La Jolla, California, January 30, 2026
Birch Aquarium in La Jolla is set to host the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour, merging gaming and marine education. From themed activities to meet-and-greet sessions with popular characters, visitors of all ages can enjoy a fun and interactive exploration of marine life while celebrating the beloved video game. The aquarium offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ocean environment through engaging exhibits and activities designed for the community.
Explore the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour at Birch Aquarium
Join Birch Aquarium for a Unique Fusion of Gaming and Marine Education
La Jolla, California
From February 16 to March 26, 2026, Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography will host the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour. This exciting partnership with Nintendo of America aims to ignite local interest in marine science by combining engaging gaming elements with real-world aquatic exploration. By minimizing bureaucratic hurdles, local institutions continue to demonstrate their ability to create innovative experiences that enrich our community.
Drawing in visitors with a blend of nostalgia and education, the aquarium offers a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with the ocean through the beloved video game franchise. This interaction exemplifies how civic organizations can collaborate with private enterprises to captivate and educate, fostering a culture of community engagement in La Jolla.
Event Highlights
Themed Activities
Guests will find immersive photo opportunities featuring characters from Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The aquarium showcases standees and engaging exhibit signage with narratives inspired by game character Blathers, helping make the marine experience relatable to fans of all ages.
Special Weekend Events
Two special stamp rally weekends are scheduled on February 21-22 and March 7-8, running from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.. During these events, visitors can enjoy the thrill of collecting themed stamps by locating various character standees throughout the aquarium, bridging the virtual and actual experiences seamlessly.
Meet-and-Greet Sessions
For fans eager to engage further, meet-and-greet sessions will be held from March 13-15, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Attendees can expect to meet popular characters including Isabelle, Tom Nook, and K.K. Slider, enhancing the personal connection to both the game and the aquarium’s educational mission.
Admission Information
All activities related to the Animal Crossing Aquarium Tour are included with general admission to the aquarium. Birch Aquarium operates daily from 9 a.m., with closing hours varying. It is advisable to purchase tickets online ahead of time for better pricing or invest in an annual membership to make the most of the aquarium’s offerings throughout the year.
Discover Birch Aquarium
Birch Aquarium stands as the public exploration center for the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. With its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium plays a critical role in marine education, showcasing interactive exhibits, conservation breeding programs, and groundbreaking scientific work. More than 500,000 guests visit the facility each year, along with over 40,000 pre-K–12 students, underlining its commitment to fostering awareness and protection of our ocean planet.
The Magic of Animal Crossing: New Horizons
This beloved life-simulation video game allows players to escape to a deserted island, gathering natural resources to create their own paradise. By providing an engaging platform that reflects real-life seasons and time, it resonates with players, creating a parallel that makes them more aware of the natural world around them, including the ocean environment.
Conclusion
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour at Birch Aquarium is more than just a playful event; it is a testament to local ingenuity in combining education with entertainment. By leveraging partnerships between public and private sectors, San Diego CA is fostering experiences that inspire a greater appreciation of marine conservation. We encourage all community members to participate in this upcoming event, support local initiatives, and continue to engage with our vibrant San Diego CA community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour?
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour is an aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. The tour will make multiple stops across the U.S. this year and next, with participating aquariums hosting events and more with an Animal Crossing twist.
Is this experience free? How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets for the experience are included with the cost of general admission and can be purchased from each aquarium directly.
Will the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game be available for purchase at the experience?
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons game for the Nintendo Switch system will not be available for purchase at the experience. However, it is available for purchase at select retailers and on My Nintendo Store.
How long will the tour and experience last?
Please refer to each aquarium’s local schedule for more information.
What is the connection with the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game?
The experience includes themed activities inspired by Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch family of systems. Local exhibits will include a photo opportunity, themed signage, and standees of familiar characters from the game. Plus, guests may even have the opportunity to meet-and-greet Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider on select days and stops.
Will there be a My Nintendo kiosk at each aquarium during the experience?
Yes, local exhibits will have My Nintendo kiosks where guests can check in to receive 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points redeemable on my.nintendo.com for exclusive digital and physical rewards.
Key Features of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour at Birch Aquarium
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Themed Activities | Photo opportunities, character standees, and exhibit signage inspired by the game. |
| Special Weekends | Stamp rally weekends on February 21–22 and March 7–8, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. |
| Meet-and-Greet Sessions | Opportunities to meet characters such as Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider from March 13–15, between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. |
| Admission Details | All activities are included with general admission; tickets can be purchased online or at the aquarium. |
| About Birch Aquarium | Public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, featuring interactive exhibits and conservation programs. |
| About Animal Crossing: New Horizons | Life-simulation video game where players create their own island paradise, offering a wealth of natural resources and activities. |
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