Some movie franchises are hard to revisit. After three films, there’s always the question of whether another installment can capture the magic that made the originals so memorable. But after attending the world premiere of Focker In-Law at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, I can confidently say the Fockers still know how to bring the laughs.
And we weren’t just chuckling. We were absolutely cackling.
Watch the Official Trailer
The Fockers Are Back — And It Feels Like Family
What impressed me most was how naturally the fourth installment fit into the franchise. Rather than simply recycling familiar jokes or relying on nostalgia, it digs into the history of the first three movies, bringing back the relationships, awkward family dynamics, and outrageous humor that made the series so popular.
The humor was completely on point with what audiences have come to expect from the Fockers. For longtime fans, this feels like a genuine continuation of the story rather than another sequel made just for the sake of it.
Cast members take the stage before the screening. Photo: DaDa Rocks.
Ariana Grande Absolutely Steals the Show
The returning cast delivers exactly what you’d hope for, and the new additions bring fresh energy to the franchise. But let’s talk about Ariana Grande.
She absolutely steals this movie.
Every time Ariana appeared on screen, it was clear who the standout performer was. Her comedic timing and delivery, and her ability to hold her own alongside established comedy stars, made her scenes especially memorable. She didn’t just fit in. She stood out. For me, she was the star of the movie.
A World Premiere to Remember
Being inside the legendary Beacon Theatre in Manhattan for the world premiere was incredible. Before the screening began, the cast took the stage, giving the audience a chance to see the stars together and setting the tone for a memorable night.
And the celebrity sightings didn’t stop with the film’s cast. Among the audience were familiar faces including Mike Myers, Keegan-Michael Key, and members of the Severance cast, there to cheer on Ben Stiller. It was one of those uniquely New York experiences where you look around and realize just how many recognizable faces are sharing the room.
With the cast introductions finished, the lights went down and the movie began. What followed was an evening filled with laughter.
World premiere arrivals in New York City. Photo: DaDa Rocks.
Our Verdict: The Fockers Still Have It
After four films, Focker In-Law delivers a new chapter that feels connected to what came before while finding ways to surprise its audience. The humor is familiar in the best possible way, the cast is terrific, and Ariana Grande brings an energy that makes this installment feel fresh.
Bottom line: We laughed from beginning to end, and Ariana Grande was the undeniable standout of the night.
DaDa Rocks attended the world premiere on November 11, 2026, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. Premiere photographs: DaDa Rocks.
Want to share your favorite music with your kids without waiting for them to be old enough for a late-night arena concert? The Rock and Roll Playhouse is bringing family-friendly performances inspired by Taylor Swift, Dave Matthews Band, the Grateful Dead, the Beatles, Olivia Rodrigo and more to New York and New Jersey through the holidays.
These concerts are designed with young listeners in mind, giving families a way to enjoy live music together. Here’s the upcoming NYC-area schedule, including nearby New Jersey and Westchester dates, with links to tickets and event information.
Rock and Roll Playhouse: November–December 2026 concert schedule
Schedules and ticket availability can change. Check the individual event page for start times, pricing, age guidance and venue policies before purchasing.
Which show should your family see?
Swifties have two NYC opportunities: November 15 at Soho Live and December 13 at Brooklyn Bowl. Families who grew up on jam bands can check out Dave Matthews Band on November 15 or Grateful Dead on November 22. Beatles fans have a November 29 Brooklyn Bowl date, while Olivia Rodrigo fans can choose between Red Bank on December 12 and Brooklyn on December 27.
There are also seasonal choices, including Cosmic Charlie Brown Christmas at Brooklyn Bowl on December 6, and New Jersey families can look at the Paramore show in Sayreville or Harry Styles in South Orange.
Before you go
These are live family concerts, not appearances by the original artists. Ticket policies vary by venue. Some shows are better suited to younger children than a typical rock concert, but parents should still consider sound levels and bring hearing protection if appropriate.
3D printing sounds like a pretty amazing holiday gift for a creative kid. But before you wrap up a Toybox printer, there are a few things parents should know—especially about price, color printing, and screen time.
