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My favorite places in Cincinnati
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Impromtu Romantic Getaway for a Louisvillian…
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Newport Aquarium
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10 pm - 6 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
55 reviews for Newport Aquarium
55 reviews in English
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Review from Brian J.
Richmond, IN
2/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
I can't believe this was my first visit to the Aquarium. If you go on a Saturday afternooon as I did, be prepared for huge crowds. I checked out their website before we went, and it said strollers were not allowed during these hours, so we left ours in the car. However, when we went inside there were strollers everywhere! I guess they do not enforce that rule.
I had a great time, and most importantly my little girl had the time of her life. We will definitely be returning, and will probably purchase an annual pass when we do. -
Review from Patricia L.
Cincinnati, OH
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This week, my family took our bi-annual pilgrimage across the bridge to the Newport Aquarium.
It's an aquarium, and it's pretty big. It gets my 3-stars pretty much just for that. There are a variety of fish and sharks and frogs and turtles and...well, you get the picture. That part is pretty awesome.
So, why do we only go once every few years? Why can't I rate it higher?
It's expensive! Yes, I know that there are costs associated with upkeep, and yes, I know that this is the closest aquarium. However, having been to multiple zoos and aquariums across the country, the price here seems out of touch.
Let's put it into perspective. It's $74 for my family of four to got to the aquarium. That's before any parking, food, souvenirs, or other goodies. Just up the road, the Cincinnati Zoo-- which is larger, nationally renowned, and has been renovating at a ridiculous pace lately-- costs around half as much for us to go!
To make the blow of sticker shock worse, most of the aquarium is dark, drab, and a bit cramped, and unlike the zoo, it really doesn't seem like they are investing in making it any better. It's pretty much exactly the way I remember it from our last trip two years ago. I'm generally not cheap. I'm willing to pay a premium for a unique experience, especially one that pleases the whole family, but the Newport Aquarium just screams average to me. -
Review from Melanie K.
Louisville, KY
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gurgle..Gurgle..now I know why Sebastian sings Under the Sea!
Newport is a labyrinth of an aquarium that allows you to participate in a parade with penguins, pet sting rays, and look at the under belly of sharks!
My only compliant is that the Newport has so many cool things that it can feel a bit cramped in the display and travel areas. You could also lose kids pretty easily with all the twists and turns. About 3/4 of the way there is a food court that has pretty pricey snacks, so eat before you arrive.
My boyfriend took me to a tasting of Cincinnati here at night and it was beautiful. It was overly crowded for the space, but they seemed to fit all 50 vendors there. I wasn't actually to impressed with the event, but seeing all the fish and coral is truly something that should not be missed.
Yea, I know a lot of reviews think it is pricey and it is, but there are no aquariums like it in the KY OH area that I can think of. I am okay paying a higher price ticket so they can purchase enough fish food.
Four stars for under water awesomeness, minus one star for above ground inability to move. -
Review from Erin T.
Hamilton, OH
1/20/2012
Comparitively, to other aquariums, Newport is somewhat smaller. We don't have any (sigh) dolphin shows. But besides that, it is an incredibly beautiful, interactive, well maintained aquarium. The lighting and the mood of the entire building is calming and relaxed. It is a giant piece of eye candy, with its rainbow of fish from all over the world. The two highlights for me are the tunnels of glass (where you walk on glass and the ceiling is glass) submerging patrons amongst sting rays and various fish. It is stunning. The other highlight is the jellyfish room. You could sit there all day, under their jellyfish chandelier, and watch them till the aquarium closes.
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Review from Michael D.
Grove City, OH
1/18/2012
We enjoyed walking through the aquarium and seeing all the natural looking displays of various fish, from fresh water and salt water fish to large sharks, and unusual aquatic creatures. Although I thought the price was a little high, it was a good and enjoyable time. No food or drinks were allowed to be taken in, although they gladly offered their own cafe once inside. It was a little hard at times to see all the displays due to so many people crowding around, but that can only be expected. Just plan on taking your time and waiting to get up close to each display.
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Review from Susan L.
12/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
The Newport Aquarium is not a major Aquarium but it is a respectable Aquarium for its size. This area does not have the population to support a larger one, so it is the right size for this area. They have done a good job of it. Although it is easy to get lost in it. I typically only go for a benefit there each year, and I have gotten lost in there each time. It would be a great place to bring children of all ages, they could learn a lot from it. When I take the time to look at the exhibits, I learn a lot.
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Review from Brittany L.
Indianapolis, IN
9/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Beautiful displays, but it's SO expensive! Also, as a science person, I'm always disappointed that there isn't information on EVERY fish species in each aquarium. I love the touch tanks, especially the shark one. There are also shark rays here...I hope they successfully breed them! Another unique feature is that at the end you get to walk over the top of the giant shark display (with walk-through tunnels) to see the life support and lighting systems.
