Frolic: A Fabulous Family Festival

I’m wondering about my eligibility for IDNYC @ BBG membership…

How do I check my eligibility for an IDNYC @ BBG membership?

To be eligible for a complimentary membership at Brooklyn Botanic Garden:

1. Your IDNYC card must have been issued in 2016 with an expiration date in 2021. The date of issue is exactly five years before the expiration date on the face of the card. If you were issued your IDNYC card in 2015 and it has an expiration date in 2020, you are not eligible for a complimentary membership at BBG. As a courtesy to cardholders issued an IDNYC card in 2015, the deadline for BBG membership applications was extended to January 31, 2016. BBG is no longer accepting 2015 cards for complimentary membership and unfortunately cannot offer any extensions or exceptions.
2. You have not held a Brooklyn Botanic Garden membership anytime between January 1, 2012, and the present. This offer is intended to give 2016 IDNYC cardholders an introduction to NYC’s wealth of cultural assets; therefore, if you are a current BBG member, have been a BBG member in the past four years, or were eligible for IDNYC @ BBG membership in 2015, you are not eligible for this benefit at the Garden.

If your card was issued in 2015 with an expiration date of 2020, or if you have been a member of Brooklyn Botanic Garden at any time since January 1, 2012, you are not eligible for a complimentary yearlong membership at BBG. We encourage those who are ineligible to consider applying for membership at other cultural institutions across the city participating in the IDNYC program, including museums, zoos, botanic gardens, and performing arts centers.

I’m eligible for IDNYC @ BBG membership. What’s the deadline to apply?

If you were issued your IDNYC card in 2016, you have until December 31, 2016, to apply for a membership, which lasts a full year from your sign-up date. The expiration date on your IDNYC card must be between January 1 and December 31, 2021.

I’d like to apply for IDNYC @ BBG membership…

How do I apply for membership?

IDNYC cardholders may apply in person Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m–4 p.m. You must have your valid IDNYC card with you, and the cardholder must be present. Eligible IDNYC members will be issued a temporary membership card and can expect to receive their official membership card (good for one year) in the mail within 30 days. Emailed applications are not accepted.

Can I apply for IDNYC @ BBG membership during a festival?

Festival days at BBG are very popular (and busy!), so IDNYC membership processing is not available on festival days. We encourage you to sign up for membership at the Garden in advance of an event.

I just became an IDNYC @ BBG member and I’m planning my visit…

What can I do during my visit?

With free, unlimited admission to the Garden as a BBG member, you can experience every season at the Garden, from the spectacular blooms of spring to the serene beauty of a snow-covered Garden in winter. You also have free access to Members’ Summer Evenings, the Chile Pepper Festival, and other private and public events. Start by exploring BBG’s 52 acres with a Seasonal Highlights Tour. Afterwards, stroll through the Shakespeare Garden, the Cranford Rose Garden, and, of course, Cherry Walk. Check bbg.org for hours and admission, and Plants in Bloom for must-sees when you visit!*

*Please help protect and preserve Brooklyn Botanic Garden when you visit: No smoking, climbing trees, or picking flowers or vegetables. With the exception of Members’ Picnic Nights, please do not bring outside food and beverages into the Garden. Scooters and bikes are not permitted inside the Garden, and please note that bike racks located at each entrance fill up early on busy weekends.

Can I bring my children to BBG with my IDNYC @ BBG membership?

Children under age 12 always enjoy free admission to the Garden, so bring your young naturalists and make a day of it! Build a giant bird’s nest together in the Discovery Garden, or pass secret messages back and forth while lounging on the Osborne Garden’s “whispering benches.” BBG offers drop-in family activities, Children's Garden classes, and much more for kids!

Can I bring guests to the Garden?

IDNYC @ BBG members are invited to bring one guest to all members-only summer events, including Members’ Rose Night and Members’ Movie Night.

Guest passes are not included with an IDNYC @ BBG membership. During regular admission hours, guests will need to purchase a ticket to visit the Garden. To bring a guest free every time you visit, upgrade your membership to Family/Dual! Please contact Membership at [email protected] for more information.

I’d like to manage my membership…

How can I upgrade my membership?

Memberships may be upgraded at any time! Level upgrades do not change the expiration date. Members who wish to upgrade within two months of expiration may also choose to simply renew at the higher level. Please email [email protected] for more information.

How do I replace a lost or stolen membership card?

Email [email protected], and we will be happy to replace your membership card. There’s a $5 fee for replacement membership card.

I misplaced my membership card but want to visit the Garden today. Can I still enter for free?

Yes, just stop by one of the admission booths. BBG’s admissions team can look up your information and issue a temporary membership card.

I never received my membership card. What do I do?

Please contact us at [email protected] and include your current address to expedite a replacement membership card.

What other benefits do I receive with my IDNYC @ BBG membership?

Members receive a 10% discount at the Garden Shop, the café, and on adult classes. Learn to paint with the Garden as your inspiration, make botanical jewelry, and master urban gardening with BBG’s adult classes!

More benefits:

• Admission to Members’ Plant Sale Preview
• Subscription to BBG’s Plants & Gardens members’ newsletter
• Privileges at botanic gardens across the country
• Member discounts from local, national, and online merchants
• Borrowing privileges at BBG’s Library

My IDNYC @ BBG membership is about to expire…

How do I renew my membership?

We hope that you’ll fall in love with BBG during your year as a member. There’s always something new to discover in this ever-blooming, ever-changing landscape! Experience the Garden through all four seasons and renew your membership online, in person, or by calling Membership at 718-623-7210. By renewing, you are also supporting educational, community, and children’s programming at BBG. Thank you.