Oink! 

Saturday is the grand opening of The Peppa Pig theme park by Hasbro in North Richland Hills, approximately 45 minutes from campus, featuring numerous attractions from rides, a splash pad, gardens, and all things Peppa Pig.  

“Texas was a natural expansion for us, because we have three attractions in Grapevine,” Hasbro Senior PR Manager Brittany Williams said. “The North Richland Hills community has been so incredibly warm and welcoming, and so we know we’ve chosen the perfect place to add our third Peppa Pig theme park.”

The park has a total of five rides, with height requirements that vary from ride to ride, with the  roller coasters designed for young children. 

“So every ride here was designed for kids six and under and with Peppa’s world in mind, that is, of course, it was all designed to immerse the kids in her world,” Williams said. “So Daddy Pig’s roller coaster is a great first roller coaster experience. It’s like light thrills, we call it pink knuckle. I don’t know if you’ve heard of white knuckle rides where you’re holding on so tight that your knuckles turn white. Ours is just gentle thrills so it’s a pink knuckle ride.”

For many parents such as local resident Alison Froman, Peppa Pig can be an educational tool. While waiting for rides, there are posters to keep children occupied and work their brains. 

“So actually in Peppa Pig, whenever my daughter was younger it was about the shapes of the characters which is really what stood out to us,” Froman said. “It actually is what makes them want to watch, gives them more of an attraction.”

A visit to the park also includes a show and meet and greet with Peppa Pig as well as her little brother George. Children and parents are encouraged to stand up and dance and sing along to the catchy tunes. 

“We’re just so excited that Peppa Pig came to the area and my kids, I have a one-year-old and then I have a four-year-old who loves watching Peppa,” Froman said. “Everyday she’s asked to watch Peppa on T.V. in preparation for this. You know, since like Disney World and Disneyland so far away, just having the attractions, the roller coasters is great for the little kids. It’s a little kid’s dream.” 

And for any nostalgics who want to visit the park, they’re in luck. Although the park is aimed towards children, all ages are welcome to immerse themselves in Peppa’s world. 

“So although we are designed for six and under, the whole family’s welcome, and adults are welcome to come too,” Williams said. “A lot of the rides are really fun, and if you’ve grown up with it, then it’s going to be a really memorable experience for you, too.” 

It certainly was the case for senior Bea Dunlop who attended Wednesday’s media open with Wingspan.

Born in England, Peppa Pig was a staple part of her childhood and reminds her of her homeland.

“I still like Peppa Pig because I think my girl Peppa is literally awesome,”Dunlop said. “I don’t think anyone can outgrow her. Yeah, it’s a kid show. Yeah, it’s for kids; it’s made for kids. But the stuff you learn in it, that stays with you forever.”