Newport Aquarium

Aquarium · Newport

Newport Aquarium

Aquarium · Newport

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1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071

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Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null
Newport Aquarium by null

Highlights

Walk-through tunnels, penguin & ray exhibits, jellyfish room  

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1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071 Get directions

newportaquarium.com

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1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071 Get directions

+1 800 406 3474
newportaquarium.com
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@newportaquarium

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Sep 8, 2025

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The Best Aquariums in the US

"With more than 35,000 animals, including 550 species, Monterey Bay is an ocean geek’s dream come true. It holds what is considered the first successful living kelp forest in an aquarium. At almost three stories high, it’s a prime example of Northern California’s rich kelp forests just beyond the walls, and includes animals that inhabit them, like leopard sharks. The aquarium is dedicated to preserving local ecosystems and the species that sustain them, like Southern sea otters and bluefish tuna. Certain exhibits have informative talks and presentations throughout the day, so pop by the information center to see what’s on tap for when you're there."

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/the-best-aquariums-in-the-us
View Postcard for Newport Aquarium

MachDawn

Google
Me and my Fiance adored our visit! Stunning aquarium. Wonderful and fun to see pets. Very helpful and insightful staff. A little busy, however thats expected of since its the BEST aquarium in the Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana areas. 10/10 will be back again!!!

Brett R. Brown

Google
We had an office meeting here. This was one of my favorite venues for an office meeting. The room was just the right size. It has a large screen with a nice projector. There was enough room for everyone to sit at a table. We had lunch here as well and it was a nice sandwich bar. And you can see the fish and sharks swimming by in the aquarium too. After the meeting we did a scavenger hunt at the aquarium which was fun. Oh and there was a little outdoor section where we could look out over the bay. This was so much better than meeting in a hotel banquet room that is boring and corporate. It also helped that it was a beautiful day

Jeremy Hicks

Google
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.

Connor L

Google
Newport Aquarium was a great way to spend a few hours. We had our 7 month old baby with us who enjoyed the different aquatic animals. They had multiple displays for older kids/adults to touch some of the wildlife. It seemed to just keep going and going which was nice. Think it was $86 for my wife and I and the baby was free which seemed a little steep sounds like if you get tickets in advance it’s cheaper which I would suggest. But all in all I was pleasantly surprised with the size of the place and diversity of exhibitions. Worth checking out if in the area!

Brian Lemons

Google
A Captivating Underwater Journey at Newport Aquarium As a seasoned traveler and experience critic, I’m rarely caught off guard—but the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky managed to do just that. This attraction is a true gem for families, couples, and solo adventurers alike. The layout is expansive yet intuitively designed, making it easy to navigate through the various exhibits without feeling overwhelmed. From the moment you enter, you're immersed in a vibrant, underwater world teeming with life. The staff were impressively knowledgeable, enhancing the visit with interesting facts and guiding guests through interactive areas with care and enthusiasm. The touch pools were a particular highlight—offering opportunities to gently touch stingrays and even the fins of certain shark species, making for a tactile and unforgettable moment, especially for younger visitors. One of the most innovative features was the climb-through and crawl-under exhibits, which allow guests to step inside the habitat—literally. It's a rare and thrilling experience to stand surrounded by aquatic life, gaining a perspective that's as close to being under the sea as you can get without diving in. The tunnel walk-throughs were mesmerizing: sharks gliding above, fish darting beneath your feet—an awe-inspiring experience from every angle. The Shark Bridge, suspended over the massive shark tank, was equally thrilling and offered breathtaking views. Particular praise must be given to the seahorse and jellyfish exhibits. The seahorses were beautifully displayed in serene environments, while the various stages of jellyfish development were presented with such artistry and clarity, it felt like walking through a living science museum. In short, the Newport Aquarium delivers an engaging, educational, and visually stunning experience. Whether you're a marine life enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable family outing, this aquarium should be at the top of your list when visiting the Newport/Cincinnati area. A must-visit.

