Game Night at Birch Aquarium Brings Animal Crossing to Life After Hours

If you’ve ever wanted to see the worlds of gaming and ocean science collide, Game Night at Birch Aquarium is making it happen. This special after-hours event kicks off the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour character meet-and-greet weekend with an evening designed for fans of all ages.

For one night, the aquarium transforms into an interactive playground where virtual critters meet their real-life ocean counterparts.

An After-Hours Animal Crossing Experience

During Game Night, you can explore the Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Tour in a lively evening setting, complete with themed backdrops, music, and hands-on fun throughout the aquarium.

The event includes opportunities to:

• Meet select characters from Animal Crossing: New Horizons
• Participate in a Stamp Rally with giveaways while supplies last
• Discover real aquarium animals that inspired in-game critters
• Snap selfies with themed photo backdrops
• Collect My Nintendo™ Platinum Points with a registered Nintendo Account

The blend of digital nostalgia and real-world marine life makes this a playful way to experience Birch Aquarium in a new format.

Bring Your Switch and Stay a While

You’re invited to bring your own Nintendo Switch 1 and or Nintendo Switch 2 systems to hang out in a dedicated gaming lounge. Whether you’re comparing island designs or just enjoying the atmosphere, it adds another layer of interaction to the night.

Alongside the gaming elements, there will be food, music, and plenty of ocean science woven throughout the experience, keeping things fun and educational at the same time.

See you there!

An evening of Animal Crossing, aquarium exploration, and after-hours energy sounds like a solid way to mix up the week. This one is perfect for gamers and ocean lovers alike.

📆 Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 6 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
🎟️ Get tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!