Merlin Entertainments is celebrating the opening of the new Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth in North Richland Hills, Texas, US. This attraction signifies another milestone in Merlin’s successful collaboration with Hasbro, the renowned games, IP, and toy company.
Fiona Eastwood, the new CEO of Merlin Entertainments, attended the opening alongside Hasbro’s representatives, with Peppa Pig and her friends leading the festivities.
This launch follows the successful debut of the first Peppa Pig theme park in Florida in 2022 and a second one last year in Günzburg, Germany—both of which are situated alongside popular Legoland Resorts.
The Dallas-Fort Worth attraction, a Merlin investment exceeding $40 million, is the first standalone Peppa Pig theme park, highlighting the growing popularity of the brand among families worldwide.
First standalone destination
This new attraction marks the 11th implementation of the Peppa Pig license across Merlin’s global portfolio. Beyond dedicated theme parks, the character and her friends are brought to life in World of Play experiences across the US, Europe, and China, as well as in smaller installations at various existing resorts on both sides of the Atlantic.
The theme park holds Certified Autism Centre status from IBCCES (International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards). This certification ensures that families with diverse abilities can fully enjoy the park’s rides, attractions, and amenities.
Notable features include wheelchair-accessible pathways, quiet spaces for sensory relief, and detailed Sensory Guides, enabling visitors to tailor their experience according to their needs.
“Bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life sits at the heart of what we do,” says Fiona Eastwood. “The opening of this new attraction – and the first Peppa Pig Theme Park to be a destination in its own right – is testament to the enduring popularity of this iconic children’s character.
“Our partnership with Hasbro makes all this possible, and I know how much our Merlin Magic Making creatives have enjoyed working with their team. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Hasbro over the coming years as we bring Peppa Pig to new audiences and create even more joy for families and young children for years to come.”
Matt Proulx, Hasbro’s senior vice president of global experiences, partnership and music, adds: “The opening of this park couldn’t come at a better time, as we embark on a new chapter for the Peppa Pig brand, with the recent news of Mummy Pig’s pregnancy.
“There is so much in store for Peppa Pig as she becomes a big sister twice-over, and we can’t wait to celebrate each milestone for Baby Pig in this new park with our friends at Merlin. Alongside valued partners like Merlin Entertainments, we continue to deliver the play experiences that reflect the real first experiences of our littlest fans and empower them with the confidence to treat every first step as a new adventure.
“We are absolutely certain that this location will draw in families for memorable days out, with children immersing themselves in the world of their favourite family – and enjoying their adventures together with Peppa and her friends.
“What they see in the series, and play with at home as toys, suddenly comes to life, becoming a tangible and immersive experience right before their eyes.”
Rides for all ages
The park features familiar scenes from the beloved franchise and includes five rides designed for different age groups.
These rides include Daddy Pig’s Roller Coaster—an exciting yet approachable first coaster experience; Grampy Rabbit’s Dinosaur Adventure, where children and their parents can climb aboard a dinosaur for an adventure through volcanoes and mountains; and Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, which lifts riders high into the air. This ride also has a wheelchair-accessible basket and ramp, enabling guests in wheelchairs to board the vehicle easily.
In addition to the rides, children can engage in imaginative play across nine themed playscapes, including Peppa’s Treehouse, George’s Fort, Rebecca Rabbit’s Playground, and the Muddy Puddles Splash Pad, which features fountains, slides, and plenty of free play.
Families can also enjoy live performances at Mr. Potato’s Showtime Arena, which showcases beloved characters from the Peppa Pig series. After each performance, characters will meet with children and their families.
“Merlin Entertainments is dedicated to providing safe, inclusive and engaging experiences for all families,” says Jeremy Aguillen, general manager of Peppa Pig Theme Park Dallas-Fort Worth. “We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Peppa Pig to life in Texas and look forward to welcoming guests for a day of unforgettable adventures.”
Merlin is also preparing for the opening of the first Legoland Resort in China later this year.
