When my mom was in town a few weeks ago, we decided to visit the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky (on the banks of the Ohio River in the Newport on the Levee area).  We had to two attempts to visit due to crowds.  First we went mid-day on a Saturday and line was LONG.   We decide to do something else and come back another time, so we came back first time Sunday morning, when the aquarium was just opening.   There was still plenty of people but nothing like the day before.   In talking to other guests, they said the best time to come is Sunday morning, right when they open otherwise the Aquarium is packed.

Compared to many aquariums, the Newport Aquarium is very fish focused. There are no marine manuals, the bird collection is limited to penguins; but they do have galleries which include others, frog, turtles, and crocodilians.

When you first enter into the aquarium’s exhibit area you see the exhibit “world’s rivers” which highlight fish found in river through the world; this include what fish are likely in the Cincinnati area rivers as well as rivers and lakes Australia, Thailand and Africa. After see fish found in rivers all over, you come across your first interactive exhibit, the Shore Gallery.  Here you touch a horseshoe crab or a star fish.  All around you, you will see different exhibits about life on the shore, including life like model of the birth pattern of sea turtles.  Then, you get your first glimpse of the sharks, specifically the “shark ray” or also known as the bowmouth guitarfish.   There are 4 “shark ray” swimming around with other fish and sea life, they also be viewed from other viewing points but from this viewing point you can watch a dive show.  There is also good amount information about sharks in the area, everything from diagrams to fossils to a shark cage.

Next step into the world of the Beautiful and the Dangerous.   First you see beautiful salt water fish then you see a giant Pacific Octopus and Spider Crabs.   Then you turn the corner and see fish that known for their bite — lionfish, piranha and stonefish, just name a few.  As you enter into the next room you see more dangerous animals when you enter Gator Alley.  There are two white American Alligators – Snowball and Snowflake.  Then there is Mighty Mike from the Florida bayou.   There are a few other tanks with other little scaly creatures as well.

After a short walk, you enter Frog Bog, an exhibit area devoted to 20 plus species of exotic frogs from around the world. Frog Bog has the largest exhibit of frogs in the Midwest.  Here you will see frogs like you have never seen before.  This area is also busy with kids.  It’s filled with tons of hand-on activities and a children’s playa area, which when kids climb through the different tunnels and tubes, they will see more frogs in secret tanks.  There are also some adorable frog statues which make a good stop for a photo or playing “frogger”

Next you will go into a new section the aquarium, Canyon Falls, which is home to the newest guest, Asian small-clawed otters. They are always active and as cute as can be. After your heart is melting from the cuteness of the otters, you will go on an adventure in the Amazon as you journey under 117,000 gallons of fresh water. A 32-foot long acrylic tunnel lets you see the world’s largest freshwater fish – the Arapaima, among dozens of other species.

Then with in seconds you are transformed into the a world of vibrant color and natural splendor as you pass through the coral reef. You will see the graceful cownose rays and if you look carefully the eel peeking out of the exhibit’s rock formations. An advantage to being at the aquarium early in the morning is that you can see the care takes in their scuba gear feeding the fish. They are even nice enough to interact and pose for pictures while doing so.

Next you will mesmerized and amazed the Jelly Fish.  They can be viewed in psychedelic colors and from all angles, thanks to tanks that give off a 360 degree view. This is great place to sit and relax for few minutes, if you need to.

Next take a walk with the sharks as you go through the shark tunnel.  You will see sharks swimming beside and above you. Then if walking with sharks is not enough for you try your hand and petting shark. After you had your fill of things swim below, go and meet some new feathered friends in Penguin Palooza.  The area is small but penguins are active. Be sure to check out all of the neat information penguins before heading back upstairs.  Then if you are lucky you might be greeted by a real life penguin out for his daily walk.

Overall the Newport Aquarium was nice surprise.  Overall, it takes about an hours to get through and that includes stops at the interactive stations.  There is plenty of interactive actives for to keep kids busy (which is something that surprised me) and there are plenty of different animals to see.  If you go on the weekends, during the summer or on school holidays make sure to arrive early, to avoid the crowds.

A full gallery of pictures from the aquarium can be found here.