Cincinnati Staycation Destinations: The Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Museum Center

We lived in Cincinnati for 3 years and absolutely loved it there. If it weren’t for all our family being here in Columbus, I am pretty sure we would still live in “The Queen City”. One of the reason we loved it was the all the “activities” available. From pro-sports (WHO_DEY!) to the arts and more! Two places I used to take my then toddler first born were The Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Museum Center. So this year for Spring Break we decided to have a Cincinnati Staycation (I mean come on Cbus peeps, 2 hrs is still “staying”)

First Cincinnati Staycation Stop The Newport Aquarium

This was the one I was most excited to return to.  I have vivid memories of my little boy toddling through the tunnels and gazing in wonder as the sharks swam above him.  Well that little toddler is now 10! (time flies) and he still loved to watch those sharks swim above. I think this is one of the best things about the the Newport Aquarium. The unique tunneled pathways put you face to face with sharks, stingrays, huge sea turtles and more (Moray..eel to be exact!).

And did your kids love the Happy Feet movies?  Then they will love watching the Penguins waddle around in the Penguin Palooza exhibit. What was hubs fave part, meeting Mike! At 14 feet and 800 pounds, Mighty Mike is the biggest, baddest alligator in the country outside of Florida.  Look I couldn’t even get them in the picture (and hubs is 6 foot 6!).  And after you have taken in all the sites under the sea… You can hang out at Newport on Levee.  Situated right on the river across from the Downtown Cincy skyline; it is a great place for photo ops!

General Admission Prices:

• Newport Aquarium Adult Admission (Ages 13+)- $24.99
• Newport Aquarium Child Admission (Ages 2 – 12)- $17.99
• Children under the age of 2- FREE

Discounted tickets can be purchased through local Kroger locations or AAA.

Next Cincinnati Staycation Destination, Cincinnati Museum Center

Science, history and more come alive at the Cincinnati Museum Center.  From the moment you enter the stunning art deco building (which used to be the bustling Union Terminal. Andy’s 91 year old grandfather- native to the ‘Natti, had all kinds of stories to tell about it) you know it’s going be a great time.  And yes, for all you comic book fans… it does look a like the Hall of Justice! (First thing hubs noticed).  The main attractions are now the: Cincinnati History Museum, The Duke Energy Children’s Museum, The Museum of History and science and an Omnimax Theatre.

The Museum of History and Science walks you back in time to explore dinosaur bones, the Ice age and even an exhibit on Neil Armstrong’s walks on the moon. Definitely don’t miss The Cave.  It is amazing that this 500 foot, two level “cave” is built right in the museum complete with stalactites, stalagmites and bats!

The Cincinnati History portion was my 7 yr old’s fave.  There is a room filled with a early 1900s replica of the city including trains!  He would have stayed in there all day… but we had real trains to see.  On some days “Tower A”, the old train yard control room is still open.  Amtrak and freight trains still chug their way through Union Terminal.

The Duke Energy Children’s Museum feels a bit like the preschool sections of COSI.  It is a great place to burn off a little energy after all the learning fun of the other museums.

Admission Prices:

Museums Pass + OMNIMAX® Theater
Includes Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science, Duke Energy Children’s Museum and OMNIMAX®. Members receive unlimited free admission to our three museums.

• Adults $18
• Seniors (Ages 60+) $17
• Children (Ages 3-12) $13
• Toddlers (Ages 1-2) $5.50
• Infants (Under 1)- Free

All Museums Pass
Includes Cincinnati History Museum, Museum of Natural History & Science and Duke Energy Children’s Museum. Members receive unlimited free admission to our three museums.

• Adults $14.50
• Seniors (Ages 60+) $13.50
• Children (Ages 3 – 12) $10.50
• Toddlers (Ages 1 – 2) $5.50
• Infants (Under 1) Free

Single Museum

• Adults $10.50
• Seniors (Ages 60+) $9.50
• Children (Ages 3 – 12) $8.50
• Toddlers (Ages 1 – 2) $5.50
• Infants (Under 1) Free

OMNIMAX® Theater

• Adult Non-Member $8.50
• Adult Member $5.50
• Seniors (Ages 60+) $7.50
• Child Non-Member (3-12) $6.50
• Child Member (3-12) $4.50
• Infants and toddlers
• (2 & under) on an adult’s lap Free

Note: COSI members can receive FREE admission to just the Museum of Natural History & Science.  See your COSI membership for details.

If you follow me on Instagram, you caught a glimpse of our “Staycation”…. And you can tell we had a great time.  I highly recommend visiting both of these fantastic Cincinnati destinations!

The Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Museum Center graciously hosted my family for a day in their respective locations. All opinions are my own- we really did have a wonderful time! Thanks to The Newport Aquarium and Cincinnati Museum Center! Disclosure Policy