Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Activities Close to Home: Newport Aquarium

Day 3 of my series "Activities Close to Home" is about our journey to the Newport Aquarium (read Day 1 about the Louisville Zoo here and Day 2 about Mammoth Cave here).  Just to recap, we used the following guidelines on choosing destinations to visit as a family this summer:
  • Distance from our house (had to be within a 2 hour driving distance)
  • Family friendliness
  • Cheapness
Having visited Ripley's Aquarium at the Gatlinburg or Myrtle Beach locations for 4 years in a row, I was more than happy to be visiting an aquarium that was not Ripley's.  There were more similarities than I expected, but Newport Aquarium was a great day out.  They had the underground tunnel where you see water all around you, penguins, alligators, sharks, stingrays; basically anything you expect to see at an aquarium and more.


  





There was also a fun little play area for the kids in a great spot where kids could just have some fun and let off some steam after being such angels during the first part of exploring the aquarium ;)


One of the best parts of the Newport Aquarium is its location.  It is a beautiful walk all around.  Behind the aquarium is some beautiful scenery of Cincinnati and the Ohio River.


After going down the block we came upon an awesome bridge over the Ohio River for pedestrians.  Later I found out it was the Purple People Bridge, a bridge that was once upon a time part of the railway system, later a road for cars, and now is used as a pedestrian bridge over the Ohio River.  It was a great surprise and discovery for us, it was like finding a hidden treasure since we had no idea it was there!


 


I can see us visiting the particular area again.  I loved the location, the walking, the shops and restaurants all around.  If eating at a restaurant, this will bring our price up, but perhaps it is worth saving up for ;)

Newport Aquarium Pros:
  • Everything you want to see at an aquarium and then some!
  • Great location
Newport Aquarium Cons:
  • Overpriced gift shop, but that was expected!
Newport Aquarium Tips:
  • Wear your walking shoes!  Lots of great things to see and do in the surrounding area (including the Purple People Bridge).

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for sharing this... I live in Massachusetts... we are looking forward to got the aquarium sine it opened after a big renovation (Boston).
    I have been to Ohio visiting family and with work! Around this bridge there are great places to eat if I am not wrong.
    Thanks for visiting my blog. Have you consider making sauces to can with tomatoes.

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    1. Oh yes, lots of great places to eat in this area! Perhaps next time I will get to review a spot to eat too =)

      And I am thinking about making some spaghetti sauce since that is the one thing we use a lot of. I need to get my butt in gear and find a good recipe come to think about it! Thanks for the reminder!!

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  2. Replies
    1. It was a great day! If you are ever in that area, I highly recommend checking all this out =)

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  3. I love aquariums - we have a great one in Baltimore. We visited Sea World this summer, and they have some great exhibits too - my kids always love the penguins and the sharks. Thanks for sharing - I'll have to visit if I'm ever in your neck of the woods!

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    1. I am hoping we can get to Sea World next year if all goes as planned and we sell our house and downsize some! Definitely check out that area if you are near Cincinnati, it is just too cool to pass up =)

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  4. Purple People Bridge! Such a cool name. I've always loved aquariums. I feel very peaceful there, despite that they're usually crowded and humid. I'm always looking for new ones that I haven't been to. I have never been to this one!

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    1. I know! I thought the name of the bridge was a joke at first! If you are close to Cincinnati, this area is just over the bridge into Kentucky =)

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