At Newport Aquarium, we are continuously working to improve the experience for each and every guest who enters our doors. The accessibility and comfort of every guest is a top priority and, because of this, we have created an overview of the many services and access options available at Newport Aquarium.
Newport Aquarium has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests for all events. Newport Aquarium strives to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our Hosts with continuous training and offering our guests resources and accommodations. Visit Newport Aquarium’s page on KultureCity’s Website here or download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App to access our social story to learn more about what to expect ahead of your visit.
All guests should enter Newport Aquarium at the main entrance on the east side of the building on the Newport on the Levee plaza.
There are elevators just off the lobby to take guests to the lower/exhibits level.
Visitors should park in the Newport on the Levee parking garage and take the elevator to the plaza (PL) level.
There are numerous accessible parking spots available around the central elevator column and near the east elevator bay.
All restrooms at Newport Aquarium feature accessible stalls. Restrooms are located on the lower level: near the entrance escalator, by Sharky's Café, and near the Frog Bog.
Family and Companion restrooms are available on the lower level near the main elevator and Sharky’s Café. We will always do our best to provide accommodation in any way we can for other bathrooms. Please see a member of Guest Services for assistance.
Manual wheelchairs are available from Guest Services inside the lobby upon entry free of charge on a first come, first serve basis.
Users must provide a photo ID for deposit that will be kept until the manual wheelchair is returned.
Lighted magnifying glasses are available for rent from guest services at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
KultureCity Sensory Bags are available to check out with an ID at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guest Services Office in the Main Lobby. Sensory bags include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards.
While Shark Bridge is an able-bodied experience, guests can use a periscope to get a 'fish-eyed' view of the shark tank.
Accommodations can be made for guests who may not be able to access the Tide Pool animals. Please see a Newport Aquarium Host for assistance.
Newport Aquarium offers touch experiences all-day during your visit in several locations: Stingray Hideaway, Shark Central and the Tide Pool in Shore Gallery. Animal Encounters are also offered, but times and dates vary.
Visitors who require paid Personal Care Attendants (PCA) may be accompanied by them at no additional cost during their visit to Newport Aquarium. This applies to general admission, group admission, membership, complimentary tickets and tickets purchased through third-party retail partners.
Visitors who wish to purchase advance tickets should contact 1-800-406-3474 to request complimentary companion tickets for a paid PCA. These tickets must be picked up in person by the visitor and the paid PCA at the ticket window. Proper documentation of PCA status is required.
For groups visiting with members having disabilities, we offer free admission for Personal Care Attendants (PCA). Groups can book in advance by calling 859-815-1478.
Service animals are permitted for visitors that require them. Newport Aquarium reserves the right to ask 2 questions:
Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls. For the health and safety of your animal and yours, service animals are restricted from Penguin Encounters.
Newport Aquarium does not offer a relief area for service animals. To leave the building and return, please be sure to bring your ticket with you.
All animals must be well behaved and will need to leave the area if the handler is not able to enact proper control.
For the health and safety of your animal and ours, emotional support, comfort and/or therapy animals are not allowed at Newport Aquarium.
Service animals that are being trained are permitted in Newport Aquarium.
Trainers should be able to present documentation showing that they are professional trainers.
KultureCity Sensory Bags are available to check out with an ID at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guest Services Office in the Main Lobby. Sensory bags include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards.
A weighted lap pad is available to check out at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis at the Guest Services Office in the Main Lobby.
Signage is posted around the Aquarium to alert guests to louder areas of “Headphone Zones” to remind them to utilize their noise-canceling headphones if needed.
Guests can check out Newport Aquarium's social story here or download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App to learn more about what to expect ahead of your visit to Newport Aquarium.
