The Newport Aquarium is ranked among the best in America for its 70 exhibits and tunnels spanning more than 200 feet. A trip to this aquarium involves close encounters with fish, frogs, jellyfish, octopuses, penguins, and other marine life.
There’s much to see, including the scheduled aquarium activities and the baby animal habitats (including little puffer fish and tiny lobsters) – all at the Hatchling Harbor.
We have tips for buying discounted Newport Aquarium tickets so you don’t have to waste time on coupons, promo codes, or deals that don’t work.
Quick Overview of the Newport Aquarium
The Newport Aquarium, located in Newport, Kentucky, offers visitors a chance to explore the wonders of ocean life in a captivating underwater world. Dozens of exhibits house exotic fish, mollusks, jellyfish, amphibians, invertebrates, rare white alligators, and more.
Interactive exhibits let you and the kids encounter thrilling adventures with marine life. The Shark Tank Overlook enables you to walk a rope bridge suspended just inches above sharks and stingrays. You can even pet a shark or skate in the 5,000-gallon Shark Central exhibit.
Note: Many animals in interactive exhibits are fed various fish and shellfish, so anyone allergic to either should avoid touching them.
Tunnels wind through the aquarium, offering a panoramic view of the fantastic marine life within its walls. Surrounded by Sharks is an 85-foot expanse featuring three Sand Tiger sharks, part of the Species Survival Plan. You may also spot a sea turtle named Denver as you explore this coral reef ecosystem.
There’s a play area for kids called Splash and Bubbles among the many exhibits and galleries. It’s an interactive adventure that teaches kids about marine life while they climb and slide through Coral Cove. They can also stop by Kelp Forest to color in their fish, which then come to life as 3D models using a special scanner.
Overall, the Newport Aquarium is a family-friendly destination that’s enjoyable for all ages. You can join us for a full day or split our exploration into two days. I’d recommend this if you have little kids who likely won’t stay in their strollers for hours.
Important Newport Aquarium Ticket Tips
Gate Prices for Tickets
Currently, the Newport Aquarium advises everyone to purchase tickets in advance. Capacities are limited, and popular days and times tend to sell out quickly. You may not get into the aquarium if you haven’t already purchased tickets for the day you plan to visit.
Buying Newport Aquarium tickets at the gate is possible, but please note that there is no guarantee of space for everyone in your party to enter. It’s incredibly easy to purchase in advance and then reserve your visit online.
Newport Aquarium employs variable pricing, meaning ticket prices fluctuate based on the season, time of day, and demand.
Gate Prices are as follows (will vary depending on the day and season):
- Adults (age 13+): $44.70
- Children (age 2-12): $36.22
- Children (age 0-1): Free
- These prices do not include tax.
Each general admission ticket grants one person access to the aquarium and all its exhibits, galleries, and activities for one day, except for the Penguin Encounter. Those tickets are sold separately.
Newport Aquarium Discount Ticket Options
If you want to save money on Newport Aquarium tickets, purchasing them through a verified third-party vendor is the best way to do so.
1. Discounted Single-Day Admission
We offer tickets through aRes Travel, an authorized ticket seller for theme parks across the U.S., that helps families access amazing attractions and adventures for less.
If you book with aRes Travel, a $2 convenience charge applies. All sales tax is included in the final price.
Even with this fee, you’ll likely save money on your Newport Aquarium tickets, especially on peak days when they’re at their highest price points.
Once you have your ticket, visit the website to book your reservation. Then, enter your ticket barcode into the system, and you’ll be good to go.
General Admission — 1-Day Pass (Peak Day Savings!)
After purchase, follow the link on your voucher to make a reservation for the date you plan on visiting Newport Aquarium.
Price: from $29.49/ages 13+ and from $19.49/ages 2-12 (plus a $2/ticket fee)
2. Annual Membership Ticket Savings
You can also purchase an annual pass to the Newport Aquarium, which offers significant savings on admission if you plan to visit regularly.
There are three membership options:
Silver Annual Membership
Silver members receive unlimited visits per year and save 10% on food, souvenirs, and Penguin Encounter tickets. The cost of a Silver Membership is $64.99 plus tax.
Gold Annual Membership
The next tier offers additional benefits, including select Bring-a-Friend Days in the spring and fall. Currently, Gold members can bring a guest to the aquarium and receive free admission.
Gold members also get a 15% discount at all aquarium stores and dining options, access to exclusive member-only early opening dates, exclusive invitations to new exhibits, discounts on birthday parties, $5 off guest tickets, 50% off select attractions, first access to special events, and two free parking vouchers.
You can get a Gold Membership at the Newport Aquarium for $84.99 plus tax.
Platinum Annual Membership
Platinum members receive all the benefits of Silver and Gold members, but their only discount at shops and dining facilities is 20%. They also never need to book a reservation, so their unlimited visits for the whole year can go a long way.
They’ll also receive two bonus guest tickets that can be used at any time, along with invitations to special VIP Platinum events.
A 12-month Platinum Membership costs $114.99 plus tax.