Semper Fi

Google
This was my first time here and I loved it! I loved it so much, I bought the platinum membership! I love aquariums and could just spend hours in front of a tank! I even learned a few things I never knew! It was cool watching a shark "fin walk"!

The Man

Google
The Newport Aquarium in Newport, KY is an incredible experience from start to finish. The exhibits are beautifully designed, with lush greenery, flowing water features, and immersive backdrops that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. The atmosphere is both calming and exciting, making it a perfect outing for all ages. The variety of marine life is truly impressive. From colorful schools of tropical fish to unique species you don’t see every day, every tank is a visual treat. The crystal-clear water and thoughtful layouts make it easy to take in all the details, whether it’s fish darting between rocks or gliding gracefully through open water. Every turn brings something new and fascinating to see. The whole place is well-maintained, and it’s obvious that the staff takes pride in caring for both the animals and the exhibits. With its mix of beauty, education, and fun, the Newport Aquarium is a must-visit whether you’re exploring with family, friends, or on your own. It’s a five-star experience that leaves you wanting to come back again.

krissy kidd

Google
“The Newport Aquarium is such an amazing experience! The exhibits are well designed, clean, and full of incredible sea life—from sharks and stingrays to colorful tropical fish and playful penguins. The shark tunnel was breathtaking, and the interactive touch tanks made it fun for kids and adults alike. Staff members were friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to answer questions, which made the visit even more enjoyable. It’s the perfect mix of education and entertainment, and you can easily spend several hours exploring without realizing how much time has passed. Definitely worth the trip—I’d highly recommend it to families, couples, or anyone who loves marine life!”
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Laura H.

Yelp
My 3 yo granddaughter loved going here yesterday! There were lots of good exhibits & we enjoyed ourselves! The only thing I had a problem with was there wasn't enough restrooms or signage for restrooms. When we got there I didn't know there was a restroom by the candy store & we had to register her for a pass (it's free for toddlers 2-4!!) we both had to go but had to wait before we could get in & go. But had to get a pic first & wait for the elevator before we could get her to the restroom. It was rough! Then when we were through it all, there was no restroom close to the gift shop & that's when I was told it's outside by the candy store. She didn't make it that time unfortunately... Also when you're in the garage or even on the road there needs to be signage to get to the parking garage & getting to the entrance from the parking garage. I had to ask someone cause I really didn't know after I parked. Even though it doesn't look like it, Overall we did enjoy ourselves & will definitely be back! Our favorite things were the stingrays & definitely the shark bridge!
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Christina B.

Yelp
I was really surprised by the variety of sea creatures. I think my favorites were the coral, teeny tiny dwarf seahorses, and the moon jellyfish. They had lots of different touch tanks and the staff were really informative. I was surprised to learn that sharks (or at least this one particular shark's) skin was made out of dentin like human teeth. I liked that you walk through the cafe toward the middle of the aquarium so there's a good space to take a break and use the restrooms. I will say I was a little disappointed when we reached the end since it seemed short. Overall, it took us about 40 minutes maybe to walk through. The gift shop at the end had lots of cute souvenirs.
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Shannon D.

Yelp
What an awesome aquarium!!!! We loved our visit! Easy to purchase tickets online. While it is advertised that you need a specific time, the staff said that is no longer the case. We purchased tickets for 10:30, but were allowed to enter earlier than that. Very clean. Appears that the animals are well taken care of and staff are available throughout for any assistance. Really cool photo ops too! We loved our visit. The shark rope/bridge was a huge hit with boy kiddos. Highly recommend a visit.
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Cari L.

Yelp
I've been to lots of aquariums and was looking forward to seeing this one in Cincinnati. Every exhibit was good. I would have to say that my highlight was watching white crocodiles swimming. I don't think that I have seen them before now. Big NEGATIVE-cafe. I had been told the day before from the President/Dean of WGU that Cincinnati chili was best in the world. Skyline Chili is the brand they have chosen. I ordered fries with Skyline Chili and cheese. Not cheap or edible. Just awful. My friend had nachos and they were weak. Chips were falling down in half. Pathetic. That's why I gave a rating of 4.
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DeAnna P.

