Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour Comes to Birch Aquarium
Experience inspired by the game runs from February 16 – March 26
La Jolla, CA (January 28, 2026)—Island residents, rejoice: Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is thrilled to announce it will host a stop on this year’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour, in partnership with Nintendo of America. Inspired by the in-game aquarium experience, guests will dive into a real-world aquarium with an Animal Crossing: New Horizons twist from February 16 through March 26, 2026.
“We are so excited to be hosting a stop on the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour!” said Allyson Collins Gobler, Chief Guest Experience and Business Development Officer. “Many of the creatures featured in the game can be found right here at Birch Aquarium and we hope guests will not only have a fun experience seeing their real-life counterparts but will also learn about the important conservation work being done here to protect them.”
During the tour, guests can expect Animal Crossing: New Horizons themed activities throughout the aquarium including a photo opportunity featuring characters from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Other opportunities include standees of familiar characters, exhibit signage featuring Blathers giving creature descriptions with information from the game and themed merchandise in the Gift Shop.
The aquarium will also host two stamp rally weekends February 21 – 22 and March 7 – 8 from 12 – 4 p.m. where guests can collect themed stamps on a card by locating character standees. The aquarium will also host an Animal Crossing: New Horizons Meet-and-Greet Weekend where guests will have the opportunity to meet-and-greet Isabelle, Tom Nook or K.K. Slider from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 13 – 15.
All Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour activities are included with general admission. Birch Aquarium opens daily at 9 a.m. with closing hours varying by day. Purchase tickets online in advance for the best pricing or buy an annual membership to visit the aquarium all year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for details including the Daily Schedule.
About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features the groundbreaking work of Scripps Oceanography and UC San Diego scientists as well as conservation breeding programs, and interactive exhibits. Birch Aquarium’s mission is to connect understanding to protecting our ocean planet, which the aquarium achieves through engaging hands-on learning opportunities for more than 500,000 guests and 40,000-plus pre-K-12 students each year. Visit aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.
About Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find surprises all year round.