Nintendo of America has officially confirmed the expansion and continuation of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour, set to visit a host of new and select returning aquariums across the United States throughout 2026.
This nationwide partnership brings beloved elements from the hit Nintendo Switch game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, directly to participants and families, combining interactive in-game activities with real-world aquatic experiences at prominent venues. Launching on Friday, February 13, 2026, attendees at participating Sea Life and Birch Aquariums will be welcomed to a variety of Animal Crossing: New Horizons-themed offerings.
Designed to capture the game's signature charm, each location will integrate unique features blending education, entertainment, and exclusive collectibles. Highlights include dedicated photo zones showcasing aquarium-inspired backdrops alongside iconic Animal Crossing characters, perfect for sharing memorable moments.
Throughout the aquariums, visitors will find informative signage featuring popular museum curator Blathers, providing fun facts and creature descriptions inspired by the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Guests can search for life-sized standees of characters such as Kapp’n—making his debut on the aquarium tour—placed throughout each venue, adding a scavenger-hunt element to the experience.
On select dates, the Stamp Rally activity invites guests to collect themed stamps by finding character locations, encouraging full exploration of the aquatic exhibits. Nintendo fans with a Nintendo Account can check in at designated My Nintendo kiosks for an instant reward of 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points, which can later be redeemed for exclusive digital and physical incentives on My.Nintendo.com.
Special event days will also offer limited-edition, Animal Crossing: New Horizons-themed patches featuring familiar faces—available while supplies last. For those looking to bring the fun home, exclusive mobile wallpapers can be downloaded via QR codes posted around each aquarium.
Select dates will provide fans the chance to meet and greet popular characters including Isabelle, Tom Nook, and K.K.
Slider, creating unforgettable encounters for visitors of all ages.
Officially licensed Animal Crossing merchandise will also be available at the aquarium gift shops for a limited time. Additionally, event attendees will have the opportunity to play the latest update of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch at on-site play stations—giving newcomers and returning players alike a chance to dive into the peaceful island life that has sold over 42 million copies worldwide as of 2024. The participating aquariums for 2026 include: - Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Florida - Birch Aquarium, California - Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, Texas - Sea Life New Jersey Aquarium, New Jersey - Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, Michigan - Sea Life at Mall of America, Minnesota - Sea Life San Antonio Aquarium, Texas - Sea Life Arizona Aquarium, Arizona - Sea Life Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina - Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium, Missouri Admission to all Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour activities is included with the cost of general entry to participating locations.
Tickets can be purchased directly through each aquarium's official website or at the front desk.
For fans of Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing, this event offers an innovative way to connect the magic of the digital island community with the wonders of aquatic discovery.
This nationwide partnership brings beloved elements from the hit Nintendo Switch game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, directly to participants and families, combining interactive in-game activities with real-world aquatic experiences at prominent venues. Launching on Friday, February 13, 2026, attendees at participating Sea Life and Birch Aquariums will be welcomed to a variety of Animal Crossing: New Horizons-themed offerings.
Designed to capture the game's signature charm, each location will integrate unique features blending education, entertainment, and exclusive collectibles. Highlights include dedicated photo zones showcasing aquarium-inspired backdrops alongside iconic Animal Crossing characters, perfect for sharing memorable moments.
Throughout the aquariums, visitors will find informative signage featuring popular museum curator Blathers, providing fun facts and creature descriptions inspired by the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Guests can search for life-sized standees of characters such as Kapp’n—making his debut on the aquarium tour—placed throughout each venue, adding a scavenger-hunt element to the experience.
On select dates, the Stamp Rally activity invites guests to collect themed stamps by finding character locations, encouraging full exploration of the aquatic exhibits. Nintendo fans with a Nintendo Account can check in at designated My Nintendo kiosks for an instant reward of 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points, which can later be redeemed for exclusive digital and physical incentives on My.Nintendo.com.
Special event days will also offer limited-edition, Animal Crossing: New Horizons-themed patches featuring familiar faces—available while supplies last. For those looking to bring the fun home, exclusive mobile wallpapers can be downloaded via QR codes posted around each aquarium.
Select dates will provide fans the chance to meet and greet popular characters including Isabelle, Tom Nook, and K.K.
Slider, creating unforgettable encounters for visitors of all ages.
Officially licensed Animal Crossing merchandise will also be available at the aquarium gift shops for a limited time. Additionally, event attendees will have the opportunity to play the latest update of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch at on-site play stations—giving newcomers and returning players alike a chance to dive into the peaceful island life that has sold over 42 million copies worldwide as of 2024. The participating aquariums for 2026 include: - Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Florida - Birch Aquarium, California - Sea Life Grapevine Aquarium, Texas - Sea Life New Jersey Aquarium, New Jersey - Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, Michigan - Sea Life at Mall of America, Minnesota - Sea Life San Antonio Aquarium, Texas - Sea Life Arizona Aquarium, Arizona - Sea Life Charlotte-Concord, North Carolina - Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium, Missouri Admission to all Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour activities is included with the cost of general entry to participating locations.
Tickets can be purchased directly through each aquarium's official website or at the front desk.
For fans of Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing, this event offers an innovative way to connect the magic of the digital island community with the wonders of aquatic discovery.
