Newport Aquarium Tours and Activities

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

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Ashley Quarters Hotel Cincinnati Airport
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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
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
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
Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Cincinnati Riverfront

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

In addition to exploring the Newport Aquarium, visitors can enjoy activities such as baseball games, live music events, and various sports. For a unique experience, consider the Newport Gangster Tour, which delves into the region's fascinating history. Golf enthusiasts can also make use of nearby golf courses, while those seeking adventure can participate in aquatic activities, ensuring a fun-filled visit for everyone.

Shopping

Experience shopping at Newport on the Levee, just 161m from Newport Aquarium, offering family-friendly entertainment. Findlay Market, 3.2km away, showcases local goods in a vibrant atmosphere. For antique lovers, Riverside Centre Antique Mall is a charming store only 4.8km from the Aquarium.

Recreation

Great American Ball Park, a vibrant stadium just 966m from Newport Aquarium, offers an exhilarating sports atmosphere. For musical enjoyment, visit Riverbend Music Center, located 8.0km away, renowned for its lively concerts. Golf enthusiasts can unwind at World of Golf, 16.1km distant, amidst scenic outdoor landscapes.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Ride The Ducks Newport, an exciting outdoor adventure located 50m from Newport Aquarium. For a scenic trek, visit California Trailhead, 8.0km away, offering beautiful views and outdoor vibes. Alternatively, explore Bass Island Trailhead, 12.9km away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts seeking adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Newport Aquarium! Visit the Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati for thrilling gaming and city vibes, or catch a show at the nearby Taft Theatre or Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, both offering enriching cultural experiences perfect for a romantic night out or family entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Newport Aquarium

When visiting Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, there are plenty of attractions to explore nearby, including urban parks, historic places, and event venues. The offerings cater to culture enthusiasts, families, and those seeking outdoor experiences. Don't miss the chance to enjoy local attractions, all within a short distance from the aquarium, ensuring a memorable trip filled with diverse activities and sights.

  • Heritage Bank Center: Located 966m from Newport Aquarium, this vibrant arena offers a lively atmosphere for family-friendly events and entertainment. Whether it's concerts or sports, the center is a hub of excitement.
  • Ohio River: A scenic 1.1km away, the Ohio River provides stunning views and outdoor activities. Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank or take part in various water sports while soaking in the natural beauty.
  • Fountain Square: Situated 1.6km from the aquarium, Fountain Square is a cultural hotspot. Experience local art, music, and dining in a bustling city environment, making it a delightful place to relax and explore.

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 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 visit to Newport Aquarium, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Mondays. Take advantage of nearby free attractions like Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Newport on the Levee. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, read reviews, and find the best deals by filtering for eco-friendly options. Additionally, bundling your hotel, flights, and activities can lead to further savings.

  • 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 choose your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Newport Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.