I visited Toybox’s holiday pop-up inside Grand Central Terminal for a hands-on media preview on November 10. I got to try the app that controls the printer, see the machines up close, and check out some of the creations on display. My biggest takeaway? This is a fun way to introduce kids to making their own toys, but it’s not necessarily the right gift for every family.
What the Toybox pop-up is actually like
Despite the idea of a toy-filled holiday pop-up, this is really a shopping and demonstration space. It’s designed to give parents and gift givers a chance to see Toybox printers in action, get a short hands-on introduction, compare the options, and purchase one at special pop-up pricing. I wouldn’t plan a trip expecting a full-fledged kids’ activity or workshop.
You’ll see printers, spools of colorful filament—what Toybox calls “printer food”—and examples of what the machines can produce. The displays included familiar character-inspired figures and a 3D-printed Star Trek Enterprise that caught my eye.
Which Toybox printer makes sense?
The smaller model is significantly less expensive, making it the more approachable entry point for a family curious about 3D printing. It uses one filament color at a time. For younger beginners, that’s not necessarily a drawback: there’s already plenty to explore in choosing a design and watching it become a physical object.
The larger printer is the more exciting option if your kid is ready to do more. Its four-color printing capability adds a level of creative flexibility that the smaller model doesn’t offer. Of course, that comes with a higher price. I wouldn’t automatically steer every family toward the bigger machine; the less expensive model could be a smarter first step.
The catch: this is not a screen-free toy
This is the detail I’d want every parent to know before buying. You need a phone or tablet to use the Toybox interface and operate the printer. I tried the app myself during the demonstration, so this isn’t just something buried in the product description.
If your household limits access to phones and tablets—or you’re looking for a gift that lets kids unplug completely—Toybox probably isn’t the right fit. That doesn’t make it a bad product; it just makes the device requirement an important part of the buying decision.
Some of the 3D-printed creations on display at Grand Central. Photo: DaDa Rocks.
What age would I recommend?
Although the pop-up advertises ages 3 and up, my personal gift recommendation would be around age 8 and older, depending on the child’s interest, patience, and comfort with a connected device. Younger children may love watching a toy print, but owning and using a printer is a different proposition. Parents should expect to be involved, especially at the beginning.
My impressions here come from a hands-on event demonstration, not weeks of testing either printer at home. I can’t yet speak to long-term reliability or how smoothly every print will go after repeated use.
Where to find Toybox at Grand Central
The Toybox holiday pop-up runs November 11–21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. inside Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Admission is free.
Here’s the useful location detail: look for store MC-66 in the Lexington Avenue Passage, near the shops heading toward Lexington Avenue, in the same area as the Swatch store. It’s inside the station—not an outdoor pop-up—and knowing the store number will save you some wandering.
If you’re shopping for a kid who loves technology, building, and making things, it’s worth stopping by to see the printers before deciding. Just remember: the smaller printer is the budget-friendlier introduction, the larger one offers four-color printing, and both depend on a phone or tablet. Those are the details I’d weigh before putting Toybox under the tree.
DaDa Rocks attended a Toybox media preview. All photographs are original DaDa Rocks images. This is a hands-on preview, not a long-term product review.
The investigation is coming home. Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced that Lanterns: The Complete First Season will arrive on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on February 9, 2027, bringing DC Studios’ eight-episode superhero mystery to physical media. Preorders are being promoted now. (more…)
Some holiday gifts make noise for a few days. Others might help a child discover a lifelong love of music. Fender and Loog have teamed up on two compact, three-string electric instruments designed to make that first step into playing feel more approachable: Loog’s first-ever Precision Bass and a Butterscotch Blonde Telecaster.
These aren’t pretend guitars. They’re scaled-down instruments with real strings, pickups and a standard quarter-inch output jack for an amplifier, paired with learning tools intended for beginners. Both have a suggested retail price of $229.99.
Fender x Loog Precision Bass: A first bass for smaller hands
The new Precision Bass marks Loog’s first entry into bass guitars. Inspired by Fender’s 1951 classic, it uses three strings, a short scale and a single pickup. The simplified format reduces the number of strings a new player has to navigate while retaining the basic experience of an electric bass. Finishes include White Blonde, Candy Apple Red and Sea Foam Green, plus a limited-edition Hello Kitty Black version.
