Latest news with #PeppaPigThemePark
The Star
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Texas' Peppa Pig Theme Park offers autism-friendly facilities for all
On a recent weekday, a small child frolicked under a spotless sky and a bright sun in north Texas, the United States, shouting at his father as he made a beeline for playscape called 'Granny Pig's Garden.' A life-sized pig welcomed him in a British accent, while the child rolled around in turf made to look like rabbit burrows. The whole scene played out at the new Peppa Pig Theme Park, which aims to bring young kids and their families in North Richland Hills in Texas. The Peppa Pig Theme Park creates a safe and inclusive space where every child can by Merlin Entertainments, the facility opened to the public in March. It has been in development for two years, but a planned 2024 opening was delayed after a rainy season impacted construction. Now that it is live, '... just to see the guests, all the smiling faces coming in, I get super, super emotional,' said Jeremy Aguilen, the park's general manager. Merlin Entertainments operates other attractions in the state, including the Legoland Discovery Centre and Sea Life Aquarium in Grapevine in Tarrant County, plus the Peppa Pig World of Play in the Grapevine Mills shopping mall in Grapevine. After the success of Peppa Pig World of Play, building a theme park around the long-running cartoon in the Dallas-Fort Worth area made sense, Aguilen said. Catering to everyone Like the British cartoon on which it's based, the park is geared toward preschool-age kids. Counting and reading exercises line the waiting areas for rides, and nothing is too big or scary for young ones. 'Families, that's what we're here for,' Aguilen said. 'To create memories for all our families that bring their children. And we just want to be accessible to everyone.' The park is also a Certified Autism Centre by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This means that each ride has informational signs, and there's a quiet room with tools available to children with autism and their parents. Also, the park publishes accessibility and sensory guides to help families navigate the park comfortably. Informational signs help children with autism and their families know what to expect at the theme most invigorating ride at the park, Daddy Pig's Roller Coaster, has enough speed to excite children – and keep their parents entertained – but not so much as to be frightening. The minimum ride height is 91.5cm, and kids taller than 106cm can ride alone, an important note as the ride may be too tight a squeeze for some parents. Each attraction in the park offers something different, from the soaring Peppa Pig's Balloon Ride – a cross between a merry-go-round and a Ferris wheel – to Grampy Rabbit's Dinosaur Adventure, a prehistoric departure from a 5.6ha sea of mostly farm animals. Aside from rides, there is a splash pad, a pillow-filled arena for live shows, a tricycle track and myriad play areas. Recently, Peppa Pig and her brother George came out for a meet-and-greet at the arena. Four-year-old Blair Frohman was a bit nervous to meet Peppa after watching her show and reading her books. But the child was soothed after Peppa, George and the park staff sang happy birthday to her one-year-old brother, Dawson. 'It's kind of like a Six Flags for little kids. And I really think that it's a big attraction for North Richland Hills that's going to draw in people with families and younger kids,' said Blair's mum, Alison Frohman, a resident of North Richland Hills. On the radar Mayor Jack McCarty said the park may help North Richland Hills serve a demographic that has been underserved: families with really young children. McCarty spoke about his grandsons, ages three and five, and the difficulty of finding age-appropriate places to take them. North Richland Hills, though, is looking to fill that gap with a variety of attractions, such as an adventure park and Peppa Pig's neighbour, the long-standing NRH2O water park. The city is in talks to pursue a 'dual-ticketing relationship' between the two locales, McCarty said. For its part, NRH2O receives around 250,000 guests in the four and a half months a year it's open, according to McCarty; he estimated Peppa's arrival could attract more than triple that. 'The bigger parks are really targeting the older ages, not the littles I have,' McCarty said. 'I love that (Peppa Pig Theme Park) is marketing the Dallas-Fort Worth area, too, because it'll pull a lot of visitors here.' The goal, ultimately, is to attract young families to the community. According to economic development director Craig Hulse, the addition of young families to a city feeds schools, restaurants, youth sports leagues and other avenues that facilitate a city's growth. The new attraction 'just puts us on the map,' Hulse said. 'There's over 100 cities in Dallas-Fort Worth, and people knew us before as NRH2O, not just North Richland Hills. But now with Peppa Pig here, I think it's going to add another focus on our community and what we have to offer, especially for young families.' – The Dallas Morning News/Tribune News Service
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
New Peppa Pig Theme Park ready to make a big (muddy) splash
