- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Newport Aquarium
Rating Details »
Categories: Amusement Parks, Local Flavor, Aquariums [Edit]
1 Aquarium WayNewport, KY 41071
(859) 261-7444
- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 10:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
30 reviews for Newport Aquarium
For photos and complete blog post, visit:
http://www.mcginty.us/...
I was happy to find that the aquarium was part of a complex of movie theaters, restaurants, and shops. Parking was easy - and partially validated if you see a movie.
When you first enter the aquarium, you descend via an escalator which makes you feel like you are actually going under water. Along with the huge, impressive shark tanks are smaller, more specialized habitats for not only fish but amphibians, crabs, snakes, birds and muskrats.
One of my favorites was the Jellyfish room, where they had several species. I visited over Halloween weekend so I also got to witness a diver carving a pumpkin underwater. They also do something with Santa for Christmas. The kids seemed to love it. Well worth the $20 admission price.
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 =P
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
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.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (2)
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.
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.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Cool (5)
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.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
8/14/2008
When Newport Aquarium opened it was amazing! Over the years all the things I loved about it have… Read more »
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.
I went to the aquarium last weekend with my family. I think it's a very nice facility and the only aquarium that I enjoyed more was in Chicago. I must recommend to go during the week. The place was packed on a Saturday and everyone brought their little kids making it hard to see the aquariums. I especially enjoyed the crocodiles, penguins, sharks, and jellyfish. I pet my first shark and enjoyed watching the beautiful jellyfish swim. It's a fun activity and a great attraction in the Cincinnati area.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
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.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I'm not sure what my review can add that others haven't said, but in order to save my boyfriend's ears from bleeding from my screeching I thought I might as well type it on here.
To be fair we went on a holiday so it was pretty crowded when we arrived. Neither of us deals particularly well with crowds especially the bang on the glass an call things ugly variety. One nice thing was the place totally cleared out around 6 so from then on it was almost like having the place to ourselves.
The good things were the ability to pet sharks, horseshoe crabs, and sea stars. Otters provided several minutes of entertainment as well. There were some pretty cool fish here, especially the sharkrays. I do like the tunnels where you can be surrounded by fish, but unfortunately it seems to promote people standing in the middle and blocking traffic rather than staying to the sides. A variety of turtles can be viewed throughout the aquarium, including a gigantic snapping turtle.
Ok, here comes the bad, my number one issue was the lack of interpretation. There are signs for some animals and not for others, signs were missing, or difficult to find such as being on one side of a tank, but not on another. I thought the Jellyfish exhibit was really really beautiful, but I had so many questions about them and there were no, I mean not one sign regarding them. I expect to learn things when I go to an aquarium/museum/zoo and I was disappointed with the Jellyfish. Additionally I kept seeing seahorse graphics around, but could never actually find any seahorses. And in a final WTF moment there was an owl there.
I think it's a once every couple years visit, but I sure wish they would use some of their exhorbitant admission price on more signage.
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 ;)
People thought this was:
- Useful (10)
- Funny (9)
- Cool (9)
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.
I love coming here to check out the attractions. They are great! If you are interested in aquatic life then you should definitely stop by this place. This is so much better than a majority of the aquariums out there, plus those spider crabs are crazy looking alive. I will definitely return in the future
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.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
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.
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!"
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Its been awhile since I went, but this is an awesome place. The price is a little high,and the parking sucks, but its worth the trip for the little ones. I loved the "tube tunnels"" that you have to walk through. It took longer to get here then to go through it all. Doubt I ever go again.
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!
Admission is fairly expensive, but I think it's interesting and nice enough to visit once a year or so. It's one of my favorite places to take out-of-town guests, especially during the winter when it's too cold to go to the zoo.
[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!
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
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??
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.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
It is pretty expensive for what it is...not near as much fun as the zoo but double the price. But for a 5 year old - it was great fun. I would NOT recommend going "just" for the frogbog - I thought it was a non-event. Fun time - but probably wouldn't go again unless had another set of kids to take.
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.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
pretty and cool aquarium.
Maybe it's because i wasn't from the area and where i come from our "aquarium" is the penguin exhibit or reptile house at the zoo ... but i loved it. i thought it wasn't outrageously expensive there there was a lot to see. we spent a few hours here and had a great time!
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
This place smells like fish... Its actually pretty decent for being in Kentucky though - I mean, its no Shedd or Monterey aquarium, but for a few thousand dollars they'll let you have your wedding reception in a room surrounded by a shark tank and give your guests private reign of the place for a couple hours.
Located in a rather large entertainment and shopping complex across from downtown, Cincinnati, the city's aquarium is pretty impressive and worth visiting at least once or twice if you can look past the ticket prices. If you have children and want to go more often, the yearly passes are a pretty good deal. Unless you can plan a visit during slow hours, expect to shuffle in a line behind families with strollers. It can dampen the overall effect of many of the exhibits. My favorite visit was when the entire aquarium was rented during a late night company Christmas party. We were able to wander where we wanted and the main exhibits were accessible and not at all crowded. In the rain-forest exhibit the keepers were feeding the otters which was fun to watch. When well stocked, the jellyfish room is my favorite. It's relaxing to watch the movements of creatures that seem to come from another world, set in gilt framed windows.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
..and you will feel like mooing afterward! Talk about cattle lines.
One boo I would like to add to the Aquarium: stroller bans!! WHAT?? A stroller ban? I realize there are space issues but that is just ridiculous.
Newport Aquarium is a nice aquarium located on the Ohio River in Newport, KY, directly across from Cincinnati. It is within Newport on the Levee, a very nice, if a bit touristy, area. The aquarium is not very large and a little cramped. Luckily, I was there on a Monday afternoon at the end of August, so fortunately, crowds were nonexistent. The collection is quality, although it is limited. There are a lot of hands on activities here, which adds to the experience. These include a thrilling video in which you feel like you are in a shark tank, a shark petting area, an area to feed birds within the rainforest section, and more. The big thing that lowered the rating to three stars was, as Sean B said, it is not as good as some of the other aquariums across the country. The one I compared it against in my head was the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The National Aquarium is huge, spacious, and worth the very high price (see review). Overall, if you are looking for something interesting to do in the Cincinnati area, I recommend the Newport Aquarium. However, don't make a day trip out of coming from nearby cities such as Louisville or Columbus to see it like you would from Washington or Philadelphia to see the National Aquarium.
