Newport Aquarium showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water, including the enormously popular “Sweet Pea” and “Scooter,” the stars of the first shark ray breeding program in the world.
This state-of-the-art facility was named the No. 1 aquarium in the 2012 Readers’ Choice Travel Awards from 10Best.com; the Best Rainy Day Outing in 2006 in Cincinnati Family Magazine; and the Best Aquarium in the Midwest in the Zagat Survey’s U.S. Family Travel Guide in 2004.
Some of the exhibits include:
Shark Central – The Newport Aquarium’s Shark Central exhibit brings the experience of “touching a shark” to every one of its visitors without any of the fuss of an oxygen tank or even a wet suit. Guests can roll up their sleeves and put their hand into a touch pool filled with various species of sharks and rays.
Gator Alley – Showcasing eight species from four continents, Gator Alley is one of the most diverse collections of crocodilians in the country. It’s also the home of Mighty Mike – who at 14 feet and 800 pounds is the biggest and baddest alligator in the country outside of Florida.
Kroger Penguin Palooza – With five different species, it boasts one of the most diverse collections of cold-weather penguins in the country.
Frog Bog – The Frog Bog is the largest exhibit of its kind in the Midwest with nearly 20 species of exotic frogs. Children can find secret frog tanks visible only when they climb through tunnels and tubes in our kids-only Frog Bog jungle gym.
Jellyfish Gallery – With more than 100 jellyfish on display, guests can marvel at the largest and coolest jellyfish exhibit in the Midwest.
The Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year. It is located only two minutes from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.
