20 Fun Things to do in Newport, KY for Solo and Family Getaways

Do you know what place was called “Sin City” before Las Vegas? Newport, Kentucky. It has since redefined itself as a desirable destination with a thrilling riverside attraction, just one of the numerous experiences and best things to do in Newport, KY.

Newport, KY, is located at the boundary of Kentucky and Ohio. It is situated quite close to the metropolitan city of Cincinnati, Ohio, filled with numerous fun activities and wonderful sightseeing places. Two of its main highlights are the Newport Aquarium and World Peace Bell. 

Before you finalize your itinerary, continue reading this article, which can give you an overview of Newport, Kentucky, including its weather, transportation options, not-to-be-missed activities and fun attractions, and travel tips. 

You might get amazing trip ideas to make your visit much more fun!

Weather in Newport, KY

Newport, KY, receives warm summers and cold winters. 

The temperatures in winter can reach around 24 degrees Fahrenheit (-4.4 degrees Celsius) at a minimum. In summer, they rarely go above 86°F (30°C). 

Newport also receives heavy snowfall in the winter season and remains cloudy all year round. 

Things to Do in Newport, KY – Activities

1. Paddlewheel Boat at the Ohio River

Start your fun with one of the most famous activities in Newport, paddlewheel boating. 

The red and white paddle boat on the Ohio River is an unforgettable sight; if you are on board, it becomes an experience of a lifetime. 

Keep an eye on bigger BB riverboat cruises, which usually operate in the same waters. 

2. Shopping at the Newport on the Levee

Newport on the Levee is more than just a place for shopping. Located on the south bank of the Ohio River, it is one of the city’s main tourist attractions for family fun activities. 

The place offers great entertainment, shopping, and eating opportunities. After shopping and eating, head to the big amusement arcade, GameWorks, for more entertainment and rides.

3. BB Riverboat

A riverboat cruise, a must-try activity in Newport, KY, sails every day from Newport Landing. It will take you through the amazing waters of the Ohio River to experience Cincinnati and the Ohio valley. 

One special feature of these cruises is their availability for events. Almost all cruise boats have onboard bars and restaurants with buffets and a variety of drinks. You can book a riverboat cruise for a private party to give your guests a shindig experience to remember for life.

4. Bowling at Rotolo

Rotolo is an Italian word that means roll, and this place really rocks and rolls. Rotolo is a bowling alley with 2 bars and an eatery with 68 seats. The bowling alley is huge, with 16 paths; however, 4 are for private reservations. 

Besides bowling, there are many other fun games, such as foosball, bocce ball, and billiards. 

After your indoor game matches, head to the center, where there is a lot of space to relax and enjoy the fresh air.

5. Newport Racing and Gaming

If you are a gamer, this place is heaven. Newport Racing and Gaming is located in the center of Newport. 

The place has everything you want: a gambling club and other adventurous activities. The best activity there is horse racing, where you can bet on live races in the simulcast region. 

You can also find a restaurant called Smiley’s Bar and Grill to relax after a tiring day of gaming.

6. The Gangster Tours

The Gangster Tours will teach you everything about the city’s mobster past. The guided tour will begin with a brief presentation on Newport’s criminal past, and then it will take you to the places where violent incidents happened. 

For almost 30 years, the city was the gambling hotbed of the United States, so there are many lessons and insights to learn from this tour. After returning home, you will surely get a good scary story to tell your friends.

Things to Do in Newport, KY – Sights

7. Newport Aquarium

Newport Aquarium, situated in Newport on the Levee facility, has been consistently named one of the best aquariums in the United States by Reader’s Choice Travel, USA Today, and other bodies. 

The place is a paradise of aquatic life. You will find different fish, sharks, rays, penguins, and alligators. The Shark Bridge is a V-shaped bridge built over a large tank with a shark inside.

8. World Peace Bell

World Peace Bell is the biggest free-swinging bell in the world, located at 425 York Street. 

The bell’s overall size is twelve by twelve feet. It was created in 1999 and currently weighs 66,000 lbs. (30,000 kilograms). 

There are only 20 peace bells worldwide, one in Newport city. You can even find a memorial for 9/11 and a remnant of the Twin Towers. 

The place offers guided tours from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm local time.

9. Falcon Theater

Falcon Theater, located at 636 Monmouth Street, is popular for its atmosphere and intimacy. 

It is the only theater in the area, contributing to its popularity. The theater staff always makes you feel welcome, and the wide range of dramatic styles and genres artists perform makes it even more special. 

The place also offers food and drinks, but we highly advise you to skip it and dine at the nearby La Mexicana restaurant before attending the show.

10. Southgate House Revival

Southgate House Revival is a great spot to enjoy some music. 

It is located at 111 E 6^th Street, where many local musicians electrify the atmosphere with their live performances. The outside setting makes the place look like a church, but the environment is completely different as soon as you enter. 

Many bars and tables have live musicians, but the soundproofing system is the best. It prevents overlapping sounds as many musicians perform simultaneously at different bars inside the house. 

Tickets are available online and at the lounge bar from Wednesday to Saturday. Book your tickets early, as they are usually sold within a few hours.

11. Southbank Bridge

Southbank Bridge, or the Purple People Bridge, is on the Ohio River. The overall bridge is 2,670 feet (814 m) long, connecting Newport and Cincinnati. The bridge is quite famous as a tourist spot because of its mesmerizing views and heart-warming waters below. 

Here, you can also rent bikes to spot flocks of geese. You can also walk on the bridge, where, in 2006, the government put some modifications in place to allow pedestrians to traverse while wearing safety gear.

