Just across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati, the Newport Aquarium is the region's favorite rainy-day outing and one of the most popular family attractions in the Midwest. It sits at Newport on the Levee, the riverfront entertainment complex in Newport, Kentucky, and the aquarium describes itself as about two minutes from downtown Cincinnati. Inside, a series of galleries and acrylic tunnels takes you through freshwater and saltwater worlds: the all-new Coral Reef Tunnel, Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels, Ring of Fire: World of the Octopus, jellies, seahorses, Gator Alley and Stingray Hideaway, where you can touch the rays. The headline thrill is Shark Bridge, a swaying rope bridge strung just above the sharks, included with general admission. Penguin Palooza shows off the African penguins, and the aquarium now has young Orinoco crocodiles on show. This page links to the aquarium's own admission ticket on Viator, which adds a ten-dollar gift shop credit.
Tickets and timed entry: general admission and annual passholders use timed entry, so you pick an arrival time when you buy, and the aquarium uses plan-ahead pricing, which means booking earlier is cheaper and prices can rise on busy days. Adult tickets start in the mid-twenties in dollars, with a child discount. The Viator ticket linked here is supplied by the aquarium itself, includes the ten-dollar gift shop credit and can be cancelled for a full refund up to 24 hours ahead. Add-ons such as Penguin Encounters, where you step into the penguin habitat, cost extra and sell out.
Hours: the aquarium opens every day of the week in most seasons, but its exact daily hours are set by a calendar on its website rather than fixed times, so check the date you plan to visit, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Weekday mornings outside school holidays are the calmest times; Saturday afternoons are the busiest.
Getting there and around: the address is 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, Kentucky, reached from Interstates 71, 75 and 471, with garage parking at Newport on the Levee. From downtown hotels it is a short drive or rideshare, or a walk over the Purple People Bridge, which reopened in June 2026. Allow two to three hours. The building is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and the riverboat landing for sightseeing cruises is a few minutes away on foot.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk through galleries and underwater tunnels, with the Shark Bridge, touch pools and optional animal encounters.
Best time
A weekday morning outside school holidays, booked early for the lowest timed-entry price.
How long
Two to three hours for most families.
Tips
Book your timed entry in advance, check the daily hours on the aquarium calendar and reserve Penguin Encounters early if you want one.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families with children and anyone looking for an indoor afternoon by the river.
- Families
- Shark Bridge, the stingray touch pool and the penguins make this the top pick for young children.
- Couples
- A relaxed afternoon in the tunnels, followed by dinner and the skyline view on the Newport riverfront.
- Pair with
- A sightseeing cruise from the nearby BB Riverboats landing and the zoo's Festival of Lights.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Do I need timed tickets for the Newport Aquarium?+
Yes, general admission uses timed entry, so you choose an arrival time when you buy. Booking earlier is usually cheaper.
Is Shark Bridge included in admission?+
Yes, Shark Bridge is included with general admission. Penguin Encounters are an extra paid experience.
How far is the Newport Aquarium from downtown Cincinnati?+
It is just across the Ohio River, about two minutes by car from downtown. You can also walk over the Purple People Bridge.
What are the Newport Aquarium hours?+
Hours vary through the year and are listed on the aquarium calendar. Check your date before you go, especially around holidays.
How long does a visit take?+
Most visitors spend two to three hours. Add time if you have booked an animal encounter.
