Family-Friendly Summer Fun: Mayor Announces New IDNYC Benefits

June 27, 2017

IDNYC unveils new partnerships to make more entertainment and cultural activities available for family-friendly summer fun & online payment for lost or stolen cards

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio announced today new family-friendly benefit partners for IDNYC’s over 1 million cardholders to enjoy starting this summer. Additionally, cardholders will now be able to prepay for their lost or stolen card on the IDNYC web portal and complete the replacement application process at an IDNYC enrollment station most convenient for them. The City is committed to making IDNYC more useful and essential for even more New Yorkers, building on its groundbreaking growth as a government-issued identification for every New Yorker 14 and above, regardless of immigration status.

“IDNYC continues to prove a more useful tool for New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Having IDNYC in your pocket is a passport to family-friendly fun all summer long, connecting you with outdoor activities and world-class cultural institutions across our great city.”

“Every year we make IDNYC even more indispensable than before for New Yorkers,” said Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “As students enjoy summer break, these entertainment and cultural discounts will allow more families to spend time together at a bargain. Our new online payment feature will make taking advantage of IDNYC even easier for the busiest people in the world: New Yorkers.”

“IDNYC’s innovative approach continues with our new online payment feature, allowing cardholders to prepay for their replacement IDNYC through our online portal,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “Under Mayor de Blasio’s leadership, we have continued investing in technology that makes City government more responsive and efficient, so that we can provide all New Yorkers with equal access to the benefits and services available to them.”

“IDNYC is a key that opens up a range of cultural experiences in all five boroughs, with zoos, museums, theaters, and gardens offering cardholders free membership benefits,” said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Tom Finkelpearl. “We are thrilled that New Victory Theater and other groups are joining the dozens of IDNYC cultural partners that provide programming for New Yorkers of all ages just in time for summer.”

IDNYC has launched new partnerships with entertainment and cultural institutions that are fun for the whole family. The new partners are listed below:

KidPass: With a KidPass membership, families can find and plan a wealth of great activities for their children. With IDNYC, households can receive either a 50 percent discount on one purchase of a one month membership plan or a 20 percent discount for a three month membership plan.

Bike New York: Bike New York provides bike education trainings for New Yorkers of all ages. With IDNYC, individuals can receive a 50 percent discount on their first-time one-year membership. With this membership they can join exclusive Social Rides, receive Early Access registration for the TD Five Boro Bike Tour, as well as acquire discounts on tune-ups and new parts.

Gulliver’s Gate: At Gulliver’s Gate, people will engage in exploration of the world at miniature, traveling from the Taj Mahal to the Panama Canal and beyond. With IDNYC, individuals can receive a 25 percent discount for the regular entry fee.

Victorian Gardens Amusement Park: Since 2003, Victorian Gardens has been an institution with families looking for great rides and entertainment, nestled in the Wollman Rink of Central Park. With IDNYC, individuals can receive two admission tickets for the price of one.

New Victory Theater: In Times Square, New Yorkers can receive a night of family-friendly theater performances at the oldest operating theater in New York City. With IDNYC, individuals can receive a 20 percent discount on tickets for all evening performances (5PM and 7PM).

Starting today, IDNYC cardholders will be able to prepay on IDNYC’s website, nyc.gov/idnyc, for replacements for lost or stolen cards using their major credit cards, debit cards, and checking accounts. This will allow cardholders to process their replacement application at any convenient IDNYC enrollment center, including pop-up enrollment centers, in addition to Department of Finance locations.

"Now there are even more reasons to sign up for an IDNYC card," said Council Member Daniel Dromm.  "These new partnerships make IDNYC stronger and even more beneficial to all New Yorkers.  The ID grants cardholders access to many programs and services that would otherwise be inaccessible to them, and grants free access to dozens of our city's premier cultural institutions.  If you have not already registered for one, don't delay!  Sign up for your free IDNYC card today."

"IDNYC is the identification card for all New Yorkers and the City has taken steps to make applying and replacing cards easier. Over a million New Yorkers now benefit from IDNYC. The latest round of new IDNYC partnerships with organizations like KidPass and Bike New York will help families have fun and be healthy together," said Council Member Carlos Menchaca, Chair of the Immigration Committee.

"It’s always inspiring to see a great program get even better," said Council Member Corey Johnson, Chair of the Committee on Health. "I’m excited to see so many fantastic partners in my district getting involved in a program that serves all New Yorkers. I applaud Mayor de Blasio for creating and continuing to grow this pioneer program and I thank the community partners for making this summer even more exciting for New Yorkers."

"With annual memberships to dozens of cultural institutions across the city, IDNYC has always been a valuable card for every New Yorkers wallet. This new addition of discounts to family-friendly institutions makes IDNYC even more appealing, especially as we kick off summer break for our city's schoolchildren," said Council Member Debi Rose.

"Whether a long time resident or a recent transplant, New Yorkers know there's nothing quite like a New York City summer. By expanding IDNYC's benefit partners and payment plans, we can ensure that all residents, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, or nationality has an opportunity to take advantage of every amusement this city has to offer. My thanks to Mayor de Blasio and the Office of Immigrant Affairs for working to make New York more open and hospitable to people of all backgrounds," said State Senator Brad Hoylman.

"IDNYC is an invaluable resource for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers," said Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried of Manhattan.  "It’s great news that the de Blasio administration is making the program even better by enabling IDNYC cardholders and their families to take advantage of even more of New York City’s world-class cultural and entertainment attractions and making it easier to replace lost or stolen cards.”

“KidPass is excited to partner with IDNYC, and to support their ideals of community and inclusion,” said Solomon Liou, co-Founder and CEO of KidPass. “As the leading website for finding kids activities in New York, our mission is to help parents discover what their kids love and to find experiences that can enrich and transform the lives of their children. Our partnership with IDNYC is a perfect match to help families raising their children in New York, and looking to experience everything the city has to offer.”

“Like the IDNYC card, Bike New York's education program, events, and membership program are for New Yorkers from all walks of life and all five boroughs,” said Ken Podziba, President and CEO of Bike New York. “Bike New York is excited and proud to partner with the City of New York and support this initiative.”

“We're thrilled to join the IDNYC program and empower guests to travel the world in 90 minutes,” said Eiran Gazit, CEO of Gulliver’s Gate. “Gulliver’s Gate was created by an international community of artists, designers, engineers and technologists from 8 countries on 4 continents.  IDNYC’s message of inclusiveness aligns perfectly with our welcoming, diverse exhibits.”

“We are beyond thrilled to be part of IDNYC's program and its exciting benefits,” said Karen Malanum, Sales and Marketing Manager/Assistant General Manager of Victorian Gardens Amusement Park. “Partnering with IDNYC will support our goal on exploring more of New York City’s exciting attractions!”

“The New Victory, a theater for all New York City families, is thrilled to partner with IDNYC, a program for all New York City residents,” said Cora Cahan, President of The New Victory Theater. “By introducing the youngest New Yorkers to the imaginative and international performances of theater, dance, circus and puppetry on the New Vic stage, we hope to foster a love of the arts and a curiosity for all the incredible culture this city has to offer.”

IDNYC has a wide array of benefit partners. All City residents age 14 and above are eligible to get a municipal ID card, and enrollment is free for anyone who applies in 2017. All IDNYC applicants must have documentation that proves their identity and residency in New York City. The City will protect the confidentiality of all IDNYC card applications and never asks applicants about their immigration status. For more information on eligibility criteria, benefits, enrollment centers across the five boroughs and more, applicants can visit nyc.gov/idnyc or call 311.