Disclaimer: My family received complimentary entry into Newport Aquarium in exchange for my sharing our experience on the blog. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Others may have a different experience.
When you and your family are planning a trip to the Greater Cincinnati area, Newport Aquarium is a must for your itinerary. My family is new to the state of Kentucky and Newport Aquarium was kind enough to invite us for a visit. It was a great way to help us learn the lay of the land and enjoy family time together. {Thanks,
Newport Aquarium!}
Around every corner, we found something to "Oooh" and "Aaah" at. We saw so many things that we had never seen before. And if you're looking to learn a thing or 2, there is a wealth of information shared with visitors as you go. It's all about taking the time to stop, look, and learn.
Newport Aquarium has a wonderful way of bringing visitors right into the waters our new fish friends live in. The more we are able to experience the beauty of our lakes, rivers, and oceans, the more we understand the need to take care of these places and protect the life in them.
There are amazing shows in the aquarium (check the schedule) that will teach you even more by the experts on staff. During the shark feeding, we saw this amazing visit from the sea turtle. He was one of my favorite things to see in the aquarium. And just beyond this room, there was a model of sea turtle eggs that shows how they're buried in the sand and how they make their way up to the surface to head to the ocean. My youngest was absolutely fascinated by it and hopes to see that in person someday.
There is a room dedicated to frogs. So many neat species can be found there. You'll also find the kid's play area in this room. It was a welcomed break for Mom and Dad who sat down to relax while the kiddos had fun. The one pictured above is called a Milk Frog. Isn't he neat looking?
There is entire room dedicated to seahorse types of different kinds. They are so fascinating to see! My favorite was the sea dragon (pictured above) and one called the big bellied sea horse. That name cracked me up because the first thing I said when I saw them was "Look at that big belly!". I guess I could have named him, myself. (Ha!)
Sharks and rays of different kinds are 2 things that absolutely took our breath away. It's amazing to stand in the tunnel and look up and all around you, watching the sharks and rays swim around. There are also incredibly huge fish we've never learned about before our visit there. We couldn't help but say "WOW!" when we looked into their tank. And, I'd like to add, the tunnels that surround you with ocean dwellers are wonderful spots to stop and observe what you see. Some places even have spots where you can look down and see them swimming beneath you as well.
**Psst: be sure to check out the schedule online for the overnight visits where you can sleep beneath the sharks! If you're unable to make a previously scheduled stay, you can arrange your own private overnight visit with a group of friends/family.
There are a good amount of lizards and other reptiles to see throughout the aquarium. This guy just cracked me up when I saw him sitting under this sign. Anyone familiar with the song that goes, "I WANNA ROCK!!!". He's totally singing the iguana version in his head. I can tell. LOL.
Ah, Stingray Bay...I could stay in this one spot for an entire afternoon. I love the opportunity to pet the stingrays and on this visit, I convinced my son that he should try it, too. After he did, he was addicted...just like his mama. He didn't care what was ahead to see. He wanted to stay right where he was.
I loved how brave he was and how he quickly began to love the stingrays like I do. (We bought him a stuffed stingray in the gift shop on our way out).
And who can forget this fella? He was just still and staring at us like "Hello! Take a picture with me!". We laughed and laughed and he didn't move. I tried my best to mimic his face. Then I told the other couple in the tunnel that he was ready for his next selfie, if they were. We all enjoyed his...um...hospitality?
There are loads more pictures I could share from our visit and there is much more to see than what I listed. Penguins, Touch pools where kiddos can touch starfish and sea urchins and crabs as well as sharks. There are alligators and piranhas, an octopus and jellyfish. THERE.IS.A.SHARK.BRIDGE! You really just have to go and take it all in for yourself. :)
There are opportunities to add on to your entry ticket and get behind the scenes with your visit. You can even have an encounter with the penguins. That is something my 8 year old wants to do since she dreams of growing up to be a veterinarian.
What is your favorite thing(s) to see at an aquarium? Have you visited Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky?
Plan your visit soon!!
~Amy