Fender x Loog Telecaster: A classic look in a beginner-friendly size
Fender x Loog Telecaster in Butterscotch Blonde. Photo courtesy of Fender x Loog.
The Butterscotch Blonde Telecaster brings the familiar black-pickguard Fender design to Loog’s compact, three-string format. It’s aimed at children who want to begin learning chords and songs without starting on a full-size six-string guitar.
What makes these more than novelty gifts?
Each instrument comes with access to the Loog Guitar app, including video lessons and game-like practice exercises, plus a Fender-inspired activity book with games, trivia and creative challenges. That mix of hands-on playing, guided practice and screen-free activities could appeal to families hoping to make music part of their routine.
For parents, the important distinction is that these are real beginner instruments—not electronic toys that only play preset sounds. That also means some practical planning: an amplifier is needed for the full electric sound, and younger children will likely benefit from help tuning, practicing and building a regular playing habit.
Which one makes sense as a holiday gift?
Choose the Precision Bass for a child drawn to rhythm and the low-end foundation of songs; consider the Telecaster for someone excited to learn guitar chords and melodies. Neither is automatically the right fit for every child, and families should weigh the player’s age, hand size, interest level and willingness to practice.
We haven’t tested either instrument, so this is a new-product and holiday gift spotlight, not a hands-on review. Playability, durability and lesson effectiveness still need real-world evaluation.
Price and availability
Fender and Loog announced both models on November 4, 2026, with a U.S. MSRP of $229.99 each. The brands say they’re available through Loog, Fender and select retailers. Some finishes may have different shipping dates or limited availability, so check the current listing before ordering.
Product information and specifications provided by Fender and Loog. DaDa Rocks has not received or tested these instruments.
From a new holiday market to a free Kwanzaa family festival and dazzling seasonal performances, Newark’s New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) has a full December calendar for families. Here is what’s happening, in date order, so you can plan your holiday outings.
December 10–20: New NJPAC Holiday Market
NJPAC’s inaugural Holiday Market opens Thursday, December 10, on Chambers Plaza, at 1 Center Street in Newark. More than 30 vendors will offer handcrafted jewelry, accessories, clothing, artwork, home décor and gifts inside a heated outdoor tent. Admission to the market is free; food and drinks are available for purchase.
Dates and hours: December 10–13 and December 17–20. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays: noon–8 p.m.; Sundays: noon–6 p.m. See official Holiday Market details.
December 12: Christmas with Canadian Brass
Saturday, December 12, 3 p.m. — Victoria Theater. The brass quintet performs festive carols and familiar classics, joined by the New Jersey Youth Chorus: Coriste ensemble. A playful afternoon concert for families who enjoy live music.
December 12: The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight
Saturday, December 12, 8 p.m. — Prudential Hall. Orchestral instruments meet heavy-metal and rock anthems in a candlelit, gothic-inspired production. This may be better suited to older children and teens.
The Nutcracker. Courtesy of NJPAC.
December 13: The Nutcracker
Sunday, December 13, 3 p.m. — Prudential Hall. The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine presents Tchaikovsky’s classic with hand-painted scenery, more than 200 costumes and the familiar dances of the Sugar Plum Fairy, flowers and snowflakes.
Watch NJPAC’s holiday season preview:
December 19: Free Kwanzaa Family Festival
Saturday, December 19, 1–6 p.m. — Free admission. NJPAC’s annual Kwanzaa Family Festival brings together generations for face painting, dancing, cultural storytelling, a candle-lighting ceremony, vibunzi and activities inspired by the seven principles of Kwanzaa. The Holiday Market is also open that day, noon–8 p.m.
December 19: Sacred Visions: Oru de Oro
Saturday, December 19, 7:30 p.m. This world premiere brings together Michele Rosewoman’s New Yor-Uba Ensemble and Danys “La Mora” Pérez Prades’s Oyu Oro Afro-Cuban Dance Ensemble in a performance blending jazz, Afro-Cuban dance, rhythm and storytelling.
December 20: Kesmas: Kes the Band
Sunday, December 20, 7 p.m. — Prudential Hall. Trinidadian band Kes brings calypso, rock and Caribbean rhythms to Newark for a lively seasonal concert. The Holiday Market’s final day runs noon–6 p.m.