Beautiful surroundings on the levy though, you can really make a day of it. Lots of restaurants and other stuff to do before and after your time at the aquarium. A membership will pay for itself in 2 visits. Really easy parking in the garage there on the levy. -
Review from Arlene A.
6/20/2011
This is one cozy aquarium! Lots to see, but not a tremendous amount of space between exhibits,
Another peeve, and yes, I know every aquarium/zoo does this, the intentional herding of every patron into the revenue generating gift shops.
The BIG thumbs up for this place though, is the no strollers until 4pm. Yep, you betcha! Big fan. -
Review from Jessica K.
Cincinnati, OH
6/28/2011
I'm no fish biologist or aquarium connoisseur, but the Newport Aquarium gets a big, ol', well-deserved "meh!" from me.
First of all, it's not exactly a cheap ticket. For $22 dollars I expect a bit more than what I was given. Yes, there were lots of sea creatures and fun exhibits like the penguin area; however, the two times I've been to the aquarium took less than an hour and a half to see it all. I left without excitement or lots of things to chat about... I just felt like I lost an hour and a half of my life. For the same $22 I could see a 2 and a half hour movie down the plaza at AMC and probably would actually have an opinion of it afterwards!
A couple of years ago I went to the Monterrey Bay Aquarium and shelled out $30 for my ticket. I thought that was expensive at first, but I was abso-freaking-lutely blown away by what I experienced there *and* we spent at least 3 hours walking the huge facility to see all of the exhibits!
Boy, what a difference $8 makes...
Bottom line: when friends visit me in Cincinnati, the Newport Aquarium isn't on my "must show" list. -
Review from Brieanne S.
Cincinnati, OH
4/19/2011
Being an adult, I sometimes forget what it's like to be a kid at the aquarium....oh wait, no I don't because there are hundreds of them running around like wild animals at the Newport Aquarium to remind me. I know this is of no fault of the aquarium but really parents, control your kids in public.
This is one of the smallest, most cramped aquariums that I've ever been too. The walk ways are small. My feet were constantly getting run over by stroller wheels and trust me, it is not a pleasant feeling. If I'm paying over $20 to see an aquarium, I don't want to be being slammed into by people or strollers every other minute.
Call me harsh, but coming here on the weekend is in no way worth the trouble or money to see some fish swimming around. Maybe if you came on a Tuesday in the middle of the afternoon you could probably enjoy it but in all honestly, going there once was MORE than enough for me. I won't be wasting my money again.Listed in: That's a negative, ghost…
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Review from Donielle W.
Covington, KY
4/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been to the Newport Aquarium twice, both times it was with my family.
I had a good time, however it's not something I would want to do on my own. It was mostly enjoyable to see the kids reactions. Don't get me wrong, it was interesting for me as well to see all of the fish that I would normally never get to see... just not 22.00/adult worth of fun.
My favorite part was watching the penguins, and the jelly fish. They do have some pretty nice exhibits for kids. I think the frog exhibit was a nice addition. It's got like a McDonald's play place sort of thing with frogs in tanks in there and I believe it's like a maze to find the different frogs. I didn't really like the rain forest/ bird exhibit due to the fear of being pooped on, (The birds fly loose over your head.) I think the neatest exhibit is the shark petting. They have a bunch of small sharks (about 2-4 ft) in tanks that kids can reach in and pet .
Basically it's nice, just not as nice as the zoo with way less to offer and a lot more expensive. It is nice that it's indoors though. The last time I went, we were originally going to go to the zoo but it rained so we went here instead and that worked out nicely.
I'd definitely recommend going if you have kids. It's just not something I'd like to do regularly. -
Review from Kara K.
Columbus, OH
5/13/2011
Came here with my family one Saturday afternoon after a failed attempt at bowling at Star Lanes. I couldn't believe how expensive it was - nearly $20/person. It seems like they should give a discount as it gets closer to closing time. We were only a quarter way through the aquarium when an announcement was made that it was closing in an hour.
Even though we were rushed, it was cool. I personally don't like to touch fish or anything slimy, but there are sections of the aquarium where you can touch starfish & even sharks. The BF was a bit disappointed at their Mississippi River exhibit, but I think he was expecting to see much more fish.
Overall a fun place to spend the afternoon, just make sure you have lots of cash to do it & get there early. -
Review from Amy T.
Cincinnati, OH
6/23/2011
I made the grave error of bringing my dad here on Father's Day. Holy crap, was this place crowded. And while crowded can be okay in an open-air scene (like a zoo), it really sucks in a closed space in which you have to look through windows to see exhibits. If I were to go again, I would definitely avoid the weekends.
PROS: You can touch a shark(!), the penguin exhibit is very cool, and walking through the shark tunnel (or whatever it's called) is certainly an experience.
