Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage is coming to the Theater at MSG on March 5 & 6 for six performances. Tickets go on sale to the general public on December 12th, but we are extending an exclusive presale opportunity for Dada Rocks readers. The presale runs now until 10pm this Saturday, 12/11.
Thomas and Friends Live! On Stage will be bringing Thomas the Tank Engine and the rest of his friends from Shining Time Station to The Theater at Madison Square Garden for two days only, on March 5th & 6th.
Join Thomas, Percy, Diesel and the rest of their friends as they work together to save the Magic Lantern Festival from a big storm rolling onto the Island of Sodor. Children will enjoy their favorite trains on stage, while learning lessons of friendship and cooperation.
John Tartaglia’s Imaginocean is an amazing show for kids 2 and up. The story of 3 fish is highly engaging to the kids as they’re super bright in colors based on the blacklight approach the show takes. Its interactive as many times the puppets break the 4th wall to interact with the crowd.
The story is great for kids as it adds some mystery as the main characters are taken on a treasure hunt. There are of course morals being shown to kids during each of the acts. Be it sharing or not being afraid the show incorporated story, song and more into a very fun filled time.
I totally recommend this show for kids as young as two years old, I took my 27 month old and he loved it! The characters are something that you’d figure would be in a disney movie and as such my child really wants a Dorsal doll. John has put together an amazing cast of voices that do a great job bring the characters to life.
To purchase tickets http://www.imaginoceanthemusical.com/tickets/calendar.html New World Stages 340 West 50th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues New York, New York Wednesday @ 11 am & 2 pm Saturday @ 11 am, 2 pm & 4:30 pm Sunday @ 12 pm & 3 pm
Running time: 50 minutes
Ticket Price: $39.00 – Wednesday $55.00 – Saturday/Sunday $75.00 – Premium ticket which includes premium seating, autographed poster, bucket of goodies and a meet ‘ngreet with several characters
Of course it being the holiday season the show is running with an added sing-along until January 2nd. They do a bunch of holiday songs that just make everyone smile and boogie in their seats.
How to win it (family 4 pack of tickets!)… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 13rd, 2010.
You must comment telling us which fish is your favorite character from the show (if you need their names check http://www.imaginoceanthemusical.com)? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @ImaginOceanLive @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/hIbMsE and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win tickets to @ImaginOceanLive Thanks to @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/hIbMsE
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall)
We have to start off by saying the holidays for some started super early and adding a little delay to my posting has really held this up… Sorry if you’re shopping done (dont worry you can return it and get some of these! – LOL I kid I’m sure they’ll love it – maybe)…
This camera can do it all! its got the benefits over others that it has exchangable batteries & memory cards. Plus it can go up to 10 feet under water. Just remember to pickup that SD memory card so they can record right away with it! Also a good note is if you know they’ll keep it open it up precharge the battery and put in a memory card so they can film the kids opening their gifts too.
Canon PowerShot D10 (Bonus can go under water) [Link: http://amzn.to/8XnD3v ]
Ok sooo you really dont want that wonderful DSLR this is a great pocket camera plus you can take it swimming to capture images of those little feet learning how to swim! or the fish on your next snorkeling trip
Apple iPad 64gb [Link wifi: http://amzn.to/cgNopz or Link wifi+3g: http://amzn.to/dxnvzS ]
Its Apple, its an oversize iPhone but its seriously awesome! Just remember you toddler will want this just as bad as dad! The other thing to note is that there are no upgrades, so whatever size you buy you’re stuck with so I recommend go large those HD videos take up space!
Vacation together [Link: http://travelybyjen.com ]
Nothing says i love you then planning a getaway! Book a getaway for you and your partner and arrange for some child care or take the whole family.
Denali 115-Piece Home Repair Tool Kit [Link: http://amzn.to/cHCNUQ ]
Having a handy man around the house without tools is like a cop without a gun. This certainly is a starter set but it’ll make do for any apartment or home with a light handy man around the house.
