With the cold weather upon us, taking the kids to the movies is very tempting, but the usual family film options...not so much. They're expensive (especially those 3-D releases), and winter is the traditional dumping ground for duds. In fact this year, nothing much is coming out until March when Oz The Great and Powerful finally arrives, and even that won't be good for tots.

Luckily, you don't have to resort to the regular box office choices in New York City. Winter brings a bunch of cool film festivals aimed specifically at children. No Alvin and the Chipmunks sequels on these lineups. The New York International Children's Film Festival and BAMkids offer international indies, while Film Forum Jr. and Family Films at Lincoln Center screen cool classics. Plus, the ticket prices are a lot less—one series is actually free.

Even though we're still sad that long-time Cobble Hill favorite Big Movies for Little Kids is no longer showing movies on a regular basis, other family film series have popped up in its place. In fact, this year there are more than ever. Here are eight series where you and your kids can rediscover the magic of movies.

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