CONS: It IS expensive, very easily crowded, and if you've been to any of the world's larger aquariums, it can seem... lacking. -
Review from Ashley R.
Cincinnati, OH
2/24/2011
Okay, I may be a little biased because I absolutely LOVE fish, the ocean and aquariums, and this is the only one around BUT on the other hand I've been to a TON of aquariums, so maybe that makes me even more qualified to review!
Newport Aquarium is a fantastic aquarium! Not only do they have absolutely amazing exhibits, but they rehab animals and help promote readmission into the wild. They also help to breed fish and wildlife in danger of extinction.
Along with that you can tell their fish, animals and wild life are cared for and loved. The exhibits are not only beautiful and educational, but true to the needs of the animals that inhabit them. They have such a wide array of different types of ecosystems and fish and they do an amazing job of truly taking you all over the wonderful underwater world.
Another thing I love about the aquarium is, after going for years since it opened, I have been able to watch their fish and animals grow. I still look for a orange, black and white fish I named Phil when I come up to the tank before the big tank and am so happy to see him swimming in there, now 5 times the size he was when I first saw him.
And you simply can't beat the excitement of seeing Sweet Pea and Scooter--the two sharkrays that they are trying to breed. Also having watched them grow up they are such beautiful sea creatures you wouldn't get to see anywhere else--as they are two of very few in the entire world!
The staff are also great and really make the aquarium interactive. They are there to answer your questions and help explain the animals all while letting you touch them!
My husband loves the bird exhibit the most (I KNOW) and I like that it offers something for everyone, and another interactive component as well.
It's best to go during the week, as Saturday's get packed with families and strollers, or at night before they close. The season pass is ABSOLUTELY worth it and pays for itself in 2 visits. It also means you can pop in for the last hour or two they are open and speed through to the exhibits you want to see and not feel bad!
It's an absolute must for visitors and locals alike! You just can't beat the Newport Aquarium! -
Review from Angie A.
2/21/2011
If you want to take in an Aquarium, and are debating weather to drive to Shedds in Chicago or this one in Newport/Cinncy , having been to both I recommend Newport. Shedds is a gorgeous landmark building, one of the few left from the "white city" but the exhibits for the most part are extremely dated. Small tanks buried behind 6 inches of glass, w/ lines 10 ppl deep waiting to see what's behind them. Where as at Newport you walk threw glass tunnels and are surrounded by the enormous exhibit, no waiting/fighting for a look here.
As stated in previous reviews the admission fee is pretty steep, make sure you search for a coupon online to help a little with this. And there are always tons of kiddies. I always try to go on a Monday when school is in, (most schools don't schedule field trips on Mondays) to avoid as many kiddies as possible.
Also Newport on the Levy is a pretty groovy place to hang out. Lots of great restaurants, street performers on weekends and holidays are common here, and the views along the river are awesome. -
Review from Brad S.
9/16/2010 1 Check-in Here
My wife and I drove to Cincinnati from Columbus a few weeks ago for a quick weekend getaway, and decided upon the Newport Aquarium as one of the main stops on our mini-vacation. We weren't disappointed, as the aquarium provided us with a couple hours' worth of great entertainment and the opportunity to marvel at some amazing creatures. We especially enjoyed the large theater with great views of sharks, rays, and the resident giant tortoise (apologies - I forget his name), as well as the aviary (watch for falling poop!), in which I got up close and personal with a toucan (I think).
Highly recommended, although it is a little pricey and you can get through the exhibits fairly quickly (you can see pretty much everything here, walking at a leisurely pace, in about 2 hours.)
Pros:
-Great exhibits, easy to follow route through all of the displays (with very cool tanks that extend over your head, virtually immersing you in the exhibit)
-Super-duper variety of creatures, from sharks to jellyfish
-Hands-on opportunities with the sharks (although some idiots didn't get the memo about petting the sharks with 2 fingers only, thus scaring them away)
-Very extensive gift shop
-Squeaky clean, and the critters seem to be taken well care of
-Knowledgeable staff
Cons:
-Admission is almost cost-prohibitive at a whopping $22 per person. (I realize a portion of this helps care for the animals, but for a few bucks more, you could spend a day at Cedar Point. Sheesh.)
-TONS of kids. Of course, I love kids as much as anyone, but there's just so damn many of them. Makes it hard to focus on exhibits when an ankle-biter cuts in front of you every 30 seconds.
-A couple of the exhibits are useless to adults (Frog Bog and the Great White Shark "ride" with the vibrating floor). -
Review from Eleanor L.
Henderson, NV
11/15/2010 4 photos
I sometimes forget I'm an adult and aquariums don't excite me as they use to. I had just been to the San Francisco Academy of Science and I must have filled my quota for aquariums because I wasn't engaged in my experience as I had been in SF. Don't get my wrong I had fun but I wasn't excited or felt fulfilled after I was done. There were only a few exhibits where I freaked out and had to take tons of pictures. The alligator snapping turtles was huge and I loved him! The octopus was cool.