Golden Eye for Wii [Link: http://amzn.to/cEs0gp ]
By far one of the most popular games when I was growing up was golden eye this new release for Wii is awesome and will totally melt you video game playing dad into a little boy when he starts to play this again.
Spa
Yes men need a backrub and some pretty time too.
BeerTender from Heineken and Krups B90 Home Beer-Tap System [Link: http://amzn.to/aIdsaL ]
Who doesnt love beer – this personal kegerator goes great next to the instant coffee maker and you can buy refills at most any supermarkets.
Bacon of the month [Link: thepignextdoor.com ]
See above because with Beer goes Bacon
Books for dad to read to kids [Link: barefootbooks.com or scholastic.com ]
Reading for themselves is good but reading to the kids is priceless.
All-Clad BBQ Tool Set in Carrying Case [Link: http://amzn.to/au1HDY ]
Most city dads dont have a BBQ but any where else its one of the staple food groups to grill! When I wasnt in the city I grilled year round – even in the snow. its truly part of the man laws! So having the tools to grill with is key, buying quality gear that lasts years will save in the long run!
Super Dad T-Shirt [Link: http://amzn.to/aoKOC9 ]
Do you have a proud dada on your hands, have them rock a shirt that lets everyone know they’re a super dad.
Mont Blanc Starwalker Black Resin Ballpoint Pen [Link: http://amzn.to/csLXFr ]
High end pens might be useless for some dads but those executives whose signatures matter are worth it. Nothing says done deal like a pen from the kids that cost more then some people make in a week! No really impressions are always a first in business and sometimes a bic wont cut it!
Callaway Golf Solaire 14-Piece Complete Club Set [Link: http://amzn.to/allXnN ]
Some guys already play and some guys are dying to learn. This is a great set as it isn’t a true starter set but its not a professional set either. Picking this up with some lessons from the pro shop at a resort will give you 4-5 hours of alone time at the spa.
Quagmire Colorfusion golf shirts [Link: http://store.quagmiregolf.com ]
Not your average golf wear! for sure… for those that remember hypercolor in the 80’s its back but this time made for the golfer. If he’s playing golf in tshirts this is the perfect gift – it still says I’m too cool for those plaid pants but has some funk to it.
Ties [Link: Nordstrom http://bit.ly/9AKil6 ]
Really its not original but its sure needed! (along with socks and underwear – we’re guys we’ll wear them with holes in them :P)
Photo Calendar [Link: Snapfish by HP http://bit.ly/8WWyLH ]
Remember the times that were, and the times that will be with a great photo calendar that can go on the wall of an office or at home
Family Photography Session with Suzanne Cohen [Link: http://suzannecohenphotography.com ]
Someone will always be behind the camera and miss out on those amazing family shoots, book a session for the family and capture amazing moments in time because these kids dont stay small long.
The Dapper Dad’s watch Skagen Men’s 331XLSL1 [Link: http://amzn.to/9fHI8Z ] or Skagen Men’s 809XLTTM [Link: http://amzn.to/9S1hVJ ]
While you can get an omega or rolex sometimes you want a watch thats screams style but doesnt cost an arm and a leg. I consider this a great family time watch as who knows the pitfalls that might happen while tending to the kids.
Donate in their honor [Link: JDRF http://bit.ly/9Cb3K1 ]
Sometimes its better to keep giving then it is to receive, while its the thought that counts putting that together with charity is double nice points!
Lionel Trains have been a long standing favorite of mine for the holidays… I grew up going over to a family friend’s house to see their amazing train collection. I mean amazing it took up over 800 square feet of their basement, it was amazing! fast forward to these days when I have a toddler and no desire for him to smash anything collectible or of value. Lionel does a lot of amazing things for the holidays, they’ve gone around and created popup shops in a few select locations.
New York, NY – 1095 Avenue of the Americas at 41st St, New York, NY
Westchester, NY ( Westchester Mall) – 125 Westchester Ave., White Plains, NY
Cherry Hill, NJ (Cherry Hill Mall) – 2000 Rt. 38, Cherry Hill, NJ
Minneapolis, MN (Mall of America) – 60 Broadway St. NE, Minneapolis, MN
Dallas, TX (Trains at North Park) – North Central Expressway at Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX
To sell awesome trains, collectible pieces, tracks, and — wait for it — they’re newest items like the Lionel Little Lines… To me this is the perfect my first train set for any toddler it offers you controls for forwards and backwards. It adds some really nice imagination play items to the mix likes a switch, a crane, and some bridges.
