We try to take a mini-trip over Labor Day weekend and in 2008 it was down to Kentucky to the Newport Aquarium. Newport is located across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s a great destination to pair with many of the family activity venues in and around Cincinnati. We decided to stick to the aquarium for this trip, however. It is about a two-hour drive from our home which is northeast of Indianapolis. It was a great day trip. Our favorite thing was the viewing tunnels which were surrounded by water. We also like the otters, they were very cute. Be sure to get a photo of your family in the big shark mouth! Here’s some info to help you have a great trip to the Newport Aquarium.
View of Cincinnati from Newport Aquarium
Hours: Newport Aquarium is open 365 days a year. From Memorial Day through Labor day the hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The rest of the year the hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Admission: Admission is $22 for adults and $15 for children ages 2-12. Children under age 2 are admitted free of charge. You can purchase your tickets online. You can also purchase tickets over the phone ahead of time. This option is not available the day of your visit. If you live closer, you might be interested in annual passes. For more information, visit newportaquarium. com.
Strollers: Strollers are admitted daily except for those days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Between those dates they are only allowed after 4:30 p.m.
Dining: Sharky’s Cafe offers hot soft pretzels, whole or sliced pizza and fresh made sandwiches. The menu also includes a variety of kid’s meals and combos. We chose to visit the shopping area — Newport on the Levee — just outside the aquarium and ended up eating at Johnny Rockets. You’ll also an find AMC Theater, Barnes & Noble, Cold Stone Creamery and much more!
Here are some of the exhibits you will find in the aquarium….
Surround Yourself with Sharks at the Newport Aquarium
Surrounded by Sharks: Only 2.5 inches of acrylic separates you from sharks, stingrays and more! Watch for Sweet Pea and Scooter — stars of the world’s first Shark Ray breeding program pioneered at the Newport Aquarium. We really loved this!
Jellyfish Exhibit: Newport Aquarium boasts the largest, coolest jellyfish exhibit in the Midwest. You’ll be mesmerized and amazed by nearly a hundred jellyfish representing a variety of exotic species, a giant, 360-degree tank and three new see-through tanks you can walk around.
Frog Bog: See over 20 species of the coolest frogs on the planet. In this interactive exhibit, you can create frog music, play frog games and learn about frogs. Kids will enjoy climbing through tunnels, crawling through tubes and sliding down slides. Note of caution: This is a very busy area and it often hard to keep an eye on your child(ren). I recommend having at least two adults on hand — one to monitor the entrance and one the exit.
Hamming it up at the Newport Aquarium.
Shark Central: Touch a shark! You can experience first hand how if feels to touch a shark. This is very cool, but not new to us and the Indianapolis Zoo also has a shark petting area.
Hidden Treasures of the Rainforest Islands: Endangered Asian small-clawed otters, Burmese pythons and lorikeets reside in a humid rainforest. At the Newport Aquarium, you get to step into one of the most rich and diverse habitats on earth. See the otters entertain in their one-of-a-kind stomping ground, complete with plant life, rockwork and waterfall.
Kingdom of Penguins: Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins jump and splash in the cold water. Arrive early and participate in the Penguin Parade which is part of the daily Grand Opening festivities. One lucky child is selected to lead the parade!
You will also find many tanks filled with fish and creatures from the rain forest to the bayou to the Ohio river bank and everywhere in between.
Have fun in Newport, Kentucky!