As aquariums go this one was good. I wish I had pet a shark though. I chicken out... yes they have a petting tank for sharks. -
Review from alexa s.
Jersey City, NJ
9/7/2010
This is perhaps an unfair feedback, but I believe still noteworthy, especially with this economy.
The $22.00 per person and no senior or student discount kept us from seeking admission.
My husband, my grandma, and I decided to use our monies on food instead. We spent the afternoon window shopping, taking pictures at river, listening to the live band, and watching the various live entertainers. All of which, we got for free. -
Review from Richard B.
Akron, OH
8/15/2011
The aquarium itself is quite nice, If you are over 12 and enjoy a pleasant reasonably well done aquarium or museum stroll I have but one critical piece of advice avoid the days when it appears as thoiugh free admission has been given to obnoxious chilldren. That appears to have been the case the day I went there (A weekend in summer). I suggest a weekday in February. Having limitless snot- riddled 5 year olds running around jumping on one's feet bumping one and smearing viewing ports with mucus-covered hands is not a fun thing . It becomes proportionately less appealing when one has paid forty bucks for the privilege. REMEMBER MID-WEEK in WINTER! 'Nuff said!
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Review from Fen Z.
2/13/2009 1 photo
Newport Aquarium is probably as good as it gets (not to mention as close as it gets) for an indoor aquarium when living in the Midwest. And judging from my 2-star rating, it clearly isn't all that stellar of a city attraction. However, for $20 a pop, it's a-okay I suppose.
Now, to clarify any misconceptions future goers may have, the aquarium itself is not all that big. Despite the self-guided/self-paced tour, my family and I managed to finish seeing the entire place within an hour. With the exception of the underwater aquarium section, I didn't find the other exhibits to be all that impressive. By that, I mean a family of penguins to my left and parrots to my right. Whoop-de-doo! Seriously, if you've never seen the aforementioned birds at least a hundred times before in your life, then I'd suggest you break out of whatever shell you've been living in. Pronto.
I'd also suggest grabbing food anywhere BUT the Levee, unless of course, you feel the need to shell out $20 for a Johnny Rockets meal -- in which case, it would be put to better use when donated to the FenZ Foundation ;) -
Review from Eric M.
5/10/2011
This is one of the best aquariums I've ever been to. The giant collection of fish to see as well as the many walkthroughs where the fish swim above and below you are awesome. The giant aquarium near the end is a perfect finale with large sharks, tortoise, and sting rays. The easy to follow path also pleases my Type A personality.
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Review from Michele D.
Sterling, VA
5/30/2009 5 photos
I'm someone that visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium so many times that I thought no other place could compare.
The Newport Aquarium is a pleasant surprise because it's well thought out, there is an awful lot packed into the space they occupy, and the information plaques and banners provide a wealth of information about the fish on display.
Highlights for me included the jellyfish (what is it about them that seems so peaceful?), the sharks, the shark petting pools, the penguins and finally, the otters. Now, there are no otters that can compare to Monterey's exhibit (that I've come across thus far), but the fun little guys that Newport has are a pure joy to watch. If you can't break a smile while watching these guys play you probably are in need of a serious mental overhaul, because they are absolutely adorable when they play together.
I've always found aquariums to be very relaxing and love how they provide a great mental get away. If you're looking to relax, learn something about aquatic life, and smile at least ten times in doing it, you should stop by here if you're in town.Listed in: So you're headin' to…
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Review from Doug C.
8/28/2009 5 photos
The Aquarium is a nice addition to the Cincinnati area. As you might expect, there's a wide variety of fishes; enough to inspire you to set up your own home aquarium. Just you won't be able to find the exotic and colorful fishes that you will see here (unless you start dyeing your goldfish).
The set-up is mostly different fishes at the beginning with plaques on the wall describing and showing the fishes in the display. Many of the exhibits are set up based on a geographical system (e.g. fishes found in the Congo river), although there are a few which appear to be potpourri. Several of the tunnels are pure glass which creates a cool effect surrounded on all four sides (ceiling, floor, sidewalls) by aquatic life. Some of the stingrays are spectacular in this setting.
The displays are more varied near the end of the exhibit. There's a small aviary, shark petting tank (seriously) and penguin exhibit. The jellyfish display is far more interesting than you'd think and you can even walk by the shark holding tank and watch the volunteers feed the sharks.
The price is a little bit steep at $20, although there's a discount for kids under 12 and kids under 2 are free (I asked to be priced based on my emotional age, but that excuse didn't fly). I saw some of the reviews commenting on bad parking, but we saw several lots (and parked in one of them) within a few blocks of the aquarium that were charging $1 for all day parking. -
Review from SeLLe A.
Chicago, IL
10/7/2009 8 photos
Really late review.