If you’re not lucky enough to live in a local popup shop area check this one out if you use coupon code DADAROCKS (all caps) its good for 10% off sitewide from 11/24-12/6 at lionelstore.com
Lionel’s wide varieties of train sets are great for both the little kids and the little kids at heart.
For ages 2.5 and up there is the Lionel Little Lines ($59.99). This starter train set comes with a snap together track and a simple remote controller for forward and reverse movement making it easy for little hands to operate. Authentic train sounds and details make it a classic Lionel product.
One of Lionel’s many licensed train sets is the Thomas and Friends ($199.99) train set and it is the perfect gift. This exciting TV character themed train set comes with forward, neutral and reverse controls, interchangeable faces for the train, over 10 different track section pieces and an electronic whistle.
The Polar Express movie was a favorite of kids of all ages and now Lionel brings the train to life with The Polar Express Deluxe Playset ($89.99). A four-car train with amazing Polar Express details traveling across a snow covered track making a journey that replicates the one from the movie and book. With curves and ramps and chuffing train sounds, this complete playset is sure to delight the entire family.
There is a kid inside all of us and for the grown ups in the family there is the Pennsylvania Flyer ($229.99), Lionel’s signature train. This starter set features forward, reverse and neutral controls, realistic air whistle, operational headlights, puffing smoke unit, traction tires and classic oval track.
TWO Winners will get Lionel Little Lines Train Playset
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 7th 2010.
You must comment telling us which train is your favorite (hint: visit lionelstore.com for train names)? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! NORTH AMERICAN TOUR WILL STOP IN FRISCO, TX ON DECEMBER 12 FOR SINGING & DANCING
$1 From Every Ticket Sold To Benefit Habitat for Humanity Affiliate
Fresh off a triumphant sold-out tour debut, a headlining performance at The White House, a critically-acclaimed, chart-topping album, and an appearance at Coachella that garnered rave reviews from spectators and media alike, DJ Lance Rock and the cast of YO GABBA GABBA! are heading back on the road with YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY! to play to enthusiastic fans in Frisco Texas.
VIP packages with premium tickets and meet and greets will also be available. For complete tour, ticket information and VIP packages, visit www.yogabbagabbalive.com. Children under one year of age will be admitted free to sit on a parent’s lap. The other thing to know is if you already got tickets you can always add on the VIP package here http://yogabbagabbalive.com/vipupgrade
YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE!: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY
Frisco Texas at the Dr. Pepper Arena – which is as close to Dallas & Fort Worth as this tour will get
2 Shows on Sunday, December 12 @ 2:00 PM & 5:00 PM to purchase tickets http://yogabbagabbalive.com/tickets/59-dr-pepper-arena-frisco
The state-of-the-art production features music, singing, dancing and animation. The show is an interactive experience that offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life. Joining the characters on stage will be hip-hop legend Biz Markie to teach kids how to beat box with “Biz’s Beat of the Day”. Special guests will join the party on stage for the Super Music Friends Show and Dancey Dance segments.
Released in October, 2009, YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 1 topped kids and overall music charts at iTunes (#1 kids album), Amazon (top 5 kids album) and Target sales, which reached more than 40,000 copies in only 6 months since its release. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME was picked as one of 2009’s top holiday gifts for toddlers by both PARENTS magazine and the popular Mom web destination MomLogic.com. YO GABBA GABBA!: MUSIC IS AWESOME Volume 2 will be released on iTunes and hit shelves nationwide this past September.
Dates, venues and ticket prices are subject to change.
Winner will get 4 tickets for the 2pm show on Dec 12th (this is also considered the Dallas / Fort Worth show!)
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 6th 2010.