Yelp
Everything is kept up to date and clean. Staff are really informative and helpful. Yes, it's a small fortune to go, but I cannot imagine the upkeep costs associating with keeping all the animals in a safe and enriching environment.
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Traci U.

Yelp
We had a great experience here! We had four adults & three kids in our party. The online scheduling was easy & the staggered entry times kept the crowds down. The facility as clean & well maintained. The staff were knowledgeable & very helpful. The kids participated in the educational show about the sharks & had a blast with the staff!
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Rachael H.

Yelp
I have been coming to the aquarium for years as a nanny but I appreciate it even more now with my own kids. I love that they even have a nursing room for breastfeeding moms - it makes going out feel much more peaceful to know there is a room I can go to if I don't want to feed my son in public! I love all the animals and attractions, especially the ones where you can touch certain animals. They have a nice cafe for snacks and food if needed. I do wish parking was included with the purchase of pass - makes it harder to go frequently.
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Elizabeth K.

Yelp
We loved the Newport Aquarium and will be purchasing a membership here! It's large and the employees are very knowledgeable about their areas. About halfway through the exhibits there is a frog themed play area for little ones in case they've grown restless looking at the fish. The stingray area was really neat and there were plenty of employees keeping an eye on those who were wanting to pet the stingrays. We stopped by the cafe for a snack. I went basic with a pretzel and soda. Something important for parents to note is that there are no lids. It is also important to note that if you do not have a pass YOU MUST BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE. We purchased ours the day before. There is no rush to go through the aquarium but it does help them with crowd control.
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Liz F.

Yelp
Just went here again and did the penguin behind the scenes experience. I bought this for my mother's day present to my mom and my brother's birthday present and I cannot say enough good things about it. You get taken to a little alcove by the Shark Bridge and change into boots. They even give you a little "ticket" to Cape Town for the excursion. Then you get led into the next room where there are so many penguins that just mill around you. They also bring a penguin around so you can pet it a little. The expressions on my family's faces should speak for themselves. Really recommend doing this extra event.
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Carla D.

Yelp
Here on a spring break visit and had an amazing time!!! From the atmosphere to the staff everything was wonderful ! I loved being able to touch a shark, sting ray and other ocean life. The cafe is inexpensive and was clean! This is one of the most interactive and beautiful aquariums I have visited! I also booked for my son and I to do a penguin encounter and it was well worth it! A portion also goes to help this South African endangered species ! We learned so much and my son walked the shark bridge ! The pictures from our visit were also easy on my pockets!! I'd definitely recommend.. also check out the other stores , businesses outside the aquarium area! Totally worth it !!!
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David C.

Yelp
Small but nice aquarium. Beautiful location on the River Walk. No senior discounts. Takes no more than 90 minutes to leisurely stroll through the exhibits. There's a good bio-diversity of fish, reptiles and animals from throughout the world. Must purchase tickets by phone ahead of time. Timed entry enforced. There's a typical restaurant and large gift shop. If you want to splurge ($59) you can have an up close and personal interaction with the penguins. Mermaids are the current "attraction " but they don't perform on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.
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Liz F.

Yelp
We hadn't visited the aquarium in a while and we had an unexpectedly excellent visit. It was clean and pleasant, and with limited attendees, it wasn't crowded or busy which is a huge plus - my toddler was able to walk around and enjoy the experience without me being worried about losing him. The snack area is perfectly located for a break. The play area near the end is a nice break for parents to gather themselves and the kiddos to get extra energy out. There were several interactive displays.
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Rachel G.

Yelp
We had an amazing time at the aquarium! It's clean, organized, easy to walk through, super interactive for the kids, and all around a great time! We will definitely come back again! The only opportunity for improvement I have is to ensure the cafe is open right at 9:00. We stopped there first prior to walking through, but had to wait a few for them to open and weren't able to order warm food, only snacks.
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Gretchen T.