I wasn't expecting a lot and I sure didn't get a lot. Admission fee was not worth it, I don't think you get what you pay for. I did enjoy their Jellyfish section I (love jellyfish!) and they have an open netted area so birds can fly freely and you can feed them too. Just watch your head if you don't want those birds to poop on you. *someone actually got pooped on so watch out!*
Overall, place is clean and small and maybe its better for little kids because everything seems to amaze them =PListed in: No Thank You!
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Review from Angela N.
Scottsdale, AZ
4/27/2009
My view of this place is skewed because I had friends that worked there, I know that's why it rates so high even against something like Monterrey. The aquarium is thoughtfully designed and the information about the fishes is well done. The husbandry staff work hard to make it a fun experience for everyone and they care a lot about the animals and guests alike.
The location is nice since it's on the levee there are things to do after or before, but plan it out in advance so you are prepared as to what you might spend on parking and all activities.Listed in: Water worlds
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Review from Karina M.
4/6/2008 1 Check-in Here
For the price of admission, I guess I was expecting more from the Aquarium. I can't say I necessarily felt disappointed, but I definitely didn't leave feeling enthusiastic for my next return. I think the Aquarium is fun activity for a rainy day or when the Cincinnati Zoo is closed, but it also tends to leave me feeling claustrophobic and worn out from navigating the crowd.
A few words of caution for parents with young children: strollers are prohibited during peak periods. If you bring your stroller, you will have to check it at Guest Relations or return it to your car and use a free child carrier. Also, the Aquarium was cunningly designed so that you must exit through the gift shop, which resounds with echoes of "I want! I want! I want!" -
Review from Katy M.
Indianapolis, IN
Updated - 6/24/2009
We went again recently and I am up in the air about this aquarium. The price went up again, it's now $20 per adult. I ended up buying memberships because they're $38, so one more trip and they're paid for.
Most of my original complaints still stand, but the newer additions help. The new Jellyfish gallery is wonderful! The frog bog is pretty cool too.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/14/2008
When Newport Aquarium opened it was amazing! Over the years all the things I loved about it have… Read more »
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Review from Amanda C.
7/15/2008 2 photos
My husband and I love going to the Newport Aquarium. If you arrive as they open, you can see the "Penguin Parade" outside the front entrance. It's really just a penguin in a wagon, but where else can you get a foot away from a penguin for free?
The exhibits are fascinating, although challenging to get pictures of. It's pretty dark in there. Spend some quality time in the jellyfish room watching the jellyfish swim around as they are eerily illuminated. The river otters and lorikeets are always fun to watch, too. Petting a shark may sound like something just for kids, but roll up your sleeves and try it anyway! They feel rough and velvety at the same time.
We bought season tickets this year. There's tons to see, and it's really fun. I want to go back and spend more time in the Frog Bog. -
Review from Alexandra K.
Cincinnati, OH
5/24/2008 1 Check-in Here
The Newport Aquarium is one of the newer museums on Cincinnati's riverfront. That is, if you can call it a museum. I don't think that it lives up to the caliber of other local attractions.
If you've got kids, this is a great place to go, they'll love it. What kid wouldn't? However, for adults, it may just not be as enjoyable. The aquarium is set up in such a manner that it is somewhat of a walk through. There isn't just open space you can wander about, it's mostly a guided path through the exhibits. I went soon after it opened a while ago, so there was still a bunch of hype and the place was really crowded. On top of that, because of the walk-through nature, you had to wait until they let each bunch of people start the journey.
Despite the annoying crowds and, did I mention the ridiculous high prices, there are two pretty cool exhibits. The alligator turtle is really neat. It is one of the biggest around. Those things live much longer than humans and get become the size of a house. The second cool thing is the tank they have that you can walk under in this neat tube where the glass and water are all around you. You feel like you're swimming with the sharks! -
Review from Karen W.
9/7/2009
My fiance and I drove down to Newport from Columbus today to check out the Newport Aquarium. Let me just say that it was more than what I expected. Yeah, I've been to other aquariums before, but this one was really neat. You didnt get pushed through the exhibit by a tour guide, you were able to go t hrough it at your own leisure. The only thing I didnt like about it was all the kids that were there today. Today is Labor Day and everyone brought their kids to the aquarium. A few kids decided to scream at the top of their lungs at times. Enough to pierce your ears! We found $2 discount coupons on the aquarium's website, so we used that too. (Every little bit helps!)
It was definitely worth the $18 to see the aquarium. We will suggest this to our family and go back again. This was definitely a good venue to visit and spend hours there. -
Review from Tim D.
1/29/2011
This place, on my list of "Obvious yet a bit costly", is a brilliant youth group location for mere educational purposes alone. The staff on hand is always engaging, informative and friendly. The tanks and rooms are simply breathtaking and the interactive activities are wonderful. If budget allows, enjoy..!!
