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.
Belterra Casino Resort
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Hyatt Regency 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
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
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
The Westin Cincinnati

The Westin Cincinnati

4 out of 5
21 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
The Westin 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
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

3.5 out of 5
668 W 5th St, Covington, KY
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront
Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter

Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter

3.5 out of 5
10 E Rivercenter Blvd, Covington, KY
Embassy Suites by Hilton Cincinnati RiverCenter
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 Newport Aquarium, you can enjoy a variety of exciting activities nearby, including baseball games, engaging sports, and live music performances. Take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere by discovering new experiences and catching live bands that showcase local talent. Newport offers a lively blend of entertainment that complements your aquarium adventure perfectly.

Shopping

Discover shopping at Newport on the Levee, just 0.1 miles from Newport Aquarium, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly entertainment and shops. For a local experience, visit Findlay Market, 2 miles away, or Riverside Centre Antique Mall, located 3 miles from the aquarium.

Recreation

Great American Ball Park, only 0.6 miles from Newport Aquarium, offers exhilarating sports vibes perfect for active fans. Enjoy live music at Riverbend Music Center, 5 miles away, for a fun entertainment experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, World of Golf, located 10 miles away, provides a tranquil setting for a round of golf.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Ride The Ducks Newport, located 0.0 mile from Newport Aquarium, offering an exciting outdoor adventure. Explore the California Trailhead, 5 miles away, for scenic trails, or hike the Bass Island Trailhead, 8 miles away, where breathtaking scenery meets outdoor adventure vibes.

Nightlife

After exploring the Newport Aquarium, visit Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati for thrilling gaming and vibrant city vibes, just a mile away. For a cultural experience, enjoy a show at Taft Theatre or Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, both under a mile away, offering family-friendly entertainment and romantic atmospheres.

Find the best attractions near Newport Aquarium

Whether you're seeking a fun family outing or a cultural experience, Newport Aquarium and its surrounding attractions are perfect for your visit. Explore urban parks, historic sites, and event venues that cater to various interests. Don't forget to check out reviews of Newport Aquarium to enhance your experience, as this destination offers a blend of city life and aquatic wonders that will make your trip memorable.

  • Heritage Bank Center: Located 0.6 miles from Newport Aquarium, this versatile arena hosts a variety of family-friendly events, concerts, and sports. The lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for entertainment enthusiasts.
  • Fountain Square: Just 1 mile away, this vibrant piazza serves as a cultural hub, featuring beautiful fountains and surrounded by shops and restaurants. It's an ideal place to soak in the local urban vibe and enjoy public events.
  • Ohio River: A scenic gem situated 0.7 miles from the aquarium, the Ohio River offers stunning views and outdoor activities. Enjoy walking along the riverfront or relaxing in its natural beauty.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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, plan your visit between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking on a Monday can also help you find better rates compared to Saturday. Use Expedia's search tool to filter hotels by budget and type, such as eco-certified options. Consider bundling your flights, hotel, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership offers exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Finally, explore the area on foot to save on transport costs while enjoying free activities nearby.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • 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 deal.
  • 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.

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