You must comment telling us who would you love to see do a dancey dance at the live show? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
Quagmire ColorFusion shirts for kids available starting today at http://shop.quagmiregolf.com/ now if you grew up in the 80’s, you remember HyperColor bottom line this is really the cooler younger cousin. It’s got all the same principles but its uniquely cool for those that want something a little more formal (like a collar).
The shirts are high quality golf polo shirts, now of course this is going to become a big thing in 2011/2012 every kid you know once they start seeing these in action will want one. It’ll follow the same course as hypercolor did, so remember that you’re parents were rockstars and hooked you up early or that you were the last one to get a hypercolor shirt and you’re now sitting on a doctors couch telling them this story. I was middle of the road type kid – never got anything really 1st but was never last… know my kid and how I want to raise my kid he’ll be the first one to have everything. Really its not a status thing its more of a trend setting thing. If you’ve ever met my wife she picks out clothes 6-12 months before the brand becomes a superstar… so she’s got an eye! As do I, but my eye focuses on the cool things kids will want.
They come in a few colors right now Green to Yellow, Orange to Yellow, Blue to White, and Purple to Pink. These will be like the original cabbage patch kids super hard to find once the buzz gets going get on the bus early!
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 7rd, 2010.
You must comment telling us which color combination you’d want to wear? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
You get 1 extra entry for following @QuagmireGolf on twitter – twitter.com/QuagmireGolf
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information: @QuagmireGolf #colorfusion @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/fyFBHX and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win a @QuagmireGolf #colorfusion shirt Thanks to @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/fyFBHX
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall)
As a token of our appreciation and a treat for the upcoming holiday season, we are giving a gift from our family to yours – two apps for FREE!
The promo will run Thanksgiving Day, November 24th, just before midnight, through Monday, November 29th at midnight. During that time, you will be able to download – FREE — both The Velveteen Rabbit ( http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-velveteen-rabbit/id395279598?mt=8 )and The Night Before Christmas ( http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-night-before-christmas/id404806295?mt=8 ), a brand new app just added to the Ruckus library. Both of these classic stories are narrated by Meryl Streep and contain beautiful artwork and music. Think of it as a little Meryl Streep gift from us.
I’ve gotten a chance to watch the amazing job that Ruckus has done with Robin Williams in Pecos Bill. The artwork is amazing and the voice over talent is second to none. The other book i checked out was John Henry which is voiced over by Denzel Washington.
I do have some giveaways for these great ebooks coming up but you’ll need to be a fan on facebook… http://facebook.com/dadarocks also I figure that Ruckus was sooo nice in giving these away for free that should be enough!
I love football and since we’ve got thanksgiving just days away, which to me is the ultimate football day outside of the Superbowl. It’s football, family and food – really do we need anything else (OK maybe some aspirin for after the family and tums for after you eat). If you love football you’re more then likely playing something be it a suicide pool or a fantasy league or placing some bets, you’re an engaged fan.
Since I had a kid time management is really tough add some freelance, a blog, and a bouncing baby boy and well I barely have time to sit with my wife for a second yet alone play fantasy football. This is the point I say I wish there was a way to start the weekend league just to cover say the big games this weekend. Bing Bango Boom my friends thats what I’m going to tell you I’ve found…. Insta-League no water required…. get your friends & family because here is a super easy way to jump into a league when you finally have a moment.
Fantasy Football Now is just that provides instant fantasy football teams made up of players just from the game you are going to watch. There are no drafts and all of the fantasy football action occurs in one NFL game. No experience necessary … Fantasy Football Now is great entertainment for fans of all levels, it also works great to train the little ones and let them be involved when they say they want to without having to deal with an entire season (because they will bail on you for some weekends but be around for others).
All you have to do is head to http://www.playffnow.com/, register, and once you get to the ‘Start a Fantasy Game’ section, click on Redeem Coupon and enter dadarocks – then you’ll be able to sign up yourself and your friends and family up for the game.
This post is part of a sponsored series from Ubisoft, celebrating “12 Days of Giveaways.” See below for how you can enter up to 12 times to win fun and family-friendly video games.