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Review from Jennifer H.
New York, NY
7/20/2007
The Newport Aquarium is a welcome addition to Cincinnati. They have one of the country's best zoos, they might as well have a rockin' aquarium to match. There are space issues, but for the most part, the exhibits don't dissapoint, especially for young ones (or young at heart ones, like myself). There are opportunities to touch sharks and rays and get more involved in the exhibits and I love the "tubes" you walk through where you feel like you're walking underwater. Also, there is a stroller ban that J.G. mentioned, but they have specific stroller hours during the day. And as someone who happened to be there both during stroller ban and when strollers were allowed, I think it's a great policy. Things got way too crowded with the strollers and it hindered the ability of little kids who are mobile to get around and see stuff.
All that said...18 dollars? Seriously?? -
Review from Dan J.
College Hill, OH
10/25/2008
Newport Aquarium sits just off the main part of Newport on the Levee and is host to a number of sea creatures just waiting for you to look at them.
I mean, what choice do they have?
There are fish and sharks and the usual gang, but there is a really great Penguin exhibit. As mentioned early in the mornings they sometimes have a Penguin Parade that kids absolutely love. If you are obsessed with sea creatures season passes could be worth it, but a one time admission (preferably with a coupon; it's a little pricey) will give you more than enough time to see everything. -
Review from Katie K.
Brooklyn, NY
1/12/2009
I went while I was visiting family in Cincy for the holidays. The price of admission is a little much and can imagine that it steers people away. The staff is really friendly but after laying down some big bucks for admission, the first you are greeted with is someone offering to take your picture (that they'll inevitably try to make you purchase upon your exit).
The setup is nice and the aquatic life is incredible. I think I had more fun watching my 16-month old niece get excited and run all over the place.
It was a fluke, but we ended up going at the perfect time. We got there around 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon...nobody else was there! It was awesome to have the whole place to ourselves. -
Review from Stacy C.
Chicago, IL
7/22/2009
I live in Chicago and sadly haven't even been to our own aquarium since I was a child, but my boyfriend and I went to the Newport Aquarium while we were visiting his family in Kentucky and let me tell you, it was awesome!
Sure, the place isn't huge and sure some of the exhibits are a little lackluster, but it's great for the money and the overhead shark exhibit and getting to pet the little sharks is probably worth the visit alone.
Our visit was well over a year ago, but I actually got on here to write this review because I was considering going back on our next trip down to Kentucky. I miss the sharks! I also read they have penguin petting as well AND a penguin parade. I am a huge penguin fan, so I think we're going to shell out the extra $25 to pet a penguin and get to see one up close and personal. -
Review from Davida G.
Cincinnati, OH
4/18/2009
The Annual Membership is the way to go. If you're concerned about prices, I believe the Aquarium has late-afternoon half-prices... and you'll still have plenty of time, particularly since there are no crowds.
I would not recommend the Aquarium for somebody visiting Cincinnati on a 2-day trip. However, it's great for a local family who want to get the kids out of the house for a few hours on a rainy/snowy day. The parking is very close to the entrance (I recommend driving one flight UP when you pull into the parking garage.) Because of the location and small scale, our family visits probably 10-20 times each year.
Strollers are allowed on non-summer weekdays, but not on weekends or during the summer months. So plan accordingly. The good news is that it's not a lot of walking, so a toddler/pre-schooler can make it on foot A-OK.
It can feel cold through most of the exhibits, so be sure to bring a sweater with you in the summer months.
The small sea creatures are not as varied and interesting as they were when the Zoo first opened. The Aquarium seems to have dumped its resources into cheaper baby sharks and the big animals... and admittedly some favorites... octopus (usually hiding in the corner), phiranas (spelling?), alligator snapping turtle, jellyfish (exhibit frequently closed - what's the deal?), the penguins, and of course the shark tunnel. The tank descriptions are frequently poor, so I don't usually learn as much as I do from a Cincinnati Zoo exhibit. Just don't forget to take a right at the end of the shark tunnel to see the creepy Moray eel who is frequently snuggled in the rocks.
And forgive me for judging restrooms, but they can really destroy a trip for a mother with young children. The restrooms here are WAAAY better than the Cincinnati Zoo's.... lots of them, clean, soap dispensers that work, changing tables with space. The only downside is that the toilets are very hard to flush due to low water pressure. Go figure!
I personally like the Frog Bog. My kids can burn some energy, and it's a great replacement of the ridiculous plastic Step 1 playground stuff they used to have.
But I hate and despise the Otters and Lorikeets. The room is smelly and humid, the otters are few in number (they rotate in different otter families to prevent otter brawls), and the Lorikeets pee and poop... as animals do! A Lorikeet peed on my daughter's hand (who was simply walking through), and now we thankfully avoid the whole area.
