The Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour, inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons, is returning to aquariums across the United States in 2026. Kicking off on February 13, the tour will visit both new and returning locations, offering visitors the chance to combine in-game content with real-world aquatic exhibits. Tickets for the experience are included with general admission and can be purchased directly from each participating aquarium.
How the Aquarium Tour Connects Game and Real-Life Experiences
Visitors to the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour can expect an experience that blends elements of the game with live marine environments. Attendees can take photos with themed backgrounds featuring familiar characters from Animal Crossing: New Horizons, while informational signage throughout the aquarium highlights creatures with references to the game. Standees of characters, including Kapp’n, who is making his aquarium tour debut, are placed around the venue, giving visitors multiple opportunities to engage with the content.
On select days, participants can take part in a Stamp Rally activity by locating character standees and collecting stamps on a card. My Nintendo kiosks at the aquariums allow visitors with a Nintendo Account to check in and receive 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points, which can be redeemed for digital or physical rewards on My.Nintendo.com. Additionally, QR codes are available throughout the aquarium to download mobile wallpapers, while themed patches and meet-and-greet opportunities with Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider are available on certain days and locations. Officially licensed merchandise tied to Animal Crossing: New Horizons is also offered at aquarium gift shops while supplies last.
Participating Aquariums for 2026
The 2026 tour will visit a selection of aquariums across the United States. These include SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium in Florida, Birch Aquarium in San Diego, California, SEA LIFE Grapevine in Texas, SEA LIFE New Jersey in East Rutherford, and SEA LIFE Michigan in Auburn Hills. Additional stops include SEA LIFE at Mall of America in Minnesota, SEA LIFE San Antonio in Texas, SEA LIFE Arizona in Tempe, SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord in North Carolina, and SEA LIFE Kansas City in Missouri. Each aquarium will host the tour on specific dates throughout the year.
Experiencing the Game During the Tour
Alongside the themed exhibits, some aquariums will offer opportunities to play the latest update of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Players can experience new content from the game, including features introduced in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. This edition brings enhanced resolution, mouse control support, and a new in-game megaphone using the system microphone. Nintendo continues to support players with free content updates and the option to upgrade existing copies of the game on the Nintendo Switch 2 system.
Tickets and Additional Information
Tickets for the Aquarium Tour are included with general admission, and availability may vary by location. Visitors are encouraged to check with each aquarium for specific dates, activity schedules, and any limited edition items such as patches or merchandise. The tour offers a way for fans to connect their in-game experience with real-world exploration of aquatic life.
Make sure to check out our articles about top games to play in 2026:
Best Nintendo Switch Games for 2026
Best First-Person Shooters for 2026
Best PlayStation Indie Games for 2026
Best Multiplayer Games for 2026
Most Anticipated Games of 2026
Top Game Releases for January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour start in 2026?
The tour begins on February 13, 2026, and will run at various U.S. aquariums throughout the year.
Which aquariums are participating in the tour?
Participating locations include SEA LIFE Orlando, Birch Aquarium, SEA LIFE Grapevine, SEA LIFE New Jersey, SEA LIFE Michigan, SEA LIFE at Mall of America, SEA LIFE San Antonio, SEA LIFE Arizona, SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, and SEA LIFE Kansas City.
Are tickets for the tour sold separately?
No, admission to the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour is included with regular aquarium tickets, which can be purchased directly from each participating location.
What activities are included in the tour?
The tour features themed photo opportunities, character standees, Stamp Rally activities, My Nintendo kiosks for Platinum Points, QR code downloads, meet-and-greets with characters, and opportunities to play the latest updates of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Is merchandise available at the aquarium?
Yes, officially licensed Animal Crossing: New Horizons merchandise will be available in aquarium gift shops while supplies last.
Can visitors play Animal Crossing: New Horizons during the tour?
Yes, select aquariums will offer the chance to play the latest version of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, including features from the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
Where can I find more information about the tour?
For tour dates, activities, and participating aquarium schedules, visitors can view Nintendo’s official Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour event page.