December 26: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze
Saturday, December 26, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. — Prudential Hall. This family-friendly holiday spectacular features aerial performers, jugglers, acrobats, singers, dancers and seasonal characters. NJPAC’s current ticket calendar lists both performances.
Plan Your NJPAC Visit
Where: New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Free experiences: The Holiday Market and December 19 Kwanzaa Family Festival. Ticketed shows: Admission prices and availability vary. Visit NJPAC’s official events calendar for tickets and updated details.
Event information and performance descriptions supplied by NJPAC.
MAGNA-TILES has spent nearly 30 years inspiring kids to turn colorful magnetic building pieces into whatever they can imagine. Now the toy brand is bringing that creativity to the screen with MAGNA-TALES, its first original animated series, launching on YouTube in October 2026.
The new show introduces a world of characters, original songs and adventures designed to encourage kids to keep building long after the video ends.
Welcome to Builders Bay
Set in Builders Bay, MAGNA-TALES follows Maggie, Tyler, Sparky, Clyde and their friends as they dream up solutions and build their way through adventures. Mayor Rudy is a tribute to MAGNA-TILES founder Rudy Valenta.
Young viewers may spot familiar elements from MAGNA-TILES sets, including the 2026 Ocean Collection’s Undersea Adventure set. The company also promises some playful surprises, including recurring fainting goats.
Image courtesy of MAGNA-TILES.
From screen time to hands-on play
What makes the series interesting for families is its intended connection between watching and making. The animated stories showcase creativity and problem-solving, then invite kids to explore their own ideas using magnetic building pieces at home.
“With MAGNA-TALES, we are connecting the stories children love watching with the worlds they build themselves,” said Michael Valenta, president of MAGNA-TILES, in the company’s announcement.
That doesn’t make screen time a substitute for hands-on activities, but it does give parents an easy follow-up idea: after an episode, ask children what they’d like to build from the story—or what new adventure their own creation might have.
Watch MAGNA-TALES and its Halloween special
MAGNA-TALES is available through the official MAGNA-TILES Kids TV YouTube channel. New episodes and original songs are planned weekly through the 2026 holiday season.
For Halloween, the brand has also released MAGNA-TALES Spooktacular.
New character toys arrive in 2027
The animated adventures will also make their way back to physical play. MAGNA-TILES says companion toys featuring Maggie, Tyler, Sparky and Clyde are planned for January 2027, with a MAGNA-TALES Friends Pack available for presale.
For families who already have MAGNA-TILES at home, the series could offer a fresh starting point for their next big build—and a reason to invent a story of their own.
Source: MAGNA-TILES / PlayWise Partners. Learn more at MAGNA-TILES.com.
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday, November 1, bringing runners and cheering crowds through all five boroughs. For families, you don’t have to run 26.2 miles to be part of the excitement: pick a neighborhood, make a sign, and cheer from the sidelines.
Where families can watch the NYC Marathon
The marathon starts on Staten Island, crosses the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge into Brooklyn, travels through Queens and the Bronx, and finishes in Central Park. Here are some family-friendly viewing ideas along the route:
Brooklyn — Fourth Avenue: A long stretch of the course offers plenty of chances to cheer, with shops and neighborhood streets nearby. Choose a spot close to a subway station and expect crowds.
Queens — Long Island City: See runners as they approach the Queensboro Bridge. This can be an exciting stop for older children interested in the scale of the race.
Manhattan — First Avenue: The avenue is famous for its energetic spectators. It’s lively, but can be crowded and loud for younger children.
Harlem and the Bronx: The northern portion of the route is another opportunity to support runners without joining the finish-line crowds.
Central Park area: The finish is iconic, but access is controlled and some viewing areas may require tickets. Families seeking a relaxed experience may prefer an earlier point on the course.
Pick one location. Traveling across multiple boroughs during the race can be frustrating with young children because of closures and crowds.
Use public transportation. Many roads along the course close, and parking can be difficult. Check MTA service updates before traveling.
Bring a homemade sign. Kids can decorate a poster with encouraging messages. Cheer for runners you don’t know, too!
Pack the essentials. Bring water, snacks, weather-appropriate layers, and hearing protection if your child is sensitive to loud crowds.
