The Newport Aquarium is one of the most popular aquariums in the United States, attracting millions of visitors every year. Located in Newport, Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, the aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals from around the world. From the majestic sharks and rays to the colorful fish and invertebrates, the Newport Aquarium offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. But have you ever wondered how much it costs to visit the Newport Aquarium? In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various ticket options, prices, and packages available, helping you plan your visit and make the most of your time at this incredible attraction.
Overview of Newport Aquarium Tickets
The Newport Aquarium offers a variety of ticket options to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s a ticket package that’s right for you. Here’s an overview of the different ticket options available:
General Admission Tickets
The general admission ticket is the most popular option, allowing visitors to explore the entire aquarium, including all exhibits and attractions. The price of general admission tickets varies depending on the time of year and the visitor’s age. Here’s a breakdown of the current prices:
| Age | Adult (12-59) | Senior (60+) | Child (3-11) | Infant (2 and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Peak Season (June 1 – August 31) | $24.99 | $19.99 | $14.99 | Free |
| Off-Peak Season (September 1 – May 31) | $19.99 | $14.99 | $9.99 | Free |
Specialty Tickets
In addition to general admission tickets, the Newport Aquarium offers several specialty tickets that allow visitors to experience the aquarium in a unique and immersive way. These tickets include:
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: This 2-hour tour takes visitors on a guided tour of the aquarium’s facilities, including the shark tank, the penguin exhibit, and the animal care areas.
- Animal Encounters: This ticket option allows visitors to interact with some of the aquarium’s animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
- Shark Cage Experience: This thrilling experience allows visitors to enter a shark cage and get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
- Penguin Encounter: This ticket option allows visitors to interact with the aquarium’s colony of African penguins.
Discounts and Packages
The Newport Aquarium offers several discounts and packages to help make your visit more affordable. These include:
- Group Discounts: The aquarium offers discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more people.
- Student Discounts: The aquarium offers discounted tickets for students with a valid student ID.
- Senior Discounts: The aquarium offers discounted tickets for seniors (60+).
- Annual Passes: The aquarium offers annual passes that allow visitors to visit the aquarium multiple times throughout the year.
- Package Deals: The aquarium offers package deals that include admission to the aquarium, as well as other local attractions and activities.
Special Events and Exhibits
The Newport Aquarium hosts several special events and exhibits throughout the year, including: (See Also: How to Have Live Plants in Aquarium? Thrive & Flourish)
Seasonal Events
The aquarium hosts several seasonal events, including:
- Halloween: The aquarium hosts a spooky Halloween event, featuring costume contests, trick-or-treating, and other activities.
- Christmas: The aquarium hosts a festive Christmas event, featuring holiday decorations, Santa visits, and other activities.
- Easter: The aquarium hosts an Easter event, featuring egg hunts, face painting, and other activities.
Temporary Exhibits
The aquarium hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year, including:
- Shark Week: The aquarium hosts a Shark Week event, featuring shark-themed exhibits and activities.
- Sea Turtle Exhibit: The aquarium hosts a temporary exhibit featuring sea turtles from around the world.
- Octopus Exhibit: The aquarium hosts a temporary exhibit featuring octopuses from around the world.
Visitor Information
The Newport Aquarium is open 365 days a year, with extended hours during peak season. Here are some additional visitor information and tips:
Hours of Operation
The aquarium is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during peak season:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday – Sunday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Peak Season (June 1 – August 31) | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
Admission and Ticket Information
Admission tickets can be purchased online or at the aquarium’s ticket counter. Here are some additional ticket information and tips:
- Online Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online and printed at home or displayed on a mobile device.
- Will Call: Tickets can be picked up at the aquarium’s ticket counter with a valid ID.
- Refunds and Exchanges: Tickets are non-refundable, but can be exchanged for a different date or time with a valid ID.
Conclusion
The Newport Aquarium offers a variety of ticket options, discounts, and packages to suit different budgets and preferences. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there’s a ticket package that’s right for you. By understanding the different ticket options and prices, you can plan your visit and make the most of your time at this incredible attraction. (See Also: How to Remove Black Algae from Aquarium Plants? A Complete Guide)
Recap of Key Points
Here’s a recap of the key points discussed in this article:
- General Admission Tickets: The aquarium offers general admission tickets for adults, seniors, and children.
- Specialty Tickets: The aquarium offers several specialty tickets, including behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and shark cage experiences.
- Discounts and Packages: The aquarium offers discounts and packages for groups, students, seniors, and annual pass holders.
- Special Events and Exhibits: The aquarium hosts several special events and exhibits throughout the year, including seasonal events and temporary exhibits.
- Visitor Information: The aquarium is open 365 days a year, with extended hours during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Are Newport Aquarium Tickets?
The price of Newport Aquarium tickets varies depending on the time of year and the visitor’s age. General admission tickets start at $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for children.
What Are the Hours of Operation?
The aquarium is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during peak season.
Can I Purchase Tickets Online?
Yes, tickets can be purchased online and printed at home or displayed on a mobile device.
Are Tickets Refundable?
No, tickets are non-refundable, but can be exchanged for a different date or time with a valid ID. (See Also: What Time Does Georgia Aquarium Close? Find Out Now)
Do You Offer Discounts for Groups?
Yes, the aquarium offers discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more people.
Do You Offer Annual Passes?
Yes, the aquarium offers annual passes that allow visitors to visit the aquarium multiple times throughout the year.