Kids love aquariums, right? I know that mine do! We enjoyed our visit to the Newport Aquarium. Thank you to the Newport Aquarium for providing tickets for our visit.
My oldest has been to several aquariums during her lifetime, but the triplets had never been to one. On our recent spring break trip to Nothern Kentucky, I was mapping out our schedule, and I realized that there was an aquarium not far from where we were staying. With an impending cold snap, I thought that an indoor adventure at the Newport Aquarium would be an awesome visit, and it did not disappoint!
The Newport Aquarium is located at Newport on the Levee. This is an attraction within itself. The riverwalk has lovely views, delicious restaurants, shopping, and a theater. I wouldn’t have minded spending more time on the riverwalk had the cold wind not been biting so much. Thankfully, there was plenty to see and do in the aquarium.
I was surprised to see that a majority of the aquarium was underground. With five acrylic tunnels, the kids were mesmerized by the large variety of fish and other creatures that could be viewed from all around.
There were so many exhibits, but my daughter’s favorite was undoubtedly the penguin exhibit. Who can blame her? Penguins are definitely cute, and she liked being able to see them at a close range.
However, one activity stood out to all of us – adults AND kids alike. The Newport Aquarium is home to the world’s first Shark Bridge. This V-shaped bridge is made from rope and hangs over the aquarium’s shark tank. The bridge is 75 feet, and we could see the sharks swimming in the tank below as we walked across. I was surprised that all of my kids did the Shark Bridge, and it was a highlight that we came home to tell all of our friends!
Some of you may remember that one of my sons has a brachial plexus palsy nerve injury and right sided weakness. He gets nervous when he feels off-balance. He insisted on walking the Shark Bridge, and he made it all the way across by himself. I was so proud of him. No one else there knew what a feat it was for him except for us, and it made me happy to see that he was happy to have accomplished something for himself.
My boys enjoyed their first aquarium visit. One of my little guys in particular did not want to leave. He loved just standing against the glass, staring at the different fish.
From a parental standpoint, the aquarium had plenty of places to stop and have bathroom breaks. There were also several hands-on activities for the kids. The aquarium was quite busy, but we were still able to see everything that we wanted. Parking for the aquarium was in a parking deck adjacent to the aquarium itself.
Have you visited the Newport Aquarium? Did you dare to walk across the Shark Bridge?
I love taking my kids to different Aquariums. They enjoy seeing all of the different creatures living under the sea. The Newport Aquarium looks like a great place that I can take them. Thank you for the post on it.
I was SO hoping this was in Newport, RI – which is driving distance to me. That said, I’ve never been to Kentucky and my good friends live there. I know I will get there. I make it a point to visit aquariums in every new place to me.
The penguins would be a favorite for us, for sure, but the Shark Bridge is all me! I have so many fears compared to my family members, but I have zero fear of heights, bridges, and sharks. In fact, that looks like my idea of a great time!!
I haven’t been to an aquarium in a long time, years. My girls both really enjoyed going when they were little. Feels like forever ago now that they are grown. Those are some fun memories though.
I love aquariums! The shark bridge sounds cool and I am so proud of your little one 🙂
We took our grand daughter to a zoo in Syracuse 2 summers ago, and they had a section of aquariums and she loved it! I’ve visited aquariums in the past, and there are several areas I love to see. My wife and I are planning to plan a trip with both of our grand kids (now that our grand-son is almost 2). Penguins are by far my favorite!
I love aquariums! They are a real treat for the entire family. I’d really enjoy this place I think. Also you have got me interested in visiting Kentucky one day soon. The turtles are my favourites.
This aquarium looks awesome. My kids love the aquarium and the opportunity to see underwater life in action. We tend to seek out aquariums wherever we go.
Newport Aquarium looks super fun! The shark bridge sounds scary but so awesome. I THINK I would want to experience it… And maybe have nightmares later about the sharks lol. I am glad your children like the aquarium so much! It looks like they have awesome exhibits!
Aquariums are such a great family day! This one looks awesome. That shark bridge though, ha ha!
Aquariums are some of the best places to go (with or without kids). There’s something peaceful about watching the fish. I’m with your little guy .. I too could stand there for hours. What a cool world we get to live in .. filled with such amazing creatures!
The ambiance of this aquarium looks incredible! You’ve captured some pretty impressive memories through your photographs. Looks like a great time for the whole family.