Nintendo has officially announced the return of the popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour to the United States in 2026, reigniting excitement for fans of the acclaimed life-simulation game.
Kicking off on February 13, this immersive event will revisit several previous venues while also expanding to new locations, providing an expanded coast-to-coast experience for Animal Crossing enthusiasts. Animal Crossing: New Horizons—developed by Nintendo and released for the Nintendo Switch in March 2020—has remained a cultural phenomenon, surpassing 44 million copies sold worldwide and consistently ranking among the top-performing Nintendo Switch titles.
The Aquarium Tour, inspired by the bestselling game’s aquatic wildlife exhibits and beloved characters, offers interactive and educational opportunities across a range of major aquariums in the United States. Nintendo representatives shared that the returning tour aims to deepen fans’ connection to the game world while highlighting ocean conservation.
Visitors can participate in a variety of Animal Crossing: New Horizons-themed activities, including photo opportunities in front of aquarium-inspired backdrops populated with in-game characters, and thematic signage featuring Blathers alongside detailed creature descriptions based directly on in-game information. A first for this year’s tour, Kapp’n—one of the series’ iconic characters—will make his debut appearance, joining standees of other fan favorites scattered throughout the aquariums.
On select days, guests can take part in a Stamp Rally by collecting themed stamps on special cards as they locate character standees, blending real-world exploration with the spirit of the game. Visitors with a Nintendo Account can check in at on-site My Nintendo kiosks to earn 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points, which can be redeemed for exclusive digital or physical rewards via My.Nintendo.com.
Limited-edition Animal Crossing: New Horizons patches and downloadable mobile wallpapers, obtained by scanning QR codes, will be available at select times and locations while supplies last. A rotating schedule of character meet-and-greet opportunities is also planned—fans will be able to interact with beloved personalities like Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K.
Slider at various stops.
Additionally, officially licensed Animal Crossing merchandise will be available for purchase at aquarium gift shops, ensuring fans can take home unique memorabilia from the event. Attendees will also have the chance to play the latest Animal Crossing: New Horizons update on the Nintendo Switch 2 at designated times, giving hands-on access to the features of the game’s significant 3.0.0 update and the recently released Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The 2026 Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour will stop at the following partner institutions: • SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Orange County, Florida • Birch Aquarium, San Diego, California • SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, Grapevine, Texas • SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium, East Rutherford, New Jersey • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, Auburn Hills, Michigan • SEA LIFE at Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota • SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium, San Antonio, Texas • SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, Tempe, Arizona • SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, Concord, North Carolina • SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, Kansas City, Missouri For more details on dates and programming for each location, fans are encouraged to check official Nintendo and participating aquarium websites.
With its vibrant blend of gameplay-inspired events, in-person activations, and exclusive updates for Nintendo Switch 2, the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour promises an enriched experience for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
Kicking off on February 13, this immersive event will revisit several previous venues while also expanding to new locations, providing an expanded coast-to-coast experience for Animal Crossing enthusiasts. Animal Crossing: New Horizons—developed by Nintendo and released for the Nintendo Switch in March 2020—has remained a cultural phenomenon, surpassing 44 million copies sold worldwide and consistently ranking among the top-performing Nintendo Switch titles.
The Aquarium Tour, inspired by the bestselling game’s aquatic wildlife exhibits and beloved characters, offers interactive and educational opportunities across a range of major aquariums in the United States. Nintendo representatives shared that the returning tour aims to deepen fans’ connection to the game world while highlighting ocean conservation.
Visitors can participate in a variety of Animal Crossing: New Horizons-themed activities, including photo opportunities in front of aquarium-inspired backdrops populated with in-game characters, and thematic signage featuring Blathers alongside detailed creature descriptions based directly on in-game information. A first for this year’s tour, Kapp’n—one of the series’ iconic characters—will make his debut appearance, joining standees of other fan favorites scattered throughout the aquariums.
On select days, guests can take part in a Stamp Rally by collecting themed stamps on special cards as they locate character standees, blending real-world exploration with the spirit of the game. Visitors with a Nintendo Account can check in at on-site My Nintendo kiosks to earn 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points, which can be redeemed for exclusive digital or physical rewards via My.Nintendo.com.
Limited-edition Animal Crossing: New Horizons patches and downloadable mobile wallpapers, obtained by scanning QR codes, will be available at select times and locations while supplies last. A rotating schedule of character meet-and-greet opportunities is also planned—fans will be able to interact with beloved personalities like Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K.
Slider at various stops.
Additionally, officially licensed Animal Crossing merchandise will be available for purchase at aquarium gift shops, ensuring fans can take home unique memorabilia from the event. Attendees will also have the chance to play the latest Animal Crossing: New Horizons update on the Nintendo Switch 2 at designated times, giving hands-on access to the features of the game’s significant 3.0.0 update and the recently released Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The 2026 Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour will stop at the following partner institutions: • SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Orange County, Florida • Birch Aquarium, San Diego, California • SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium, Grapevine, Texas • SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium, East Rutherford, New Jersey • SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium, Auburn Hills, Michigan • SEA LIFE at Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota • SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium, San Antonio, Texas • SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, Tempe, Arizona • SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, Concord, North Carolina • SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium, Kansas City, Missouri For more details on dates and programming for each location, fans are encouraged to check official Nintendo and participating aquarium websites.
With its vibrant blend of gameplay-inspired events, in-person activations, and exclusive updates for Nintendo Switch 2, the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour promises an enriched experience for newcomers and seasoned fans alike.
