The Newport Aquarium is a large aquarium located in Newport, Kentucky, near the Ohio River, within the Newport on the Levee shopping and entertainment complex. It opened in 1999 and is popular among family visitors for its diverse marine life and interactive exhibits.

Main Features and Exhibits

Shark Bridge

  • The world's first rope bridge shark exhibit
  • An interactive exhibit where visitors can walk directly over a tank filled with hundreds of swimming sharks

Amazon Rainforest

  • Exhibits of various fish species and reptiles native to the Amazon River
  • Close encounters with piranhas, giant arowanas, and caiman crocodiles

Penguin Palooza

  • An exhibit where visitors can observe several species of penguins up close
  • Special habitats that recreate the Antarctic environment

Surrounded by Sharks

  • A 360-degree acrylic tunnel tank where sharks and large marine creatures swim overhead
  • Exhibits of various shark species and giant rays

Stingray Hideaway

  • A touch pool where visitors can interact with stingrays
  • An interactive exhibit popular with children

Gator Alley

  • Exhibit of rare albino alligators found in the southern United States
  • Opportunity to see alligators up close along with various reptiles

Visitor Information

Location
1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071 (located just across the river from Cincinnati)

Hours of Operation

  • Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (hours may vary on certain holidays)

Admission Fees (as of 2024)

  • Adults (ages 13 and up): approximately $35
  • Children (ages 2-12): approximately $27
  • Free for children under 2

Parking Information

  • Parking available at Newport on the Levee (paid)

Official Website
www.newportaquarium.com

Features

  • Suitable for family visitors, with many interactive exhibits that can be enjoyed with children
  • Many interactive exhibits provide interesting viewing opportunities, with numerous programs allowing hands-on experiences
  • Located just a 5-10 minute drive from Cincinnati, making it easily accessible

The Newport Aquarium is one of the most popular marine life exhibits in Kentucky and Ohio, where visitors can see a variety of sharks, rays, penguins, and alligators up close.

Driving Directions from Lexington to the Newport Aquarium

  • Starting Point: Lexington, Kentucky
  • Destination: 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071
  • Distance: approximately 83 miles (about 134 km)
  • Estimated Time: about 1 hour 20-30 minutes

Driving Route (I-75 North)

  1. Enter I-75 N (Interstate 75 North)

    • Take I-75 N from Lexington and head north
    • Continue straight towards Cincinnati

  2. Continue towards Cincinnati Downtown

    • As you enter Cincinnati, there will be a merge with I-71 N
    • Traffic may be heavy as you pass through downtown Cincinnati

  3. Cross the Ohio River

    • Switch to I-471 S (Interstate 471 South) and cross the Daniel Carter Beard Bridge into Newport, Kentucky

  4. Take Exit 5 towards Newport

    • Exit I-471 S at Exit 5 (Newport/Bellevue)
    • Turn right towards York St and continue straight

  5. Arrive at Newport on the Levee

    • The destination, the Newport Aquarium, is located within the Newport on the Levee complex
    • Parking available at the shopping mall (paid)