Aquarium, Zoo, KI among top attractions in travel awards | Families

CINCINNATI (FOX19) – Travel-rating website 10best.com surveyed their readers on top travel destinations, and three Tri-State destinations finished among the top four nationally in their categories. 

Newport Aquarium was voted #1 among aquariums, beating out some facilities that are larger and are in bigger cities, like Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. 

Newport Aquarium responded with this statement: "Newport Aquarium is thrilled with our #1 ranking because it was voted on by families around the country. We set out each day to help our guests create wonderful memories with their families in a world-class facility. This ranking in some small way says we're succeeding. We're honored, but now we'll work extra hard to earn that vote again next year." 

The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens came in #2 among best zoos, second only to the visitor-friendly Columbus Zoo.  It came out ahead of renowned zoos in St. Louis and San Diego.  The Toledo Zoo also made the Top Ten list. 

Voters rated Kings Island #4 in amusement parks.  It was beaten by Walt Disney World at #3 and sister park Cedar Point at #2.  The national winner in that category is history-themed Silver-Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.  Fans of the park, smaller than most of its competitors, cite the family-friendly atmosphere and great staff. 

The Cincinnati area fared less well in categories like best beaches and best museums.  All the awards can be seen at http://www.10best.com/TravelAwards/.

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