Lately the cost of living in NYC with a kiddo has been getting to me. On one hand this city has SO much to offer and I know Sunny is lucky to have access to the best cultural activities and best food but it’s expensive. Even a trip to the zoo can set you back $100 bucks once it’s all said and done. It’s been on my ‘non-emergency to-do’ list to sign up for the idNYC – the new NYC ID card that you’ve probably seen advertised in cabs and subways. I knew it gave access to certain museums and discounts but I never realized just how vast the offerings are. I’m so glad I finally signed up – it IS worth it. Seriously it is the best 1 hour you’ll spend! Excuse the mug shot above, sigh.
The NYC ID gets you and your family access to tons of cultural institutions including The Bronx Zoo, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, special rehearsals at The NYC Ballet, movie tickets and more! The savings are different at each venue but many allow for free family admission, discounts at the on-site restaurants (all of which Fork+Bib will be reviewing) and access to special events.
There are two steps.
ONE: Apply for your card.
In order to get the card you just have to make an appointment at one of their many locations. You fill out a form, show proof of residency (an ID and cable bill for example) and that’s it. The whole process takes less than an hour. In a week or so your card arrives! While the NYC ID card is here to stay you must apply for it by December 2016 in order to get the benefits so stop what you are doing and sign up! From there you have access to all of these memberships for one year! Click here to make an appointment and fill out the application here.
TWO: Sign up for memberships.
Many of the cultural institutions allow you to sign up online (I’ve listed them below with handy links). Others, like the Bronx Zoo require you to apply for in person (however it’s worth the trip because you get free entry into all the city zoos for one year!) When doing the online registration have a jpg of your card handy, you’ll need to submit it with the membership forms. NOTE: Each institution has its own rules but in general you can’t join if you’ve been a member since 2012.
- Cultural Institutions – Online registration:
- Brooklyn Academy of Music – Details here
- BRIC – Apply online. Pick up your card on site in one to two weeks.
- Carnegie Hall – Free entry to 2 rehearsals, ½ price tickets to certain events. Apply here
- New York City Ballet – Free entry to select working rehearsals and dress rehearsals (kids 10+). Apply online here
- Public Theater – Apply online here
- Snug Harbor Cultural Center – Apply online here
- Staten Island Children’s Museum – Apply online here
- Cultural Institutions – In person registration – Full list here
- General NYC ID Entertainment Discounts
Register online here using your NY ID number. Then go through the site – it literally includes discounts to everything – rental cars, movie tickets (1/2 price off!), Yankees tix and more.
INSIDER TIPS:
- Since this only lasts a year get your significant other to sign up later in the year (but by December 2016) and then you can use their card once yours expires.
- Click around in the other sections of the site and you’ll find additional perks at theatres via the Alliance of Resident Theatres. One example – discounts at the TADA! Youth Theatre and at the New York City Football Club games! Oh yeah and 15% off of Citi Bike here.
Excuse the mug shot!
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