New Peppa Pig Theme Park ready to make a big (muddy) splash Show Caption Hide Caption New Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Texas opens Saturday A popular pig amongst the young ones has a new amusement park opening in North Richland Hills this weekend. Fox - 4 News Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth is designed to be a first theme park experience for preschoolers. The park features five rides, nine play areas, live shows, and a cinema playing episodes of Peppa Pig. Single-day admission starts at $27.99, and annual passes cost $99.99. Everybody is welcome at America's newest theme park, but Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth wasn't built for everybody. 'It's really designed to be like a first theme park for kids,' Merlin Entertainments spokesperson Julie Estrada told USA TODAY ahead of the park's grand opening on Saturday. Merlin is the parent company of Peppa Pig Theme Parks, LEGOLAND resorts, Madame Tussauds and many other attractions around the world. Like its sister parks in Central Florida and Günzburg, Germany, this new Peppa Pig Theme Park is aimed at families with preschoolers. 'We are hoping families will create memories of a lifetime here,' Merlin's CEO Fiona Eastwood said in a statement. Here's what guests can expect at the Texas park. Pint-sized play The park features five rides and nine different plays areas, all designed for kids ages six and younger. "There really aren't theme parks for those that want to experience their first theme park experience, that have those pink-knuckle roller coasters where you're just excited enough, you're not scared, you're not terrified,' Estrada said. 'It's a gentle ride experience where you are experiencing it for the first time with your family.' Grown-ups are welcome to ride alongside their kids. Families can also meet Peppa Pig and watch live shows in Mr. Potato's Showtime Arena or episodes of Peppa Pig's namesake TV show in the park's indoor Cinema. A familiar feel Stepping into the park will feel like stepping into the beloved show with readily recognizable characters and scenes. It will also feel like Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, since the parks share the same attractions and entertainment offerings. But there are a few differences. For instance, in Texas, the bicycle and tricycle riding area, Peppa's Pedal Bike Tour and Georgia's Tricycle Trail, is indoors. 'Which is great because it can be cold sometimes, and it can be hot at some points, so if you want to get in and enjoy the air conditioning, if you want to get out of the elements from outside, then you can go there,' Estrada said. The Texas park also has a standalone Mrs. Cow's Milkshake Shack serving Muddy Puddle Milkshakes, which are very popular in Florida. Fun for everyone Guests with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivity can find the right experiences for them by referring to the park's online accessibility and sensory guide and sensory placards at each attraction. They are also quiet spaces for sensory breaks. Like all Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida and all three U.S. LEGOLAND resorts, the park has been certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards as a Certified Autism Center. 'Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families,' the park's General Manager Jeremy Aguillen said in a statement. Traveling with disabilities: What fellow travelers should know Where is the Peppa Pig Theme Park? Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth is located at 8851 26 Blvd. in North Richland Hills, Texas. That's northeast of Fort Worth. Merlin has three other properties in nearby Grapevine, Texas: a LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a Sea Life Aquarium and an indoor Peppa Pig World of Play, which Estrada likened to an appetizer for the theme park. The company previously told USA TODAY, "North Texas is growing and vibrant – Merlin Entertainments is excited to have the opportunity to add a world-class entertainment experience to residents and visitors alike." Universal is also building a family-focused Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. How much are tickets? Single-day admission to Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth starts at $27.99. Annual passes cost $99.99 per person and cover both the theme park and Peppa Pig World of Play Dallas.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New Peppa Pig Theme Park ready to make a big (muddy) splash
Everybody is welcome at America's newest theme park, but Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth wasn't built for everybody. 'It's really designed to be like a first theme park for kids,' Merlin Entertainments spokesperson Julie Estrada told USA TODAY ahead of the park's grand opening on Saturday. Merlin is the parent company of Peppa Pig Theme Parks, LEGOLAND resorts, Madame Tussauds and many other attractions around the world. Like its sister parks in Central Florida and Günzburg, Germany, this new Peppa Pig Theme Park is aimed at families with preschoolers. 'We are hoping families will create memories of a lifetime here,' Merlin's CEO Fiona Eastwood said in a statement. Here's what guests can expect at the Texas park. The park features five rides and nine different plays areas, all designed for kids ages six and younger. "There really aren't theme parks for those that want to experience their first theme park experience, that have those pink-knuckle roller coasters where you're just excited enough, you're not scared, you're not terrified,' Estrada said. 'It's a gentle ride experience where you are experiencing it for the first time with your family.' Grown-ups are welcome to ride alongside their kids. Families can also meet Peppa Pig and watch live shows in Mr. Potato's Showtime Arena or episodes of Peppa Pig's namesake TV show in the park's indoor Cinema. Stepping into the park will feel like stepping into the beloved show with readily recognizable characters and scenes. It will also feel like Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, since the parks share the same attractions and entertainment offerings. But there are a few differences. For instance, in Texas, the bicycle and tricycle riding area, Peppa's Pedal Bike Tour and Georgia's Tricycle Trail, is indoors. 'Which is great because it can be cold sometimes, and it can be hot at some points, so if you want to get in and enjoy the air conditioning, if you want to get out of the elements from outside, then you can go there,' Estrada said. The Texas park also has a standalone Mrs. Cow's Milkshake Shack serving Muddy Puddle Milkshakes, which are very popular in Florida. Guests with disabilities and/or sensory sensitivity can find the right experiences for them by referring to the park's online accessibility and sensory guide and sensory placards at each attraction. They are also quiet spaces for sensory breaks. Like all Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida and all three U.S. LEGOLAND resorts, the park has been certified by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards as a Certified Autism Center. 'Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families,' the park's General Manager Jeremy Aguillen said in a statement. Traveling with disabilities: What fellow travelers should know Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth is located at 8851 26 Blvd. in North Richland Hills, Texas. That's northeast of Fort Worth. Merlin has three other properties in nearby Grapevine, Texas: a LEGOLAND Discovery Center, a Sea Life Aquarium and an indoor Peppa Pig World of Play, which Estrada likened to an appetizer for the theme park. The company previously told USA TODAY, "North Texas is growing and vibrant – Merlin Entertainments is excited to have the opportunity to add a world-class entertainment experience to residents and visitors alike." Universal is also building a family-focused Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. Single-day admission to Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas / Fort Worth starts at $27.99. Annual passes cost $99.99 per person and cover both the theme park and Peppa Pig World of Play Dallas. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Peppa Pig destination wants to be your kid's first theme park
CBS News
28-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
North Texas population growth drives demand for new, family-friendly attractions
It's no secret that North Texas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, but there's a segment of the population driving some massive economic development to this area that may surprise you – children under 10 years old. The new Peppa Pig Theme Park, inspired by the Peppa Pig TV series, officially opens on March 1 in North Richland Hills. The rides and play spaces are designed specifically for kids six and under. "There's a lot of young families," said Brittany Williams with Merlin Entertainments. "We know they're going to love this park." Across the metroplex in Frisco, construction is underway on the first-ever Universal Kids Resort. It's another theme park meant for young children. "It's geared toward three to nine," said Stephanie Jarrett, a mom of three who lives in Arlington. "So you're really kind of targeting those kids that for all these years it's just kind of been, well, wait till you get a little bit older and you're going to have all these awesome places. And now you don't have to wait. Now you have them when they're little." Jarrett is somewhat of an expert on family fun. She runs an online blog and social media accounts dedicated to finding the top North Texas activities for children. "The business has grown a lot in ten years, kind of grown with my kids," she said. In addition to the theme parks, Jarrett says there's been an explosion in businesses that cater specifically to toddlers and younger children. "You've got them from McKinney to White Settlement and the Alliance area down to Burleson," said Jarrett. So why does North Texas seem to be such a desirable market for family-friendly development? "So without question, I think the north central or the metroplex area is the most significant growing area in the state," said Lloyd Potter, the Texas state demographer. In several North Texas counties, Potter says the majority of the population growth is from people moving here from other states, and they're more likely to have children than the average Texan. "As long as the migration flow continues, I think we can anticipate either stable or increasing number of young, school-age children," he said. It's a trend that companies and cities are betting on. Universal is investing $550 million in the kids resort, which will open next year. The City of Frisco says it will be an economic engine, creating jobs, generating millions in tax revenue, and providing support for surrounding businesses. In addition to the financial benefits of new family-friendly developments, continuing to bring in young families is critical for North Texas cities, as several deal with declining enrollment numbers and school closures. "Being able to say we have the schools, we have a well-run city, and we have a really great place to bring our kids – if that can attract them to come, the revitalization that goes with that is awesome," said North Richland Hills Mayor Jack McCarty. He says the city plans to capitalize on the positive impact the Peppa Pig Theme Park has already had on the area. "We will want to generate more business and create more economic development around it," McCarty said. "We have still a green space right next to it." The park expects millions of visitors in its first few years. "There's a market," Jarrett said. "There's a need. And I think there's always space for more. I think that a lot will hinge upon how these two do and how well-received they are by the community." Jarrett believes the more options for little kids, the better, to help keep North Texas such a desirable place to live for young families. Starting March 1, the Peppa Pig Theme Park will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Tickets start at $27.99.
CBS News
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Peppa Pig Theme Park bringing kid-friendly adventures to North Texas
Local News Parents and children are in for a treat with the opening of a Peppa Pig theme park in North Texas. Following the success of the first location in Florida, Merlin Entertainments is bringing Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth to North Richland Hills. The park will feature rides, play areas, interactive shows and family-friendly dining — all designed specifically for children up to age six, according to a news release. Scheduled to open to the public on March 1, the theme park promises to create cherished memories for children and their families across North Texas. © 2025 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