The gift shop is a hell that the Aquarium invited on itself by forcing everybody to walk through it to exit. So quite frankly, I have no guilt when my kids drag out all the stuffed animals all over the floor. The incentive to keep them moving is to remind them of the make-a-wish whale pond at the entrance (so make sure to have a few pennies with you).
The food is awful. So bring your own or just pony it up for the upscale Brio by the fountain. Johnny Rockets is almost as expensive, so you might as well get a nice atmosphere and decent food (and a martini for yourself!). -
Review from Sean B.
New London, CT
7/10/2007 3 photos
The Newport Aquarium is a very nice aquarium and the area is fortunate to have it. It's great place to take out-of-town visitors and spend a couple of hours before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants at Newport on the Levee or at the Hofbrauhaus across the street. Home to the only pair of shark rays in North America, Newport Aquarium is definitely worth a visit for families with kids.
So why only three stars?
First, while the Newport Aquarium is nice, it doesn't measure up to some of the other aquariums across the country, such as the Monterey Bay, Georgia, or Shedd (Chicago) aquariums, which I would rate 4 or 5 stars.
Second, the value. There are many places to spend my entertainment dollar and while $17.95 is cheaper than the admission to other national aquariums, it's not cheaper than the Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati Museum Center, or Cincinnati Art Museum (FREE!). To be fair, it is cheaper than the Creationist Museum. If you are planning a visit and think you may return, I would recommend getting the Annual Pass, which is equal to 2 visits. (Or better yet, check your copy of the Entertainment Book and you might find a 2 for 1 coupon.)
Finally, the space. Many of the aforementioned aquariums do a beautiful job of using the surrounding environment to create light, open, and comfortable space. For example, Shedd Aquarium juts out over Lake Michigan so it feels like the aquarium is simply an extension of the lake. Newport Aquarium is perched right over the majestic Ohio River yet completely ignores it. Visitors descend an escalator into an underground world that is dark, cramped, and jumbled. To get to the shark petting pool, one of the most popular areas of the aquarium, you first have to navigate through the cafeteria. The summer exhibit, Shark Alley, is aptly named. Stay away from the line that snakes through here for the virtual Shark Tank; you'll thank me later. Agoraphobes and claustrophobes should avoid this place at all costs on the weekends, lest they want to jump into a giant bowl of cuckoo for cocoa puffs. Although the staff makes a valiant effort to space out entrance times, this aquarium is not designed for lingering crowds. -
Review from Jason B.
Batavia, OH
8/12/2010
Once a city reaches a particular size, there are certain amenities that are to be expected. A professional sports franchise. Certain public services such as rail or bussing. And of course attractions, such as zoos, museums, and perhaps an aquarium. Cincinnati is just big enough to have that last one...although technically the aquarium is located right across the river in Newport, KY.
Given that Cincinnati isn't a fairly large metropolis, the aquarium is roughly the size one would expect it to be. It looks gigantic from the outside, but looks can be deceiving. Upon entering you notice the large ceiling (which takes up most of the space on the top floor) where large models of various ocean life are hanging. After heading downstairs to the actual attraction, then you get to see first-hand how quaint this aquarium really is.
Enter World Rivers, the first exhibit which showcases a number of specimens from various rivers throughout the world. There isn't all that much to see at this spot, so continue to the next exhibit, Shore Gallery. In addition to tanks featuring more exotic fish, you can actually feel some of the specimens (mostly star fish and horseshow crabs) in the Touch Pool.
From here pop into the theater for a quick show. The theater is actually a giant glass panel that allows the audience to see a different angle of the Surrounded By Sharks section (more on that later). I highly recommend taking time out to see whatever show is being presented (it will sometimes change depending upon the time of year, specifically a season or holiday). No matter which show you see it's sure to be both entertaining and educational.
After leaving the theater step into Bizarre and Beautiful, or as I say the "Goofy-Looking-Fish" section. This leads you directly into the Dangerous and Deadly section. Poisonous snakes, frogs, fish, plus electric eels, and piranhas are just some of the animals featured here.
Next there's a section with a bunch of turtles, before you end up in the Ohio Riverbank, featuring some of the local wildlife that can be located right outside the aquarium. I'm just thankful they didn't include the Ohio River smell in the Ohio Riverbank exhibit. Next you'll cross a little bridge with gators on your right, gators on your left, and even gators underneath (the bottom of the bridge is made up of thick glass that allows you to see through).