3. Discounted Group Ticket Rates for the Newport Aquarium
Groups of 10 receive a special discount when they pre-register at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Still, the aquarium suggests booking early, as it tends to fill up quickly. There may not be enough availability for all party members if you wait until two days before your trip.
Exact pricing discounts vary according to availability, season, and demand.
Important Note: All weekend group visits require full payment 48 hours before your intended arrival. There is no guarantee you’ll receive a discount on your group tickets if you book later.
Tickets for groups of up to 10 cost $21.99-$36.99 for adults (ages 13 and older) and $13.99-$28.99 for children ages 2–12.
If you purchase ten child tickets, you receive one complimentary chaperone ticket.
4. School Field Trip Discounts
School field trip prices vary by the time of the year. They cost $11 for children and $18 for adults from September through February. From March through May and August, student tickets cost $17, and adult tickets cost $24.
No student rates are available during the summer (June, July, and major holidays).
School groups can request a tax-exempt form to save on ticket costs. Without the form, a 6% Kentucky state tax rate applies.
For an additional $1 per person, you can receive a field experience curriculum that includes a teacher’s guide with questions and answers aligned with state education standards for grades K–12.
5. Scout Group Pricing
Boy and Girl Scout Troops can receive discounted rates year-round at the Newport Aquarium—adult tickets (13 and up) range from $21.99 to $36.99. Children’s tickets (2–12 years old) cost $13.99–$28.99.
All group tours are self-guided and require 48-hour advance registration. Remember that for every 10 children’s tickets, an adult chaperone gets one ticket for free.
6. Newport Aquarium Kroger Discounts
If you purchase tickets at a Kroger store in Cincinnati, Dayton, or Northern Kentucky, you can receive discounts of up to $8 off each daily ticket.
7. AAA Discount to Newport Aquarium
The Newport Aquarium AAA discount provides some members with discounted tickets. When booking, contact your local AAA office to see if they participate in the discount program.
8. Newport Aquarium Military Discount
Active and former U.S. service members can receive $2 off each ticket they purchase. You must verify your military ID online through ID.me and present it upon arrival.
9. AARP Newport Aquarium Discount
AARP members get $1 off their own ticket. You must purchase the ticket in advance by calling 1-800-406-347 and presenting your AARP card at the gate.
10. Company Discounts
You may be eligible for an employee discount on Newport Aquarium tickets if your company is located in the area. Ask your Human Resources department if your company participates in this program.
11. Newport Aquarium + Hotel Ticket Package
Bundle your accommodations and aquarium admission into one package! You can choose from 90 hotels in the area, perfect for single travelers, couples, and families.
Customize your stay by choosing the right hotel and room, selecting your tickets, and booking everything in one place for an easy vacation.
Important Tips for Visiting the Newport Aquarium
There are interactive exhibits to touch sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, anemones, and more. These are great learning experiences for kids.
The museum has many activities, including the Octopus Den, Coral Reef Tunnel, Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels, Gator Alley, and Penguin Palooza.
Viewing times for the penguins vary by season because the team operates on a Southern Hemisphere schedule. You can plan your trip around their schedule; if you stop by while they’re asleep, you’ll still see them curled up under some simulated Northern Lights.
No outside food or drinks are permitted inside the aquarium, except for bottled water. The cafe offers on-site dining and features typical American fare and a kids’ menu.
Fun Fact
Newport Aquarium is just minutes from downtown Cincinnati. See also how to buy discount Cincinnati Zoo and Aquarium tickets.
Newport Aquarium Tickets FAQ
What other Newport Aquarium discounts are available?
Some special group activities are also available, depending on your party size. Groups of 10 or more can book lunch at Sharky’s Café up to one week in advance (payment is required in advance).
Groups of 30 or more can enjoy breakfast at the aquarium before it opens to the public and enjoy a biologist’s presentation on penguins and sharks. They’ll also enjoy early access to the aquarium, with no other visitors present. This package must be booked at least 30 days prior to arrival.
Finally, you can book a picnic at the aquarium to enjoy a grilled menu along the terrace with views of the Ohio River. This makes an excellent location for small weddings, baby showers, birthday parties, and other special events.
When is the best time to visit the Newport Aquarium?
Weekends are the most popular days, so expect heavy crowds on Saturdays and Sundays. Mondays and Fridays can also be busier from people taking three-day weekends.
You can expect an increase in children and tourists during the summer break.
On weekdays, you’ll be best off arriving sometime after 2 p.m. On weekends, it’s best to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 2 p.m. Arriving particularly early or toward the end of the day can also be beneficial. Please note that this may affect the visibility of some animals and access to certain activities.
What Newport Aquarium coupons are available?
Fortunately, you don’t need a Newport Aquarium coupon to take advantage of discounts, as most of the discounts are already available through online promotions.
Does the Newport Aquarium offer a senior discount?
No, but AARP members can receive an AARP discount when booking in advance.
Does the Newport Aquarium offer a student discount?
No, there are no student discounts at the Newport Aquarium. Only discounted ticket prices are available for schools booking field trips.
Katie Dillon
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