Yelp
Right off the bat, I want to say I wanted to give the Aquarium itself a whole five stars, but I had to knock off one star because of the parking situation. We bought tickets beforehand and were given tickets to validate our parking. However, when we went to exit the parking garage, the ticket would not work. We tried multiple times and ended up having to pay $15 more when it should've been free. However, as for the aquarium itself, I had a great time. There was so much to see, and they had multiple tunnels where fishes could swim around you. A real highlight of the trip was the shark bridge. You could walk through a (completely safe) rope bridge and watch giant sharks and a turtle float around you. There was also a lot of touch tanks! There was a ton of little kids (obviously), but there's plenty of room to squeeze in. There's tons to see here. I really liked the penguins and the frogs. The white alligators were really neat as well. Would definitely recommend!!
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Kaylin Y.

Yelp
You get immediate entry with a ticket purchased online, but you can't show up too early. They really are strict on crowd control and ticket times, which I honestly appreciate. There's nothing worse than trying to enjoy an exhibit, but being pushed out by a crowd. We went on a packed day and can still say there was plenty of room for us to enjoy all the animals and take our time. We felt like the experience was worth the price we paid. Everything was kept clean. They do sell food, but we did not try anything so I can't say how it is. Can't wait to return!
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Libby V.

Yelp
I was so excited to learn they are doing backstage with penquins again....it stopped during Covid and has just restarted. I got to do this on my very first visit here, many years ago. And I couldn't wait to do it again. On a Tuesday at noon I had the place to myself!!! Four workers all concentrating on answering my questions, and letting me interact with my beloved penquins. This program is so educational and informative. I can't wait to do it again. Although my experience was one on one, they never allow more than 10-12 people at one time. And you not only learn about natural habitats, but you get to know their personalities as well. There are eight of them...all female. And different as night and day. And trying hard to hatch eggs...which will never happen as they're all female. This is not an approved mating site. After your experience, you can tour the rest of the exhibits as well. And try to get out of the gift shop without spending anything. Good luck with that. The cost was right at $50, and worth every penny.

Amber H.

Yelp
Great exhibits! Clean environment. Lots of things to see. Parking was a bit of a pain but it's the city so that's to be expected.
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Kelly B.

Yelp
So much fun for the whole family! Loved the exhibits and well cared for animals. We'll be back next time we're in town!
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Sarah E.

Yelp
A fantastic find for kids (and adults) in the Cincinnati area. The plethora of walk through tunnels of fish was fantastic! Lots of opportunities to learn about the fish/frogs/sharks and the environment. Lots of interactive, hands on opportunities for kids and be sure to try the shark bridge! Loved the hand sanitizer available at every turn!!
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Sandra D.

Yelp
This Aquarium is good for one located in Kentucky on the Ohio River. Make no mistake it is not at all comparable to Sea World or the Miami Aquarium. You can expect to drive around looking for parking. We found a public lot nearby that cost $10. Tickets for the Aquarium are expensive considering what they have there to see. The gift shop is also very expensive. The Cafe was also ridiculously expensive. One trip is enough. You will not want to go back. The attached pictures are the visit summed up.
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Jedi N.

Yelp
Purchasing tickets online is very user friendly and you can pick your day and time. We took the 915a timeframe and it wasn't too crowded. We were greeted by a very friendly staff. I'm from Hawaii, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time there! There's a lot to see as well as a shark and anemone petting tank, jellyfish, walk-through, tunnels, and even a netted bridge, you can cross over a shark tank. I would highly recommend checking it out if you're in the area.
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JJ S.

Yelp
Great Aquamarine! I loved the tunnels you can walk through to see all different fishes, sharks, turtles, and all types of species. Cost of ticket $30.99
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Lilee N.

