Fall Is Coming to Newport Aquarium: Your First Look at Underwater Pumpkin GLOW

The pool toys are drying out, the school supplies are stacking up, and there is a crisp little hint of fall in the morning air. For families across Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Louisville, and Lexington, the end of summer is bittersweet. The good news is that one of the coziest, most colorful family traditions of the season is almost here. Underwater Pumpkin GLOW is returning to Newport Aquarium, and this year it runs September 18 through November 1, 2026. Consider this your first look at what makes it such a magical autumn outing.

What Is Underwater Pumpkin GLOW?

Underwater Pumpkin GLOW transforms your favorite exhibits at Newport Aquarium into an underwater world full of giant, gourd-geous, glowing pumpkins. Imagine wandering past sharks, stingrays, and shimmering fish while pumpkin sculptures of beloved sea creatures light up the water around them. It is fall and the ocean rolled into one unforgettable experience, and it lands somewhere between a pumpkin patch and a deep-sea adventure.

As an aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Newport Aquarium pairs all of that seasonal sparkle with real animal care. That accreditation is a trusted signal that the animals you meet are looked after to the highest standards in the field, which is a comforting thing to know when you are exploring with little ones.

The glowing pumpkin sculptures

The showstopper is a 10-foot Giant Pacific Octopus crafted entirely from pumpkins. It glows beneath the surface and doubles as a reef for sharks and fish to explore and investigate. Throughout the aquarium, you will also spot gourd-geous, glowing pumpkin sculptures shaped like some of your favorite animal friends, including a smiling sea turtle, plus three brand-new, mystery installations making their debut this year! Around every corner there is another glowing surprise waiting to be discovered, which makes it a wonderful walk for curious kids and camera-happy grown-ups alike.

Pumpkin treats with a conservation twist

Here is the part that makes Underwater Pumpkin GLOW both fun and genuinely educational. Many of the animals get pumpkin treats and special seasonal enrichment, and Jack-O-Lanterns become artificial reefs for the animals to explore. Lots of animals, from fish to frogs, enjoy the flavor of fall, and watching them dig in is a sweet, hands-off lesson in how aquarium teams keep animals active, curious, and thriving. It is a small window into the everyday care that makes this season so special.

Pumpkin Decorating

Kids of all ages are invited to create their own pumpkin masterpiece using non-toxic acrylic paint markers. Try your hand at a one-of-a-kind design or use one of the many stencils provided to keep things easy and mess-free. Pumpkin decorating is back by popular demand and available daily in Stingray Hideaway for an additional cost while supplies last, making it a lovely keepsake to carry home after a day of glowing exploration.

While you are nearby, keep an eye out for the Roughtail Stingray in the Surrounded By Sharks exhibit. Measuring 5 feet across and over 9 feet long, this impressive stingray is easy to spot gliding among the curious sharks and glowing pumpkins.

Indoors and Rain-or-Shine

Fall weather in the Tri-State can be a toss-up. One day is golden and sunny, the next is gray and drizzly. The beauty of Underwater Pumpkin GLOW is that the whole experience is indoors, so it is rain-or-shine fall fun. No muddy boots, no rained-out plans, and no scramble for a backup activity. You simply step inside, leave the weather behind, and let the glowing pumpkins set the mood. It is comfortable for grandparents, easy for strollers, and forgiving for nap schedules.

Included With Admission or Membership

One of the best parts is the price. Underwater Pumpkin GLOW is included free with general admission or membership. That means you can experience all the glowing pumpkins, animal enrichment, and seasonal magic without an added event ticket on top of your visit.

The simplest way to plan is to grab your daily tickets in advance online, which also helps you save. If fall is just the beginning of your family's aquarium adventures, a membership stretches your visit into many. Members enjoy a full year of return trips, which is perfect when one Pumpkin GLOW walk-through turns into a new favorite tradition the kids want to repeat.

Insider Tips for the Best Visit

• Beat the crowds: Weekday mornings and the hour right after opening tend to be the calmest, which means shorter waits and more breathing room for little explorers.

• Chase the glow: The pumpkin sculptures look most dramatic in the darker, low-lit exhibit areas, so slow down through those galleries for the full effect.

• Best photo op: The 10-foot glowing octopus is the crown jewel for family pictures. Frame the kids in front of it for that wow-worthy fall keepsake.

• Make a keepsake: Build in time for pumpkin decorating in Stingray Hideaway, and head there earlier in the day while supplies are freshest.

• Dress in layers: The aquarium stays comfortable indoors year-round, so you can shed those chilly-morning jackets at the door.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Underwater Pumpkin GLOW run?

Underwater Pumpkin GLOW returns September 18 through November 1, 2026, giving families plenty of weekends to plan a visit.

Is it included with admission?

Yes. It is included free with general admission or membership. Pumpkin decorating is the one add-on, available daily for an additional cost while supplies last.

Is it indoors?

It is entirely indoors, so it is rain-or-shine and comfortable no matter what fall weather rolls through.

Is it good for young kids?

Absolutely. The glowing sculptures, friendly animals, and hands-on pumpkin decorating are a hit with kids of all ages, and the indoor setting keeps things easy for the whole family.

A Look Ahead: Fall and Winter at Newport Aquarium

Underwater Pumpkin GLOW is just the start of the cozy-season lineup. Once the pumpkins dim and the calendar turns toward the holidays, there is even more family magic on the way, including the return of Scuba Santa for a one-of-a-kind underwater holiday tradition. Becoming a member now means you are set for the glowing pumpkins of fall and the merry moments of winter, all on one pass.

So whether you are driving in from Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Louisville, Lexington, or right here in Northern Kentucky, this is the season to start a new family tradition. Get your tickets or become a member today to enjoy Underwater Pumpkin GLOW plus all the fall and winter fun ahead. We cannot wait to see you glowing right along with the pumpkins.