The Frog Bog is next, and is actually a combination kids play area and frog exhibit. Whenever we take our kids the wife and I sit for a bit and let the kids just kind of run loose before heading over to the Hidden Rainforest, which is a decent recreation of what the actual rainforest looks like. Well, at least a decent recreation of what the rainforest looks like on television and the movies. Although I have to admit, I didn't realize there were so many otters in the rainforest. You'll next move into the Amazon Flooded Rainforest section, where you can experience what it would be like to walk under the Amazon during the flooded season. This leads into the Coral Reef section, which, like the previous section, is supposed to make you feel as if you're walking beneath the waters. This is accomplished as the walls and ceilings are actually glass. You'll pop into a small Jellyfish Gallery featuring...you guessed it, jellyfish. This is actually my favorite spot in the entire aquarium. It's quiet, dark, peaceful, just a nice place to sit, relax and enjoy the exhibit. The next section is undoubtedly what the aquarium is best known for. Surrounded by Sharks. Like the Flooded Amazon and Coral Reef displays, you're actually walking inside the shark tank (which includes numerous other ocean life as well). It's definitely impressive.
After leaving this area you come to one of the more poorly designed areas of the aquarium. You can walk by Shark Central (where you can actually pet smaller shark species), before continuing on to the Kingdom of Penguins. Then you have to turn around, walk past Shark Central again where you can either grab a bite to eat at Sharky's Café or head right up to the gift shop before exiting.
You can actually go through the aquarium within a couple of hours. It's a bit small and during the peak summer hours, crowded to the point of infuriating. In fact, during the summer, strollers are prohibited until after 4:00 p.m. The cost of admission is insanely overpriced for a single visit. However, it's a great place to take the kids, because when it comes to aquariums, kids don't know the difference between a great one, a good one, and a mediocre one. So if you do want to take the kiddies, I would actually recommend buying the annual pass. Two visits and it's paid for. It's actually a pretty good deal.
The Newport Aquarium is a pretty decent spot. I've seen far better, but believe me, I've seen far worse. Great for the kids, and that's always a winner.
Mahalo, and enjoy. -
Review from Norton L.
Shoreview, MN
7/16/2008
[This is part of a set of reviews covering establishments my family and I encountered while taking a road trip to Cincinnati.]
The previous reviewers have covered the aquarium well. I concur with many of the comments posted so far: walk through, good for kids, can be cramped, expensive.
The first part of the walk through was poorly done. Very few of the exhibit signs describing the fist described the actual fish in the tanks.
The picture and description of the oarfish was pretty cool, but was on a wall that your back was to when you walked through. Easily missed.
The alligator exhibit was cool with the glass in the walkway so you can see them swim by. It was funny to watch everyone walk around the glass.
I thought being able to put starfish, horseshoe crab, and sharks was pretty cool. I had never felt a shark before.
One of the coolest things, though, was the dive show in the theater. *** Spoiler alert *** We went in expecting a movie about the different species at the aquarium and how they go about taking care of them. But after the introduction, the screen moved up and it was a live diver in the tank! She did her spiel and we got to ask her questions. It was VERY cool. When the screen went up, there were all these oohs and aahs and talking amongst the audience. Unfortunately, the speakers she was broadcast on was quite soft and nobody knew the diver was actually talking for the first few minutes. The person doing the introduction didn't do a good job of pointing out that the diver would actually be speaking. I realize they wanted it to be a surprise (and it was), but I'm sure there would have been a way to keep everyone hushed so we could hear what the diver was saying. Very cool show, though. ******
Overall, I'm not sure I'd come back. The cool elements didn't keep me interested enough to pay the exorbitant entrance fee, even with our membership discount from my sister-in-law. We saved $2/ticket. Woohoo! -
Review from Angela B.
West Chester, OH
5/1/2008
For all those who have been putting off checking out the Newport Aquarium because of the price...$19 a head (adults) is quite a bit to stomach for an attraction that is only slightly more impressive than checking out the Manatee exhibit at the zoo; I recently heard that area Bob Evan's Restaurants are doing some kind of promotion that gives a free child's admission with every kid's meal purchased. I went to Bob's website to try to confirm this after hearing it advertised on the radio but couldn't find anything about it, so you might want to ask your waiter/waitress on your next visit!
A few words on the aquarium itself:
1. It's pretty small, meaning there are lots of small spaces. This isn't a problem on weekdays when the aquarium is almost entirely empty, but if you try to visit on a weekend (especially a rainy one) be prepared to be pushed and prodded throughout your entire visit.
2. It's not really that exciting. As other reviewers have mentioned, Newport Aquarium is not even in the same league as the Midwest's real great aquarium (Shedd's). I also wish they had more hands-on exhibits, but not everyone can be Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies (if you ever get the chance to go to a Ripley's Aquarium, just do it, I don't care how touristy it is...they can pull of some pretty cool stuff).
3. The Otter exhibit smells. Bad. I really want to love the little things, they're adorable, but ewwwwwwww.
4. Eat before you go...if you get hungry half-way through your visit your only option is the aquarium's cafe that charges exorbitant prices on crappy fast food.
5. The gator exhibit is cool! The reptiles are not in cages of any kind, they just hang out in the water beneath a little wooden bridge that guests can walk over. They were probably my favorite exhibit.
