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.
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

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Reviews of Newport Aquarium

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
425
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
191
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
69
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
13
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
7
1 - Terrible 1%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Very crowded and hard to see sites ans u have people pushing you through quickly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go early!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Great place to take the kids. Fantastic displays of sea and river life. A little pricey but we were very impressed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Be sure to include the backstage encounter with your visit. Very educational .

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

$29 per adult; two hour wait; we didn't wait

5/5 - Excellent

Jon

A really cool place to take the kids for a day! Excellent selection of animals. Excellent, highly knowledgeable and friendly staff.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Newport Aquarium

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
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza

4 out of 5
35 W 5th St Cincinnati OH
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG

4 out of 5
701 Broadway Street Cincinnati OH
voco The Clair Cincinnati Downtown by IHG
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
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati

4.5 out of 5
609 Walnut St Cincinnati OH
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

4 out of 5
151 West Fifth Street Cincinnati OH
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
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
The Westin Cincinnati

The Westin Cincinnati

4 out of 5
21 E 5th St Cincinnati OH
The Westin Cincinnati
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks

AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks

4 out of 5
135 Joe Nuxhall Way Cincinnati OH
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks
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

At Newport Aquarium, you can explore a wide variety of marine life and enjoy exciting attractions for the whole family. Don’t miss the chance to purchase admission tickets and discover the Adventure Aquarium nearby. Additionally, you can engage in popular local activities such as baseball, sports, and live music, making your visit to Newport an unforgettable experience filled with fun and entertainment.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Newport on the Levee, just 0.1 miles from the aquarium, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. For a local flair, visit Findlay Market, 2 miles away, or Riverside Centre Antique Mall, located 3 miles from the aquarium, known for its unique finds.

Recreation

Great American Ball Park offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 0.6 miles from Newport Aquarium. Riverbend Music Center, 5 miles away, provides a lively entertainment experience with concerts. Meanwhile, Taft Theatre, 0.8 miles from the aquarium, showcases cultural performances for a romantic and family-friendly vibe.

Adventure

At Newport Aquarium, embark on a thrilling Ride The Ducks adventure, located 0 mile away, where you can splash into the Ohio River. For family fun, visit Madison Bowl, an arcadeAdventureZone 6 miles away, or enjoy a charming spin on Carol Ann’s Carousel, located 0.8 mile away.

Nightlife

While the Newport Aquarium itself closes in the evening, the surrounding area offers lively nightlife options. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail at the nearby Moerlein Lager House, or savor a delicious dinner at the popular Hofbrauhaus, both just a short drive away from the aquarium.

*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 the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, you'll find a variety of attractions catering to culture, family, and outdoor experiences. Explore urban parks, historic sites, and event venues nearby. Don't miss the aquarium adventure, where you can discover the aquatic wonders and learn about the home of the Newport Aquarium, ensuring a memorable trip for all types of travelers.

  • Heritage Bank Center: This vibrant entertainment venue offers a variety of family-friendly events, including concerts and sports. With its lively atmosphere and modern facilities, it's a great spot to enjoy a thrilling show or game just 0.6 miles from the aquarium.
  • Ohio River: Experience the natural beauty of the Ohio River, located 0.7 miles away. Enjoy scenic views, outdoor activities, and leisurely strolls along the riverbanks, making it a perfect place to relax and soak in the picturesque surroundings.
  • Fountain Square: Immerse yourself in local culture at Fountain Square, situated 1 mile from the aquarium. This lively piazza features beautiful fountains, public art, and hosts various events, offering a taste of city life and community spirit.

Best time to go to Newport Aquarium

The best time to visit Newport Aquarium is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostlycloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlycloudyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainmostlycloudyAverageSlightly Low
February34.5°F (1.4°C)Light RainmostlycloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainmostlycloudyModerately 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 RainmostlycloudyModerately LowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Newport Aquarium

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling to Newport Aquarium during the low season (December to February) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
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