Yelp
Wonderful place to take kids. They had scuba Santa when we came during Thanksgiving. You could take a photo and talk to Santa who is in the big shark tank. Very cool! You can easily spend a lot of time or zip through the aquarium quickly. We've done both with our toddler. If you want to see specifics like the white crocs or sharks, it's doable in less than 20 minutes. If you want to take your time and not marathon through, there's interactive experiences such as the shark net walk and spots where you can pet sharks or rays as well as coral life. Plenty of different underwater species to enjoy. It is wheelchair accessible and easy to navigate. They have escalators as well as elevators and the walkways are wide enough to accommodate. Pricing goes up the day of so best to try and buy your tickets ahead of time. Parking garage charges after an hour but it's not wildly pricey. The aquarium is located in a shopping district so you can enjoy local eateries outside the entrance with a view of the mighty Ohio.
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Nadira Y.

Yelp
The aquarium and its location are nice. To get the least crowds, I suggest going on a weekday. If you have younger kids, then take them when schools are not off for break. We went on a Thursday prior to winter break. It was perfect as there were no crowds and we were able to take time seeing everything and hearing the staff speak. I highly recommend buying your tickets online ahead of time. The tickets are cheaper online and the sooner you buy them ahead of your date, the cheaper they will be. They increase in price as it gets closer to the actual present date. The area outside of the aquarium is nice too and you can explore a lot, especially on warmer days. The great skyline and the Ohio River along with several shops and restaurants. There is a parking garage, which maxes out at $12 for the day. After entering the aquarium you take an elevator down to start the tour. Although I have been to several aquariums, a few things stood out about this one: (1) there are several shark/fish tunnels and (2) there are several areas where you can just go up and touch the fish (i.e., starfish, sharks, etc.). A con that stood out was that there was no animal experience show. At other aquariums I have seen dolphin, walrus, sea lion, or penguin shows. Here, there was nothing like that. They offer a penguin interaction that you have to pay extra for. I was introduced to garden eel at this aquarium. It was my absolute favorite to watch. Another thing that stood out to me was the staff interaction. Everyone was really friendly and did a great job telling us about the animals. If you live further away, I recommend going on a day with good weather, to be able to enjoy both the aquarium and the area to make it a worthwhile drive.
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Nicole K.

Yelp
We just got our annual passes for this year. I love that they were offering free pre k passes! I snatched those up real quick and got myself an annual pass as well. My kids really love to go to the aquarium. They are always doing something a little different each time we come so it stays interesting.

Nick W.

Yelp
Absolutely the worst aquarium and ticket office. They'll run promotions and then pick and choose eligibility for the children. Save your money and take your kids to an actual well run and competent aquarium or zoo.
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Matthew C.

Yelp
Had a very good time with my wife today came here and just enjoyed ourselves and it was decently warm, enjoyed seeing all the animals and sharky's cafe was delicious
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Joseph G.

Yelp
Newport aquarium is a larger and popular aquarium located right on the Cincinnati,Ohio and Newport, Kentucky borderline right off the coast of the Ohio river in Newport, Kentucky. The aquarium is the center piece and built around a wonderful and cool shooing and play area called Newport on the levee. It is truly the crown jewel for the city of Newport. I usually find myself making the trip from Lousiville to Newport about every 3-4 years to visit the aquarium. I'm not a huge fan of aquariums but the kids enjoy them so I manage to get through them. This particular aquarium is always crowded and always pricey. They at one point did some random weekends and had "kids free weekends". I attended one of Those weekends and never again will I do that. Insanely crowded and impossible to see. While they are still overpriced they have improved the crowd level. You must now reserve your tickets and time before arriving the day before or so. This helps the high traffic and allows you to browse and explore with more freedom and less fear of losing a family member. My biggest knock other than being over priced in the past of here was that for a big aquarium they didn't have many big exciting eye catching attractions and very little interactive type exhibits. My most recent visit they seem to have improved the interactive part. Lots of newer things such as the "shark bridge", sting ray Bay Area where you can crawl under the tanks and pop your head in a tube to get a unique viewpoint. Overall it is a nice aquarium. And I love the area and levee it sits on. I wish it was about $15 cheaper a person. I will give them props for working on crowd control and updating the interactivity of the business.
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Gina P.

Yelp
Visited here on a Sunday a couple hours before closing. My boyfriend and I had a wonderful time! It was not busy at all, which was nice. Staff was very friendly and the inside of the aquarium was very clean. We had a blast looking at all of the animals! One of my favorites was the turtle and then being able to touch the stingrays and shrimp. Only knocking off one star because it was a tad pricey. Overall it was a great experience and I could have spent all day there!
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Brian H.

Yelp
The Newport aquarium on the Levee is a great family outing. We have 3 boys 8,6 & 3 and they were able to enjoy the whole place. The aquarium does a good job of displaying a great diversity of aquatic animals and fish. The layout is like IKEA, once you go in, you can't leave until you go through everything, even the store (how Disney of you ). Each section is a good size to learn about the focus of that section., from alligators to coral reefs to eels, seahorses, string rays, jelly's fish, sharks, penguins and more. I like how reach section isn't to big, because I could see the boys getting bored, but the size of each section was just right, so the boys were always excited about what is around the corner. The play area is cool as well, they enjoyed it and the parents did too, just a little break to get off our feet. Overall it's a great aquarium, just wish there were so shows or presentations, maybe there were, but we didn't see any going on. Staff could be a little friendly, they seemed bored and like they really didn't want to be there, but I'd take the boys back again in a few years for sure. The location is great too, because of all the restaurants and movie theater in the area, it's a huge and very nice complex in the Ohio River.
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Drew B.

Yelp
Went to the aquarium for an event and had a blast. The personnel in the facility are absolutely amazing. They provide useful knowledge and are very patient with people of all ages who have questions about their aquatic life. The aquarium has many exhibits with informative signage. Take your time. There's at least two hours of exhibits in which one could invest time. Got kids? Plan for more like 3-3.5 hours.
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Jessica F.

Yelp
I've been going to the Newport aquarium since I was a child and it's such a gem of a facility. It's definitely been on the decline, I think the pandemic was extra difficult, but the exhibits are still well taken care of and the aquatic life is still beautiful. Living in Columbus, we don't have a great big aquarium other than the one at the Columbus Zoo. (That's a different review lol) so having the Newport just a few hours away is so nice. I've never tried the food at the aquarium, but there are plenty of restaurants in the riverfront shopping center right outside the aquarium doors. When you go inside the aquarium it definitely smells like the animals the house, but you get used to it quickly. You have to take a giant escalator down, and then you're in! Ticket prices aren't bad if you go on a sale day/ employer day/ or appreciation day! They offer lots of deals at different times of the year, and sometimes even Groupon offers I believe. Once inside the aquarium there's everything you could hope for. They have sharks, they have turtles, there's seahorses and crocodiles and pufferfish, and they even have penguins. The exhibits are easily viewable with the larger tanks having benches and seating areas. There's definitely enough space for people to spread out, I've never seen it so busy you couldn't see whatever you wanted to! Obviously be patient though, it's a very accessible place so there's lots of children and elderly, and it is wheelchair accessible so it's not a speedy rush-through environment... take your time. There's multiple tunnels you can walk through where you're surrounded on all sides by fish! This can cause some migraines apparently from the reflection of the water and the glass at that angle, I had a friend who was very unwell after the tunnels so beware if you suffer from migraines. All of the exhibits are clearly labeled and you can learn about the fish species as you go, as well as conservation efforts, prehistoric creatures, and other fun facts. Overall it's just a great aquarium and I love going every few years to see how it's doing!
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Liz W.

Yelp
Came randomly. It was faster to buy tickets online than wait in line, as there was a family of 16 trying to buy tickets at the window‍ We waited about half an hour (they let groups in in increments of 15 minutes- or at least that day they did. When you walk in there is a gentleman standing by a backdrop who will take your photo if you'd like to pay for it. We opted not to but it is a cute idea. I had the best time. I saw two albino alligators and got to pet sting rays so that is two things off my bucket list. There is a huge variety of animals to look at so you won't get bored. There is so much to "sea"!!! Hahah All of the animals looked healthy and well taken care of. I recommend this aquarium to anyone who is visiting or lives nearby.
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Christina P.

Yelp
Can't get any better! There is a path designed to take visitors through the exhibits and explore all things aquatic. I'm quite impartial to this aquarium. It has all of my favorites: 3 pufferfish, octopus, frogs, jellyfish.
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Lauren S.

Yelp
little outdated but nice! make sure to leave a reservation because we had to wait around for 2 hours. stingray exhibit was cool but a little underwhelming overall! good for kids, adults very meh
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Bailey D.

Yelp
This aquarium is something special! The exhibits are well designed, and it's big enough that you get to see a wide variety of fish, but small enough that you don't feel like you have to be there all day. I've been twice: the first time was just me and my fiancé, the second was with my soon-to-be in-laws and young niece and nephew. It's a totally different experience when you're visiting with kids - and there's a lot more for them to do than there is for adults. That said, I wouldn't skip the aquarium just because you don't have kids with you ... I would just advise you to keep in mind that this attraction is mainly for families, and you can expect to see a lot of those families when you do visit. My favorite part of the Newport Aquarium is definitely the Shark Bridge. It's an exciting way to interact with one of everyone's favorite sea animals - while still being safe. The octopus exhibit is definitely a close second - with the low light and fun facts throughout, it's another display that will stick with you. Tickets aren't too terribly expensive - although since they're still doing timed entries, you'll want to plan ahead as much as you can, or you'll be stuck checking out frogs and jellyfish before you've had your coffee. The location of the aquarium is also a big part of its appeal. There's plenty of parking in the garages at Newport on the Levee, and lots to do before or after you see the fishies, whether you're with your kids or not.
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Megan B.

Yelp
Good Aquarium for guests of all ages! I thought the price was a little steep but they had a variety of exhibits. They seem to make good use of the smaller space. I loved the seahorse exhibits and the sharks. There was also a large White Alligator and you could pet sting rays! I feel I saw other species I don't see at other aquariums. Would recommend this to anyone in the area.

Patricia M.

Yelp
The aquarium is not toddler or wheelchair friendly with the majority of their exhibits. Could not get near the penguins because they had stairs on each side of the exhibit. Many exhibits are at a level above an adults waist making it a lift to show the exhibit for toddlers.
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Jennifer R.

Yelp
I was nicely surprised on a recent visit to the aquarium. I figured it would be very crowded on a rainy Saturday. They are doing a great job with timed reservations, line management, and making sure they are not over capacity inside. They also have the entire tour through the aquarium mapped out with one way arrows on the floor to follow. They have such a cool variety of exhibits and sea creatures to check out. We loved the tiny seahorses, the penguin exhibit, and the white alligators. You are right up close to see everything. The shark tank viewing was very cool as well. We purchased our tickets online in advance and I think they were $25 each. They have a gift shop and a cafe onsite. There are also a bunch of other shops and restaurants right there at the Newport on the Levee complex. Tip: Be sure to pay for your parking at the self service machines before you leave the parking garage, as you will need the paid ticket to get out.
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Melitta S.

Yelp
A wonderful cloudy day excursion. It's a bit crowded but that is to be expected. They have scheduled times which makes it nice. Loved all exhibits except shark bridge but that's just me.
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Kate C.

Yelp
AMAZING as always! We love this aquarium! It is huge and has a plethora of really cool aquatic animals/fish! The area is really cute and parking is pretty easy. There are a lot of food places outside of this location. When you first enter, you go down one level and start the tour. Lining the walls are many different types of fish and animals: pufferfish, sharks, turtles, octopus, jellyfish, seahorse, manta ray, penguins, and MORE. We went through aquarium tunnels, petting zoos, and even a rope bridge that went over some sharks and turtles too. We were enthralled the whole time. We will definitely be back!
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connie h.

Yelp
Always a great time! We took our kids (16 and 9) and they both enjoyed it. So many fantastic animals to see! I loved the seahorses and the jelly fish but my favorite was that beautiful sea turtle! The kids loved walking over the ropes over the tanks!
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Emily Alaska M.

Yelp
First aquarium I have visited where I truly felt I got to be up close and personal with the exhibits. I wanted to make positive notes on this location especially for its creativity in flow of exhibits and architecture as it truly allowed for the best experience and views given the resources and limitations of aquatics. Including over 200FT of tunnels, and a rope bridge spanning over their shark tank, you really got a view of everything! We also noticed overall it was pretty clean, and we didn't feel trampled by crowds here like at other aquariums such as the Georgia aquarium. We also really enjoyed the staff at the touch pools who were personable and knowledgeable on things in the pools. The shrimp tank that you can interact with and get "manicures" was also something I had not seen before and had a fun time with. I do believe this aquarium as well is one of the more engaging locations for children, and many things were lower for viewing and plenty of activities to engage creative learning. We were pleasantly surprised with what they had to offer here, and would recommend it to those in the Cincinnati area looking for fun activities.
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Travis G.

Yelp
One of the best aquariums we've been too! The layout is great--it is very clean and engaging!
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Elizabeth H.

Yelp
Absolutely so much fun and very kid friendly. They have so many learning opportunities at this location. They have 3 petting spots (sea anemone, sharks, and sting rays). You can feed the sting ray at 12 o'clock. Over in the area you can have face painting. In the frog bog there is also a play place and an area where you can color a picture and project it on the screen. at the very end there is a large tank filled with sharks with a rope bridge that spans across. 10/10 time and super child friendly!
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Nicole M.

Yelp
This aquarium blew my mind! It was crazy how you get to really be up close with everything. Usually my kids get tired from walking around, but they were mesmerized. Not a single complaint whining about "are we done yet?" It is a nice size, but not overwhelming. Hands down the most amazing aquarium I have ever seen. This is a perfect family visit.
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Alexander E.

Yelp
We've come here twice, once in 2017 and again in 2023. It's a pretty good aquarium. While it doesn't measure up to Baltimore or Atlanta, there is still a ton to see. The highlight is the shark tank, which you get to walk over at the end. A little on the pricey side ($29 per person, I think), but worth doing every couple of years. If you live close and have kids who love sea creatures, then membership probably makes sense.
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Prabha R.

Yelp
It's a a good place to spend time with your kids but it's a little on the expensive side. It's not a big aquarium. I have been to the one in Atlanta and this is nowhere near that in the number of exhibits or shows. That being said, it does have many exhibits and many varieties of sea life. It has regular seahorses and dwarf ones. There are alligators, lobsters and crabs. There is a large glass wall where you can see the big fish and the kids love it. There are a few mini tunnels. The penguin exhibit is good. We got to watch them during feeding time. I liked that there are many exhibits like that of the eels, rays, anemones etc that you can touch and feel. The most thrilling part of the aquarium is the bridge that you could walk, right over the shark container. No food is allowed there, so you can imagine the risk it entails. Just kidding. But seriously, no food is allowed there. The cafe is over expensive and underwhelming, as you would expect. If you are in the area and want to entertain your littles for a few hours, this is the place to be!
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Grace W.

Yelp
I adore the Aquarium but they allowed 5 schools one was my daughters who had maybe 30 kinds. two with 200 kids in one specifically the ones in red today all older kids had 200+ and the kids were absolutely AWFUL and the adults with them were useless! Awful! Terribly behaved children and not enough employees to enforce sharing and not beating on glass or pushing younger kids. Whomever plans this obviously has no kids and it shouldn't be allowed that many people anyway since covid. Absurd. Chaotic.