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.

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

Jackie

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

GaryLasadose

$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

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

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

The Westin Cincinnati

4 out of 5
21 E 5th St, Cincinnati, OH
The Westin Cincinnati
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

4 out of 5
151 West Fifth Street, Cincinnati, OH
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel

Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel

4 out of 5
36 East Fourth Street, Cincinnati, OH
Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown Hotel
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, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities beyond marine life. Nearby attractions include vibrant baseball games, live music events, and outdoor adventures. For those seeking thrills, amusement parks are also within reach. Don’t miss the opportunity for photo tours around the aquarium and its surroundings, capturing memorable moments of your visit to this exciting destination in Newport, Kentucky.

Shopping

Enjoy shopping at Newport on the Levee, just 161m from Newport Aquarium, offering entertainment and family vibes. Nearby, Findlay Market, 3.2km away, presents a vibrant public market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit Riverside Centre Antique Mall, located 4.8km away, for unique treasures.

Recreation

Enjoy a game at Great American Ball Park, just 966m from Newport Aquarium, and soak in the lively sports atmosphere. For music lovers, Riverbend Music Center, 8.0km away, offers fantastic concerts. If you prefer outdoor activities, head to World of Golf, located 16.1km away, for a round of golf.

Adventure

Experience the excitement of Ride The Ducks Newport, an outdoor adventure located 50m from Newport Aquarium, perfect for family fun. For a scenic hike, explore the California Trailhead, 8.0km away, or venture to Avoca Park Trailhead, 14.5km away, offering breathtaking views and outdoor exploration.

Nightlife

After exploring the Newport Aquarium, immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife. Catch a show at the nearby Taft Theatre or the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, both offering captivating performances. For a more intimate setting, the Monmouth Theatre is just a short walk away, perfect for a cozy night out.

*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, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to your interests. Explore urban parks and historic sites while enjoying family-friendly activities and outdoor experiences. Don't miss nearby points of interest and local attractions that enhance your trip, making it a memorable visit to the aquarium and its surroundings.

  • Heritage Bank Center: Located 966m from the Newport Aquarium, this arena offers a vibrant atmosphere with a variety of entertainment options. It's a great place for family-friendly events, concerts, and sports, making it a perfect stop for fun and excitement.
  • Ohio River: Just 1.1km away, the Ohio River provides stunning outdoor scenery. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks, take in picturesque views, or engage in recreational activities like kayaking and fishing for a refreshing experience in nature.
  • Fountain Square: Situated 1.6km from the aquarium, Fountain Square is a lively cultural hub. The square features beautiful fountains, local shops, and frequent events, making it a vibrant place to soak in the city's atmosphere and engage with the community.

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 visit to Newport Aquarium, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates. Mondays typically offer the best hotel prices, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider eco-certified hotels for sustainability. Save even more by booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Additionally, utilize filters to sort by price and look for instant and additional savings to maximize 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 options based on your budget, preferred location, and desired hotel type. For instance, selecting the “Eco-certified” filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Newport Aquarium hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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