Agree on a meeting plan. Crowds are large, so decide what to do if anyone becomes separated. Keep younger children close.
When should you arrive?
Runner arrival times vary by starting wave, pace and location. Instead of relying on a single predicted time, check the official race-day resources and any available runner-tracking tools shortly before heading out. Give yourselves extra time for subway travel and navigating pedestrian crossings.
Make it a lesson in perseverance
The NYC Marathon is a wonderful chance to talk with children about determination, community and supporting people working toward a goal. Look for runners representing charities, countries and neighborhoods from around the world. Even a few minutes of cheering can make a runner’s day.
Race day: Sunday, November 1, 2026. Cost to watch: Most street-side viewing is free; some finish-area access is restricted or ticketed. Before you go: Check NYRR’s official marathon website for the latest course, spectator and safety information.
Think you know every move from KPop Demon Hunters? Netflix is giving fans a chance to dance along with HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys, releasing the complete official choreography for some of the movie’s biggest songs.
Watch HUNTR/X Rehearse “How It’s Done”
Rumi, Mira and Zoey are back in a newly released animated dance rehearsal for “How It’s Done.” The song appeared in the movie, but this video gives fans a clearer look at the full routine and the formations that weren’t shown during the action-packed film sequence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4oHfZmRth8
Watch the official HUNTR/X “How It’s Done” dance rehearsal from Netflix.
Learn the Moves from the Original Choreographers
Netflix is also sharing a full-length, live-action version of the “How It’s Done” choreography, performed by choreographer Leejung Lee alongside dancers Bambi (Park Ji-eun) and Nara (Lee Nara).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uYK78T3r1A
Watch the official “How It’s Done” choreography performed by the dancers.
More official routines are coming for “Golden,” “Takedown,” “Soda Pop,” and “Your Idol,” with original choreographers Nain, Leejung Lee and K-Tigers demonstrating the moves. Netflix says special episodes breaking down signature poses and formations arrive November 2.
A Dance Party for the Whole Family
Whether your kids have been practicing HUNTR/X moves in the living room or you’re just looking for a fun activity to try together, these videos make it easier to follow along. Start with “How It’s Done,” then check back as the other songs roll out this week.
There’s a new reason to visit the neighborhood! Sesame Street returns for its 57th season on Monday, November 23, 2026, with new episodes arriving on both Netflix and PBS KIDS. Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, Grover and their friends are bringing fresh adventures, familiar favorites and a few celebrity visitors along for the fun.
Big Celebrity Guests Are Coming to Sesame Street
This season’s guest list includes Zara Larsson, Post Malone, Tyler James Williams and Michelle Buteau. Larsson joins Elmo, Abby and Cookie Monster to sing a new song, “Puppy Dance Party,” during an episode featuring Elmo and Tango’s puppy playdate. Sesame Workshop says additional celebrity friends will appear in exclusive digital content throughout the season.
Photo: Zach Hyman / Sesame WorkshopPhoto: Richard Termine / Sesame WorkshopPhoto: Richard Termine / Sesame Workshop
Helping Kids Handle Big Feelings
Alongside the music and laughs, Season 57 is focused on something parents know all too well: helping little kids navigate really big emotions. New stories explore kindness, compassion, taking turns, including friends, jealousy and finding ways to calm down when things don’t go as planned.
In one episode, Rudy feels left out of a treasure-hunt game, giving Elmo and Abby a chance to make things right. In another, Elmo gets jealous during game night and practices a calming “heart breath.” Abby also learns to cope with saying goodbye to a friend.
Each episode includes an interactive 11-minute story that encourages children to play along and practice the lessons with the characters. Returning segments include Elmo’s World, Cookie Monster’s Foodie Truck and the animated Tales from 123.
Photo: Clint Spaulding / Sesame Workshop
Where to Watch Sesame Street Season 57
The first of three volumes premieres November 23, with the remaining volumes following in 2027. In the United States, new episodes will debut on Netflix and PBS KIDS on the same day, including PBS stations, the PBS KIDS Channel and digital platforms. That means families will still have a free way to watch on PBS KIDS.
For longtime fans, it’s nice to see the neighborhood keep growing. And for parents of preschoolers, a little help with sharing, friendship and those inevitable big feelings is never a bad thing.
