emerge until age seven.
I have on many occasions seen happy, carefree young children become anxious when they receive this information from their parents very early in the pregnancy. They don’t have a sense of when this event—possibly as long as eight months away—will take place or what it will mean for them.
At the nursery school where I worked, we would even sometimes observe a happy child suddenly turn out-of-sorts. Separation anxiety or other behavior that indicates stress, such as biting or toilet training regression, would appear. Teachers would take note, provide extra support for the child and check in with the parents. Frequently, parents would share the news that they were expecting another child and that there were daily talks about it with their child in an attempt to prepare their child for the baby’s arrival. Their conversations often emphasized how great it was going to be for the child to be a big brother or big sister.
Prior to sharing the big news, it might be helpful to talk with your child about families in general. Ask them questions to determine what they already know about families. Explain that some have just one child, as yours does, some have several children. Have your child think about family models in your immediate family and your circle of friends. Mention that someday your family might grow to have more than one child.
Point out different family structures in the books that you read as well. Welcome their observations and questions. If you have siblings, share stories about your memories of brothers and sisters. Depending on the age of your child, children under four may have a limited understanding of family relationships, so talk with children about families in the simplest of terms.
This is an excellent opportunity to point out that not every family is the same. Some have just one mom or dad, or two moms and two dads. The one thing that all families have in common? Lots of love.
Nursery schools often have children bring in photographs of their family to display in the classroom, and this is another good way for children to learn about different family makeups.
I remember interviewing children for a short film that I was making about the Little Folks Nursery School and asking them what a family is. Their responses were endearing and hilarious and went something like this: “a family is people that live together, a family is a place where someone gives you food, a family is the people that take care of you and give you hugs.”
When sharing news of an addition to the family, rather than trying to convince a young one that this new baby is going to be the best thing that has ever happened to them, I suggest framing the news in this way: “We are going to have a new baby in our family.” If you can reference a baby in another family that your child knows, that gives them a concrete example.
“We are excited, just as we were when we were expecting you. Babies are so sweet and cuddly but, in the beginning, I will have to feed them a lot and change their diaper”. While it’s okay to offer the “helper” position, this can add to the confusion when parents push it too hard. Because young children are so literal, they can misunderstand what the expectations are and feel like they will be expected to have too much responsibility.
Unlike my hypothetical story about getting another wife or husband, your child can absorb this news on their terms when the news is calmly and simply presented. And remember, the changes this event will bring to your family are ultimately positive. It may be challenging at times, but by giving your child a sibling, you are giving them a gift. As someone who is the youngest in a family of five children, I can certainly attest to “the more, the merrier.”
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
This kid right here hasn’t had the greatest start to the school year. We’re only on week two, and I’ve already conferenced with the teacher and principal. He’s done a few things wrong and then had some backlash come his way that no 8-year-old boy on the planet deserves.
For the past three days, I’ve sat outside the school at 3:00 p.m. biting my nails and straining to see him walk out the door. I wanna see what his face looks like, so I can gauge what the day has done to him. When we got home yesterday I resumed my usual line of questioning: ”What happened today?”, “Did anyone say mean things?”, “Did you say mean things?”, “Did anyone play with you today?”, “How are you feeling? Are you okay?”
And at some point yesterday in the middle of bombarding him, I saw this look on his face that said, “I need you to stop.” And so, I did. And then I decided that sometimes our little humans need the same things we need: they need space. And 20 minutes of silence. And their favorite snacks laid out next to a warm bath.
I think sometimes these are the things that speak love to our children louder than our voices. He was calm for the rest of the night. And this morning when I dropped him off I looked him straight in the face and said, “You got this.” And he said, “Yeah….but if I don’t, will you make me another bath tonight?” And I said “Always.”
Laurie Koch is the author of "Justifiying Jane", an online haven for the stressed out, messed up, and mildly insane. She enjoys not working out, an entire day where none of her kids bleed, and McDonald's drive thrus. Laurie lives in Illinois with her husband, Brad, and their 4 boys.
Love Cupcake Wars? Can’t get enough of the Kids Baking Championship? Then your mini master chefs will be very excited to check out Food Network’s Halloween line up.
Food Network has just revealed it will be launching a whole slate of Halloween-themed programming to kick off the holiday season. While the channel has featured Halloween shows like Halloween Wars in the past, this year there will be even more spooktacular fun to enjoy.
“Food Network is the ultimate destination for Halloween-themed content, showcasing the holiday like no one else can with nail-biting competitions and jaw-dropping creations that viewers just can’t get enough of,” Courtney White, President, Food Network and Cooking Channel, said in a statement. “With Halloween Baking Championship and Halloween Wars both seeing series-high ratings last year, we knew we had to deliver even more tricks and treats this holiday season, upping the ante across both networks.”
The programming will kick off on Sep. 23 with both the return of Halloween Baking Championship and the new series premiere of Halloween Cake-Off. On Sep. 26 the fun continues with the launch of Kids Baking Championship: Tricks & Treats, which features hosts Valerie Bertinelli and Duff Goldman challenging young chefs to create the spookiest spider web desserts.
Other new series premiering in September and October include Halloween Wars (Sep. 29), Outrageous Pumpkins (Sep. 29) and Haunted Gingerbread Showdown (Oct. 6). There will also be special sweets and treats-themed episodes of Barefoot Contessa: Cook Like a Pro,Chopped, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Girl Meets Farm, Guy’s Grocery Games, Guy’s Ranch Kitchen, The Kitchen, The Pioneer Woman and Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.