Nintendo’s Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour Returns to the US for 2026

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour 1

Nintendo has announced the continuation of the “Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour” for 2026, bringing the charm of the hit simulation series to marine centers across the United States.

The event series translates the in-game museum experience to the real world, allowing visitors to explore aquatic exhibits guided by the game’s curatorial owl, Blathers.

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour 7

Attendees will find signage throughout the participating venues featuring creature descriptions written in the character’s unique voice, offering real-world facts alongside game trivia.

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour 2

New for the 2026 tour is the inclusion of standees featuring Kapp’n, the sea shanty-singing turtle, marking his debut in the aquarium event lineup.

Visitors can participate in a “Stamp Rally” to fill a commemorative card, scan QR codes for mobile wallpapers, and check in at My Nintendo kiosks to earn Platinum Points.

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour 4

On select days, costumed mascots such as Isabelle, Tom Nook, and K.K. Slider will be available for meet-and-greet sessions.

The tour also provides an opportunity for fans to experience the recently launched Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour 3

Demo stations will allow guests to try out the new features of this next-generation port, including enhanced visual resolution, mouse control support for intuitive home decorating, and the return of the megaphone mechanic which utilizes the new system’s microphone.

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour 5

Exclusive themed patches and licensed merchandise will be available for purchase, but collectors should plan to visit the gift shops early in the day as stock is expected to sell out quickly.

Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour 6

The tour is scheduled to begin on February 13, 2026 at the following participating locations:

  • Feb. 13 – Apr. 30: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium (Florida)
  • Feb. 16 – Mar. 26: Birch Aquarium (San Diego, California)
  • Feb. 21 – May 25: SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium (Texas)
  • Apr. 2 – Jun. 21: SEA LIFE New Jersey Aquarium (New Jersey)
  • May 7 – Jul. 23: SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium (Michigan)
  • Jun. 11 – Aug. 23: SEA LIFE at Mall of America (Minnesota)
  • Jul. 30 – Oct. 10: SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium (Texas)
  • Sep. 3 – Nov. 15: SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium (Arizona)
  • Sep. 24 – Dec. 6: SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord (North Carolina)
  • Oct. 22 – Jan. 3: SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium (Missouri)

Access to the experience is included with the cost of general admission for each aquarium.

Full details can be found on the official tour website.

This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.

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