Petz Fantasy: Sunshine Magic [Amazon] is a second generation game the follow up to the smash hit Petz (it was all the rage in 2009!) For many its the software equal of tamagotchi. You hatch these pets, care and tend to them. This is a great game for little ones that understand the concepts of pets or if you’re trying to teach the concepts of owning a pet.
I’d bet there will be a number of parents who’d rather get a virtual unicorn instead of a puppy this holiday season. So the interactive play is with mini games that are easy enough for kids as young as 3/4 to figure out. Once they hatch your child will feed them, clean them, play fun games and learn their preferences to help them grow. Unlock tons of accessories and up to 20 different costumes inside the game. Which will add a lot sticky value to the game. Fantasy Petz are based in a virtual world with 4 types of powers: Flight, Ice, Fire or Speed – which will allow different games for different petz. There is a sister version of Petz Fantasy: Moonlight Magic which also holds another 20 petz.
Overall the game is worth wild and certainly would make for a great holiday gift – which I would say is way better then a puppy or a kitten that you’ll end up dealing with long after the batteries go on the DS.
Now its time for the giveaway!
How to win it… Contest ends 11:59pm EST. December 3rd, 2010.
You must comment telling us which magical creature would you want for a pet? please include some method for us to contact you in the comment (twitter or email)
You get 1 extra entry for following @ubisoft on twitter – twitter.com/ubisoft
You get 1 extra entry for tweeting about this contest (you can do this daily). Must contain the following information:
@ubisoft Petz Fantasy: Sunshine Magic @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/gnuy6b #UbiChamps and you must also comment with the link to your twitter message.
Example: I want to win @ubisoft Petz Fantasy: Sunshine Magic Thanks to @dadarocks – http://bit.ly/gnuy6b #UbiChamps
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a Fan on facebook – facebook.com/dadarocks you must comment that you’re a fan (and leave a little note on the wall)
You get 1 extra entry for subscribing to our Feedburner digest mailing (right side subscribe by email) – you must also comment that you’ve subscribed
You get 1 extra entry for becoming a friend on Google Connect (right side below facebook box) – you must also comment that you’ve become a friend
You will have 24 hours to reply before we pick another winner!
Disclaimer: Thanks to Ubisoft & Clever girls collective for the prize for this raffle.
Want more ways to win great games for the whole family? Visit each of these blogs during our 12 Days of Giveaways from now through December 3!
I was selected to participate in this sponsored series by Ubisoft and Clever Girls Collective. I received a video game and compensation for my participation in this program. We believe in Blog With Integrity.
School of Rock (the leading music education school for kids ages 7-18) and the cast of the Broadway musical Rock of Ages are teaming up for a special performance to promote awareness for the Children’s Miracle Network. Dee Snider along with cast mates from ROCK OF AGES are set to perform a special afternoon set at the Gotham Comedy Club on Thurs. Nov. 18 from 4-6pm. The kids will actually be playing with Dee- and their set list is to include : “I Wanna Rock,” “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “Sister Christian,” “Here I Go Again” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
If you’ve never seen the SoR kids perform you really have to! Is what I’ve been told and so when I saw that these two groups got together to help a charity I was like yes, let me be part of this!
About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Metro New York: Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals – hospitals helping local kids– is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for 170 children’s hospitals throughout North America. Each year, these hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research, and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. To learn more, please visit www.facebook.com/cmnmetrony.
Locally, Children’s Miracle Network, Metro New York is dedicated to providing outstanding medical care to the millions of kids in the Metro New York area. Funds raised by Children’s Miracle Network benefit over 420,000 kids each year at these five children’s hospitals:
• The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (NJ)
• The Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (NYC)
• Children’s Specialized Hospital (NJ)
• Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center (Hudson Valley)
• Steven & Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System (Long Island)
For more information about any of the three putting this together
I’m giving away 2 family 4 packs of tickets and 1 pair of tickets to the show Thursday 11/18 at 4PM at Gotham Comedy Club – 208 W.23rd St bet 7th/8th Aves. To win the tickets check out the DaDaRocks facebook page http://facebook.com/dadarocks