12. Newport’s Dog Park 

Do you love dogs? If yes, then you will find this place a paradise on Earth. Many dogs roam freely in the park. 

The park is at the back of the Campbell County Library at 6^th Street 901 E. The landscapes, walking trails, and well-maintained parking area make this place ideal for relaxing under the shades of tall trees while watching your pet play.

13. General James Taylor Park

General James Taylor Park is located at the west border of Newport’s Riverboat Row. The park was operating as a Newport military installation that used to welcome a lot of famous personalities like President Zachary Taylor, William Henry Harrison, and General William Tecumseh Sherman. 

The park has been completely reconstructed to become a great tourist picnic spot. Special features of this place include a bicentennial reading, a view of Cincinnati’s skyline, and a fishing spot.

Things to Do in Newport, KY – Food and Nightlife

14. New Riff Distillery

Riff Distillery was established in 2014, and here, you can experience a wide range of whiskeys and cocktails. The distillery is owned by an entrepreneur named Ken Lewis, who pursued his childhood dream of owning a liquor store. 

New Riff has several whiskey varieties, including Malted Rye, Bourbon, and Kentucky Wild Gin. We recommend touring this distillery with a guide named Grover, who will take you on the journey of how the place turned into its current form.

15. Wooden Cask Brewery Company

Wooden Cask Brewery Company is another famous spot located at 629 York Street. It has been a family-owned pub serving locals and visitors since 1998. 

The menu includes 18 amazing wooden cask beers. Small-batch brews or craft beer are also available in the tap rooms, which are 4,000 sq ft (371 sq m). 

You can also try other dishes, but they are not highly recommended.

16. Sweet Tooth

Sweet Tooth, located at 11^th Street 125 W, is a perfect place to satisfy your sweet tooth. The dessert recipes result from generational cooking experience in the field of desserts. 

Moreover, the prices at this place are unbeatable. We highly recommend you try handmade chocolates and caramel apples. In the summer, you can also get ice balls with ice cream. 

17. Dixie Chili

There are many privately claimed eateries in Newport, but none can match the dining experience of Dixie Chili. This restaurant on Monmouth Street has been serving a unique Cincinnati-style stew for over 75 years. 

The customer service and family-friendly environment make this place a must-visit with your partner and kids. 

18. Hofbräuhaus Newport

To enjoy the most delicious food in Newport, dine at Hofbräuhaus Newport café, located in Newport on the Levee. The café’s interior and delicious German and American cuisine make it unique. 

The restaurant opened after Munich’s Hofbräuhaus, which is over 100 years old. It is also the first Hofbräuhaus to be given an official license by the state-owned brewery. 

You can also try special beer produced on-site following the German beer purity laws.

19. Energy Nightclub

Nightlife in Newport is great if you stick to the popular nightclubs in the area. One of the very best is the Energy Nightclub. The place’s interior is very well decorated, especially the VIP section. 

The fun begins on the weekend when hundreds join the dance floor to change the atmosphere. A great DJ and a fun crowd make it an ideal place to spend your night visiting Newport City.

20. Thompson House 

Thompson House is an event center in Newport, KY. The place is divided into Heaven Lounge, Rockstar Lounge, Tommygun Lounge, and a lobby bar. The bar inside has some great beverage offerings. 

Famous local artists’ music performances and plays make the place a good choice for your night. Keep an eye on the upcoming events to plan your visit to this amazing nighthouse.

How To Get to Newport, KY?

To get to Newport, you can choose to land at one of the two nearby airports. The first and the closest one is in Cincinnati, around 3.8 miles (6.2 kilometers) drive away, whereas the second is in Covington, which is 9.2 mi (14.8 km) away. 

You can take a bus or taxi to Newport from Cincinnati Airport for as low as $2. It hardly takes 15 to 30 minutes to reach the main city.

How To Enjoy Your Newport, KY Visit?

Here are some quick tips for enjoying your Newport, KY, visit to its fullest:

• The weather in Newport, KY, can get hot or cold, so pack your clothes accordingly. 
• The best time to visit Newport and enjoy all the summer activities is from mid-June to late September.

How To Stay Safe In Newport, KY?

Stay safe in Newport, KY by staying vigilant and avoiding poorly lit areas, especially at night. Stick to busy streets and avoid walking alone after dark. Stay updated on local safety advisories for added security.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Newport, KY

What Is Newport, KY, Famous For?

Newport, KY is known for its riverfront area with its exciting attractions. Moreover, it has some great tourist spots, such as Newport Aquarium and the World Peace Bell, that make it famous.

What Is the Original Sin City Before Las Vegas?

Long before Las Vegas became the sin city of America, Newport, Kentucky wore the crown for a long time. 

When Was Newport on the Levee Built?

Newport on the Levee is a multi-level entertainment destination built in 2001.

Conclusion – Things To Do in Newport, KY 

There are a lot of fun places to go in Newport, Kentucky, and we listed them all for you. Whether you’re preparing to have a solo getaway, finding activities to do with kids, or aiming to visit all the family attractions, it’s all in here. 

Don’t overlook this charming city with its variety of engaging adventure activities, historical landmarks, vibrant art scene, throbbing nightlife, and sumptuous cuisine, making it a must-travel destination. 

Have fun!

---

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

Related reads:

• 20 Amazing Things to do in Jefferson City, MO, This Year
• Top 20 Fun Things To Do in Rockwall, TX
• 20 Best & Unique Things To Do in LaGrange, GA