Located just across the river from downtown Cincinnati in Newport, Kentucky, the Newport Aquarium is a world-class aquatic attraction that brings visitors face-to-fin with marine life from around the globe. Home to thousands of animals and over 70 exhibits, the aquarium features interactive experiences like walk-through tunnels, touch tanks, and unique displays such as the Shark Bridge—where guests can walk just inches above a tank filled with sharks.
From vibrant coral reef ecosystems to mysterious creatures of the deep, Newport Aquarium blends education, conservation, and entertainment for all ages. Whether you’re petting stingrays, exploring the Amazon, or watching divers feed sea turtles, the experience is both thrilling and immersive, making it one of the top family-friendly destinations in the Midwest.
Newport Aquarium’s mermaid exhibit transports visitors into a world of underwater enchantment, blending fantasy with real-world conservation in an unforgettable display. Running seasonally—from late May through mid-June—this free experience (with general admission) features mermaids swimming gracefully alongside exotic marine life in multiple aquarium venues.
Magical Meet & Greets
Guests first encounter mermaids perched regally on thrones within the Shark Ray Bay Theater, where mermaids interact with visitors—posing for photos and sharing captivating tales—all while shark rays, sand tiger sharks, and sea turtles glide behind glass.
Tunnel Swim Performances
In the stunning Coral Reef Tunnel, mermaids swim side by side with hundreds of tropical fish in a 60,000-gallon saltwater tank. These performances feature elegant flips, bubbly “bubble kisses,” and underwater dances that mesmerize guests of all ages.
Mermaid Cove & Stingray Encounters
The newly introduced Mermaid Cove in Stingray Hideaway allows mermaids to swim freely with stingrays. Visitors can gently touch the rays while mermaids glide by, chatting and educating about ocean stewardship and plastic free seas.
Conservation Through Folklore
Each mermaid arrives “from afar”—like Aphrodite or Coral—embodying different marine habitats (e.g. coral reefs, Pacific kelp forests) and advocating for environmental action. They highlight issues like single-use plastic reduction and reef preservation through fun storytelling and interactive photo ops with visitors.
Newport Aquarium’s mermaid exhibit is more than a photo-worthy spectacle—it’s an enchanting, educational voyage that dives beneath the surface of conventional aquarium visits. By weaving imaginative performance into marine conservation, this display leaves visitors inspired, informed, and hopeful. Perfect for families and fantasy lovers of all ages, the mermaid exhibit combines storytelling, ocean education, and whimsical fun, offering a one-of-a-kind experience that captures the imagination and inspires wonder about marine life.