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.
Before Rocky Balboa became one of the most recognizable underdogs in movie history, Sylvester Stallone had to fight for the chance to play him. That’s the story behind I Play Rocky, a new Amazon MGM Studios drama starring Anthony Ippolito and directed by Peter Farrelly.
The film takes us back to the days when Stallone was a struggling actor with a script he believed in—and a Hollywood system that wasn’t exactly lining up to give him the starring role.
The Underdog Story Behind the Underdog Story
Stallone didn’t just want to sell Rocky. He wanted to play Rocky Balboa himself. That conviction became the defining gamble of his early career. I Play Rocky dramatizes the rejection, determination and unlikely breakthrough that led to the 1976 classic.
Anthony Ippolito plays the young Stallone, with Stephan James as Carl Weathers, AnnaSophia Robb as Sasha Czack and Matt Dillon as Stallone’s father. The cast also includes P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts and Jay Duplass.
I Play Rocky movie poster. Courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios.
Watch the I Play Rocky Trailer
The official trailer offers a look at Ippolito’s portrayal of Stallone and the obstacles standing between a struggling actor and the movie that would change his life.
There is something timeless about someone being told “no” and deciding to keep going anyway. For parents who grew up with Rocky, this is a chance to revisit the movie’s origins from a new perspective. For older teens discovering it for the first time, it’s a story about creative ambition and refusing to let someone else define what’s possible.
It’s worth noting that I Play Rocky is rated PG-13 for strong language, brief sexual material and smoking, so parents should consider whether it’s right for their teens.
When Does I Play Rocky Come Out?
I Play Rocky opens in select theaters on November 6, 2026, with a wider release scheduled for November 20—just ahead of the original film’s 50th anniversary.
Fifty years later, it turns out the story of how Rocky got made might be every bit as compelling as the movie itself.
Hockey meets K-pop in Newark on Thursday, October 22, as the New Jersey Devils host their first-ever K-Pop Night at Prudential Center.
The Devils take on the Anaheim Ducks in a special theme-night celebration bringing music, fan activities and K-pop-inspired entertainment to the arena. Whether your family follows hockey or has a K-pop fan who’s never been to an NHL game, it’s a fun excuse to experience both worlds together.
What to Expect at Devils K-Pop Night
Alongside the action on the ice, the Devils are planning K-pop music, themed in-game entertainment, concourse activities, special merchandise and food offerings. Fans can also look for DJ Nari, a themed photo booth, light sticks, T-shirts and collectible photocards. Check the team’s event information for availability and any purchase requirements.
A Different Kind of Family Night Out
One kid may know every K-pop song while another just wants to see the Devils score. A themed hockey night gives both something to get excited about, without having to head into Manhattan for an evening out.
Event Details
When: Thursday, October 22, 2026. Doors are scheduled for 5:30 p.m.; puck drop is 7 p.m.
Looking for a Halloween outing in New York City that doesn’t require a pricey ticket? The South Street Seaport Museum is planning a day of free family activities on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with a little maritime history mixed into the costumes and candy.
What families can do
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the museum will offer free general admission. Families can explore the historic 1885 tall ship Wavertree and follow a sailors’ superstitions scavenger hunt. The waterfront celebration also includes hands-on Halloween crafts and seasonal activities.
The Healthful Halloween Fair at Pier 16, presented with Mommy Poppins, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A costume parade is planned for 2 p.m., and trick-or-treating around the Seaport is scheduled for 3–5 p.m.
What parents should know
Admission is free, but organizers encourage advance registration; walk-up entry depends on capacity. Activities take place around the museum and Seaport neighborhood, so allow time to move between locations and check the forecast before heading downtown.
Parenting can be hilarious—sometimes on purpose, sometimes because if you don’t laugh, what else are you going to do? A new weekly comedy series called Overstimulated is taking that idea and running with it.
Launched October 14, 2026, by social-first entertainment studio Doing Things, the series stars comedians and longtime collaborators Manon Mathews and Vincent Marcus, who bring very different chapters of parenting to the conversation.
