Looking for the perfect family outing that blends adventure, education, and unforgettable memories? Look no further than Shark Summer at Newport Aquarium, returning now through September 1, 2025. This immersive seasonal experience is jam-packed with interactive exhibits, rare hands-on encounters, and some of the most jaw-dropping underwater views in the Midwest.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, Shark Summer is your chance to experience Newport Aquarium like never before. What will you experience this Summer? Keep reading:
Start your adventure by getting hands-on with a piece of prehistoric history. During Shark Summer, guests can touch a real Megalodon tooth, a fossil millions of years old from one of the most legendary predators to ever roam the seas. This exhibit isn’t just cool—it’s exclusive to Shark Summer and a must-see for young paleontologists and curious minds alike.
One of the most popular features of Newport Aquarium is the Shark Touch Pool, where guests of all ages can feel the texture of a real, live shark. It’s a safe and exciting way for children and adults alike to conquer their fears and connect with the natural world in a truly personal way. Aquarium educators are on hand to guide the experience, making it as educational as it is thrilling.
Step into the Shark Nursery in the Shore Gallery and get a glimpse of life before the sharks hatch. This unique experience allows guests to observe real shark eggs and discover how each species has evolved to protect their young. It’s one of the many ways Newport Aquarium combines interactive learning with family fun.
Transform your visit into a full-scale mission with the Shark Tracker Challenge. At check-in, kids receive their own Shark Tracker sheet and are challenged to find and check off each species of shark, ray, and skate they spot throughout the aquarium. This scavenger hunt-style activity keeps kids engaged and excited from start to finish—and it’s a great way to make sure you don’t miss a single fin.
Feeling brave? Test your nerves on the world’s first Shark Bridge. This 75-foot rope bridge is suspended just inches above the open waters of the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit, giving you a heart-racing view of the aquarium’s largest and most awe-inspiring predators. It’s a can’t-miss photo opportunity and a bucket list item for thrill-seekers of all ages.
No Shark Summer visit is complete without venturing through the 85-foot Surrounded by Sharks tunnel, where sharks, rays, and tropical fish glide above and around you. This awe-inspiring walk-through tunnel puts you right in the heart of the ocean and remains one of the most iconic experiences at Newport Aquarium.
Planning just one visit? You might want to rethink that. With so much to see and do—plus special programming all year long—the best value is a Newport Aquarium Annual Membership. And right now, when you purchase a Gold or Platinum Membership, you’ll get two extra months FREE, giving you 14 months of access for the price of 12.
Membership includes unlimited visits, early access to events, member-only previews, and discounts throughout the aquarium. And yes, that includes returning for Underwater Pumpkin GLOW this fall and Scuba Santa this winter. Learn more about current membership options and promotions.
From prehistoric shark teeth to thrilling bridge crossings, Shark Summer at Newport Aquarium is filled with discovery and excitement at every turn. Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of the Cincinnati region’s most beloved summer traditions.
Visit newportaquarium.com to start planning your adventure today—and don’t forget to become a member to keep the fin going all year long.
All Blogs Events & Categories
All Blogs Events & Categories
