Newport Aquarium Tours

Newport Aquarium featuring night scenes and marine life
Newport Aquarium featuring marine life
Newport Aquarium showing interior views and marine life
Newport Aquarium showing marine life and interior views as well as an individual femail
Newport Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views


Find yourself face-to-face with thousands of aquatic species from around the world at this popular aquarium just across the river from Cincinnati.

At the Newport Aquarium more than 7,000 aquatic creatures from every continent live in more than one million gallons (nearly four million liters) of water. Experience the sensation of being surrounded by deep-sea creatures and river fish as you wander through the long tunnels of one of the most visited aquariums in the Midwest. Go to Shark Central to touch ocean predators. Learn about other dangerous and deadly fish, or gaze at bizarre and beautiful species.

The Newport Aquarium has been a favorite for locals and visitors since it opened in 1999. The displays are great for families with small children as they are somewhat limited. You can easily browse the entire aquarium in about two hours.

Immerse yourself in a world of water and encounter creatures from all over the globe. Walk through tunnels where you may find yourself surrounded by sharks. See-through floors show shoals of colorful reef fish under your feet. Meet Sweet Pea and Scooter, the local stars of the worlds’ first endangered shark ray breeding program.

Embrace your fear and touch the perfectly safe sharks in Shark Central. Visit the mesmerizing Jellyfish Gallery, where you’ll see the poisonous lionfish and stonefish. Gator Alley has more dangerous creatures, including many types of crocodiles. Far less frightening are the tiny seahorses and turtles in the ocean displays.

Every day, 15 minutes after opening, one lucky child is chosen to be the Grand Marshall and lead the daily Penguin Parade. Anyone can go backstage at the Coral Reef Tank, Giant Shark Tank and Amazon River Tank for an extra fee.

The Newport Aquarium is part of Newport on the Levee entertainment center, a 10-minute drive from downtown Cincinnati, crossing the Dan C. Beard Bridge over the Ohio River. The TANK shuttle bus from downtown Cincinnati stops near the complex. If you are driving here on a weekend, consider visiting in the afternoon or at night as the paid car park fills up quickly in the mornings.

The aquarium, café and gift shop are open daily. Opening hours are seasonal, so check the website for exact times.

The aquarium can get very crowded. During peak hours, there’s sometimes a “timed-ticket policy,” with entry times booked in advance online. If you haven’t booked a set entry time, you may be asked to come back later.

Plan a trip to see Newport Aquarium

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Comfort Inn & Suites West Chester - North Cincinnati
Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Cincinnati North - Liberty Way by IHG
Quality Inn I-75 West Chester-North Cincinnati

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Newport Aquarium

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

4 out of 5
151 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

4 out of 5
35 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
The Westin Cincinnati

The Westin Cincinnati

4 out of 5
21 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
The Westin Cincinnati
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
701 Broadway Street, Cincinnati, OH
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG
Homewood Suites By Hilton Newport Cincinnati

Homewood Suites By Hilton Newport Cincinnati

3 out of 5
201 West 4th Street, Newport, KY
Homewood Suites By Hilton Newport Cincinnati
Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati

Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati

2.5 out of 5
275 Columbia Street, Newport, KY
Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati
Aloft Newport On The Levee

Aloft Newport On The Levee

3 out of 5
201 E 3rd St, Newport, KY
Aloft Newport On The Levee
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront by IHG

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront by IHG

2.5 out of 5
200 Crescent Ave, (At Crescent and 3rd), Covington, KY
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Newport Aquarium

While visiting the Newport Aquarium, you can explore nearby attractions such as amusement parks, enjoy outdoor adventures, and participate in photo tours. The area also offers a vibrant scene for baseball, sports, and live music, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy during your trip. Make the most of your visit by discovering the diverse activities that surround this aquatic wonder.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Newport on the Levee, just 0.1 miles from the aquarium, offering a range of entertainment and shops. Findlay Market is 2 miles away, featuring local vendors, and Riverside Centre Antique Mall is 3 miles away, perfect for unique finds.

Recreation

Great American Ball Park offers an energetic atmosphere, perfect for sports enthusiasts looking to catch a game just 0.6 miles from Newport Aquarium. For music lovers, Riverbend Music Center, located 5 miles away, provides a vibrant entertainment vibe, while Indian Valley Golf Course, 8 miles away, invites outdoor relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Ride The Ducks Newport, an outdoor adventure located 0 miles from Newport Aquarium, where you’ll enjoy a unique land-and-water tour. For hiking enthusiasts, the California Trailhead, 5 miles away, offers scenic trails, while Avoca Park Trailhead, 9 miles away, provides stunning views and rugged terrain.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Newport Aquarium by catching a show at the Taft Theatre, just 0.8 miles away, or enjoy a performance at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, 1 mile away. The nearby Monmouth Theatre, only 0.3 miles away, also offers captivating entertainment for all ages.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Newport Aquarium

When visiting Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, explore nearby urban parks and historic sites that cater to families and outdoor enthusiasts. Discover local attractions like the aquarium itself, and enjoy the vibrant culture of the area. Don’t miss out on nearby event venues that host exciting activities throughout the year, making your trip to Newport an enriching experience filled with fun and learning for all ages.

  • Heritage Bank Center: This vibrant arena offers a variety of entertainment options, from concerts to sporting events. Located a short 0.6 mile from the Newport Aquarium, it’s the perfect spot for family fun and a lively atmosphere.
  • Ohio River: Just 0.7 mile away, the Ohio River provides stunning scenery and a great outdoor experience. Enjoy walking paths, picturesque views, and recreational activities along this iconic waterway.
  • Fountain Square: Situated 1 mile from the aquarium, Fountain Square is a cultural hub with art installations, live performances, and dining options, embodying the vibrant city vibes of the area.

Best time to go to Newport Aquarium

The best time to visit Newport Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Newport Aquarium falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Newport Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
April54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July76.3°F (24.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August74.8°F (23.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September68.9°F (20.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December37.6°F (3.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Newport Aquarium

To save money on your trip to Newport Aquarium, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices drop. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort by price to get the best deals. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for added savings through Expedia packages, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash rewards. Don't forget to explore free local attractions to make the most of your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Newport Aquarium are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Newport Aquarium is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Newport Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Newport Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia