Newport Aquarium in Newport, KY (Cincinnati)

1 Aquarium WayNewport, KY 41071
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Overview

Dive into an aquatic adventure at the state-of-the-art Newport Aquarium in Kentucky! Located only two minutes from downtown Cincinnati—the aquarium is perfect for families and friends visiting Newport or Cincinnati. Meet rare white alligators and the West’s first-ever shark ray Sweet Pea, touch sharks, and cross a 75-foot-long rope bridge over sharks!

Good To Know

  • Located right across the river from downtown Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • Explore the wonders of the underwater world at the Newport on the Levee—right in the heart of Newport, Kentucky.
  • Family-friendly aquarium with 70 exhibits and 14 galleries, including five (5) state-of-the-art seamless acrylic tunnels, plus fun activities and events.
  • Parking available in the Newport on the Levee parking garage.
  • See thousands of mesmerizing animals like rare white alligators, shark rays, and more. Touch sharks and skates, and cross the thrilling Shark Bridge.
  • Please note that sharks are fed a variety of seafood, refrain from touching the sharks if you have fish or shellfish allergies.
  • Wheelchair-accessible except for the Shark Bridge.
  • Food and drinks available for purchase at Sharky’s Cafe, just beyond the Shark Tunnel.
  • Strollers are permitted, but best to leave them at home for parents and children to enjoy the visit.

Description

Dive into a world of underwater wonder at Newport Aquarium, where families come face-to-fin with some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet. Located in Newport, Kentucky, this top-rated aquarium invites guests to explore vibrant ocean habitats, interactive exhibits, and thrilling animal encounters.

Come nose-to-nose with sharks as you walk inches above them on the world’s first Shark Bridge, or journey through acrylic tunnels where sea life swims all around you. Visit Penguin Palooza to see adorable penguins play on land and glide through the water. Get eye-to-eye with rare reptiles, including a white alligator, in Gator Alley, or marvel at elegant seahorses in Seahorses: Unbridled Fun.

The experience goes beyond observation—guests can touch sea stars, sharks, and horseshoe crabs in hands-on touch tanks that create unforgettable moments. Whether you're strolling through Shark Ray Bay Theater or exploring Shore Gallery, Newport Aquarium offers an immersive journey that brings families closer to the aquatic world.

Newport Aquarium Reviews

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Backsi
Bowling Green, Ohio
"Sharks and Jellies"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 23, 2025 NEW
My daughter requested to go to the Newport Aquarium for her birthday. She was very excited to see the sharks. Everyone really enjoyed the time we spent there. We truly appreciated the lower priced items for the kiddos to choose at the Souvenir Shop. My teens were excited to find limited edition Fahlo bracelets with hammerhead sharks. The only thing we would change would be more interactive experiences for the little ones who are enjoying the fun from the stroller/wagon.
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auditer1
Columbus, Ohio
"A great place to visit"
TripAdvisor user rating 5.0 out of 5
Reviewed July 23, 2025 NEW
It was top notch. We are retired for several years and wondered why we never did it before. We especially liked the “behind the scenes tour”. It is worth the extra money. Young families really seemed to enjoy it, too.
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austinwA9107MW
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
"Sharks & Penguins @ Newport Aquarium"
TripAdvisor user rating 4.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 26, 2025
Really cool, the Sharks were really humbling to watch. The penguins were a fun exhibit and great for kids. There is a snack bar but I would recommend eating before or after as it is very pricey. Overall, for the price it was worth the time, the exhibits were cool and you can pet the stingrays and sharks.
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Herder90
Cincinnati, Ohio
"Expensive, poor customer relations"
TripAdvisor user rating 1.0 out of 5
Reviewed June 19, 2025
Staff at door and at desk at best uninterested in greeting guests and at worst just unpleasant. Tickets very expensive and no family options. Exhibits are nice but not sure I would pay these prices again.
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Johndoe133782
"Do not go unless there is nothing else to do or you feel like wasting $40 a person."
TripAdvisor user rating 1.0 out of 5
Reviewed May 31, 2025
Absolutely horrendous experience. The website said children under 3 get in for free. At the window it was 2-12 for $31. Lackluster exhibits. Incredibly over crowded, not worth the price of admission.
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Newport Aquarium is located at 1 Aquarium WayNewport, KY 41071
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Frequently Asked Questions about Newport Aquarium

What are the Newport Aquarium hours?

Newport Aquarium's operating hours vary and are subject to change. Please check the aquarium's operating calendar in the ticket section above for operating hours during your travel date range.

Where is Newport Aquarium?

Newport Aquarium is located on the westernmost side of Newport on the Levee on the Riverwalk Level at 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071.

How long does it take to go through Newport Aquarium?

It will take about 2–4 hours to visit every exhibit, depending on your chosen activity, events, and how busy the aquarium is.

Does Newport Aquarium have food?

Yes, light or hearty meals and drinks are available for purchase at Sharky’s Cafe, just beyond the Shark Tunnel. Please note that outside food and drinks are not permitted except for bottled water.

Does Newport Aquarium have dolphins?

Unfortunately, there are no dolphins at the aquarium. But you'll find other amazing underwater creatures, including the first-ever shark ray in the West, Giant Pacific Octopus, sharks, rays, turtles, and more!

How big is Newport Aquarium?

The aquarium showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water. It has 70 exhibits and 14 galleries, including five (5) seamless acrylic tunnels totaling over 200 feet in length.

How far is Cincinnati Zoo from Newport Aquarium?

Newport Aquarium to Cincinnati Zoo is 5.3 miles via I-71 N, 4.6 miles via Reading Rd., and 6 miles via I-471 N & I-71 N.

How far is Kings Island from Newport Aquarium?

Newport Aquarium to Kings Island is 24.7 miles via I-71 N.

Is there parking?

Yes, visitors can park in the Newport on the Levee parking garage and take the elevator to the plaza (PL) level. Numerous accessible parking spots are available around the central elevator column and near the east elevator bay.

Is it wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair-accessible except for just one (1) attraction—the Shark Bridge, which requires guests to walk independently across it. However, similar views and vantage points can be seen at Shark Tank for those who can't cross the bridge. Wheelchairs are also available from guest services at the entrance on a first come, first serve basis; please provide a valid photo ID for access.