Newport Aquarium
Discover a vibrant underwater world at Newport Aquarium, featuring playful penguins, rare white alligators, and thrilling shark encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Newport Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a vibrant underwater world at Newport Aquarium, featuring playful penguins, rare white alligators, and thrilling shark encounters.
"This place passed! Clean tanks, happy animals and beautiful displays. A lot to see!"
🎟️ Book Online for Savings
Purchase tickets in advance online to potentially save money and avoid ticket lines.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Bridge
Above the Shark Channel
Walk above sharks on the world's first suspended rope bridge for a thrilling, immersive experience.
Penguin Promenade
Penguin Exhibit
Watch playful penguins waddle and swim in their dedicated exhibit. A favorite for all ages!
Underwater Tunnels
Various Exhibits
Feel like you're floating among marine life as you walk through immersive underwater tunnels.
Rare White Alligators
Alligator Exhibit
Marvel at the unique beauty of rare white alligators, a truly special sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Best Times to Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Online for Savings
Purchase tickets in advance online to potentially save money and avoid ticket lines.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📱 Use the Aquarium App
Check if there's an official Newport Aquarium app for maps, showtimes, and animal info.
🐧 Don't Miss the Penguins!
The penguins are a major highlight and incredibly entertaining to watch. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Online for Savings
Purchase tickets in advance online to potentially save money and avoid ticket lines.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the aquarium.
📱 Use the Aquarium App
Check if there's an official Newport Aquarium app for maps, showtimes, and animal info.
🐧 Don't Miss the Penguins!
The penguins are a major highlight and incredibly entertaining to watch. +1
🦈 Brave the Shark Bridge
For an adrenaline rush, walk over the Shark Bridge for a unique perspective.
✨ Visit During Holidays
Christmas brings special decorations and Santa scuba diving, making it magical for kids.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Newport Aquarium for its clean tanks, happy animals, and beautiful, immersive displays, especially the underwater tunnels and Shark Bridge. It's highly recommended for families, with staff often noted for their exceptional service, particularly during special events like mermaid meet-and-greets. While ticket prices can seem steep, the overall experience is considered well worth it.
"As someone who looks at aquariums under a microscope when it comes to animal care and presentation, this place passed! Clean tanks, happy animals and beautiful displays. A lot to see if you stop at each tank 1-2 hours to see everything if hustling through the crowds. They had mermaids at the time of visit for kids to see. The under the water tunnels and pop up under the tank spots were amazing! As if they were floating in air, not just water. Cafe in the middle, play area and shark rope bridge to cross. Was very nice!! Employees were also quite nice."
Paxton Spencer
"Just great. We all loved it. We were actually there on 6/13/25. Parked in lot across the street and paid for parking on my phone. Located along the river surrounded by restaurants. The entrance is actually up the flight of steps. Highly recommend a trip.♥️"
Peg P
"Great family friendly means of entertainment. The aquarium offers up close and personal interaction with stingrays, sharks, and starfish. Your kids will love being able to reach down and pet these animals. We have a season pass and really enjoy taking family and friends with us when they visit.
Christmas is a wonderful time to go with small children because Santa is scuba diving in the shark tank which seems to be the main attraction. They also decorate each tank with Christmas light and other decor."
Jeremy Hicks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Newport Aquarium is located at 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071. It's conveniently situated across the river from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
You can drive across the river via the Newport Southbank Bridge or the Taylor Southgate Bridge. Public transportation options might be available, but driving is common.
Yes, there is a parking garage available across the street from the aquarium. Parking fees apply and can often be paid via your phone.
Navigate to 1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071. The aquarium is part of Newport on the Levee, a popular entertainment district.
While specific routes can vary, checking local Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky transit schedules is recommended for public transport options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general admission for adults is around $86 for two people. It's often cheaper to buy tickets in advance online.
Yes, look for discount codes or coupons for Newport Aquarium when purchasing tickets online. Some creators offer promo codes.
Newport Aquarium hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.
While tickets can likely be purchased at the door, buying them online in advance is recommended to save money and guarantee entry, especially during peak times.
Information on EBT discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to contact the aquarium directly or check their official website for any such programs.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, jellyfish, alligators (including rare white ones), garden eels, and rays.
Absolutely! Adults can enjoy the immersive exhibits, the Shark Bridge, and the overall presentation of marine life, making it a great experience beyond just kids.
The Shark Bridge is the world's first suspended rope bridge, allowing visitors to walk directly above the shark exhibit for a thrilling view.
Yes, the aquarium offers interactive experiences, including opportunities to touch stingrays and starfish, and play areas for children.
Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits, depending on how much time they spend at each tank and if they encounter crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe in the middle of the aquarium where you can purchase food and drinks.
Newport Aquarium is located at Newport on the Levee, which offers a variety of restaurants and dining options surrounding the aquarium.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to check their specific policy or dine at the nearby Levee.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals. +1
The underwater tunnels, the penguin exhibit, and the Shark Bridge offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Avoid using flash photography, especially in darker exhibits, as it can disturb the animals. Check for any posted signage regarding photo policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Staff are known for being friendly and helpful, and some visitors have shared heartwarming stories of staff going above and beyond for children with special needs, like meeting mermaids.
couples
+1Consider visiting during weekday evenings for a more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, away from the daytime crowds.
Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Exhibits
Key attractions include the playful penguins, often a crowd favorite, and the rare white alligators, a truly unique sight.
The aquarium also features interactive touch pools where guests can get up close with stingrays and starfish, offering a hands-on learning experience for all ages. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Shark Bridge offers a thrilling perspective, allowing you to walk directly above sharks.
The aquarium also hosts seasonal events, such as the Underwater Pumpkin Glow, which transforms the exhibits with festive decorations and illuminated pumpkin sculptures. These special events add an extra layer of excitement and make repeat visits worthwhile.Family Fun and Special Events
The aquarium is also a popular spot for birthday parties, with dedicated areas and engaging activities to keep kids entertained.
For educational trips, groups like the STEM Living-Learning Community visit to explore career opportunities and learn about aquarium operations, highlighting the educational value beyond just entertainment.
Photography Tips and Best Spots
Other highly photogenic spots include the penguin exhibit, where their playful antics are perfect for candid shots, and the Shark Bridge, providing a dramatic overhead view of the sharks below.
+1 The vibrant colors of the coral reefs and the diverse species on display also make for excellent photographic subjects. Remember to check for any specific signage regarding photography restrictions within certain exhibits. With a little patience and attention to lighting, you can capture some truly memorable images of your visit to the Newport Aquarium.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit