Calling all Skylanders fans (and if that word means nothing to you, go ask your kids): Head to the Times Square Toys "R" Us this very afternoon, Tuesday, February 5, for Skylanders games, activities and a chance to take home the elusive eighth and final Giant character, Ninjini for free. Kids got school? Don't worry: The festivities start at 4pm, although lining up as early as possible is encouraged.

Prefer a little more of a heads up so you can plan? Well, we have details on two awesome annual kids' events that take place in March but often sell out way in advance—like around now. First, tickets have just gone on sale for the New York International Children’s Film Festival. This year's edition takes place at eight Manhattan venues on four March weekends, and features 100 films from 35 countries. Even though the first screening doesn't take place until Friday, March 1, take our advice and buy tickets now because they sell out very, very quickly.

Another event that always sells out in advance (so early in fact that none of our bloggers have ever been able to snag tickets to it)? The annual Doll Festival at Japan Society. On Sunday, March 3, girls are invited to celebrate Hinamatsuri by making and decorating hina dolls, learning traditional songs and eating ethnic snacks. Although boys are welcome, it is subtitled "Girls' Day," so make of that what you will.

Attention classical music buffs: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting a series of concerts by the Endellion String Quartet, who will perform the complete Beethoven String Quartet cycle. What's in it for kids? Why $1 tickets. For every full-price adult ticket purchased you can buy up to three seats for children ages 7 to 16 for a buck each. That's high culture for less than the cost of a cookie! Visit the website for further details.

Speaking of cheap admission, in an effort to attract more visitors, The Jewish Museum now has pay what you wish Thursday evening hours from 5 to 8pm. This is in addition to offering free admission for children under age 12 every day and free admission to all on Saturdays. Want even more no-cost culture? Check out our roundup of free museum hours throughout NYC.

Not like Williamsburg was lacking when it came to baby and kids' shops, but there's always room for more. So enter the recently opened Allegria Boutique, which sells handmade wooden toys, upscale clothes and other essentials for your hip tot, and will soon start hosting kids' workshops and classes.

And another new Billyburg attraction for families: Bklyn Beast, a facility offering parkour, capoeira and break-dancing for kids, including a lot of cool sounding classes for hard-to-please teens.

Finally, the second annual Chill NYC Shred-a-Thon is coming up on Saturday, February 23. Families are encouraged to raise money for Chill NYC, a nonprofit that brings board sports to youth in need. In addition to feeling good about helping others, families who raise a certain amount are invited to a day of snow sports fun at Mountain Creek, so everyone wins. Get more information on the website.