It's no secret that living in New York City and raising kids here isn't cheap. So one of my favorite finds of the last year is the IDNYCprogram, which, among other things, offers FREE and reduced memberships at 40 cultural institutions across the city.
According to the mayor's office, more than 160,000 total memberships were handed out to residents last year when the program kicked off. Well, here's more good news for New Yorkers as 2016 begins: The IDNYC program won't be a one-year wonder.
The city added additional cultural institutions to the program at the end of last year, too. But the IDNYC card offers more than cultural benefits: Families can take advantage of discounts on prescription drugs, fitness centers, movies and sporting events. It even acts as a public library card and can help you open an account at a bank or credit union.
I spent the last year, with three kids in tow, running around to each of these spots to claim our free memberships, and now I'm happy to share my secrets. Read on for the top 10 reasons to sign up for your FREE card, including discounted admission to some of the city's best children's museums and zoos.