NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — North Richland Hills is buzzing with excitement as the Peppa Pig Theme Park prepares for its grand opening this Saturday.
Families like Tiffany Downer and her 2-year-old daughter Avery got a sneak peek — and they couldn’t get enough.
“It’s so cute, definitely welcoming, and everybody was so friendly,” said Downer. She watched Avery scream and giggle her way through her first roller coaster ride.
The park, one of only three Peppa Pig Theme Parks in the world, is adding a new layer of charm to North Richland Hills. Once considered a Fort Worth suburb, it’s now a full-service city. North Richland Hills has grown into a family-friendly destination with a focus on recreation and entertainment.
“I am excited for the little kids, I really am, because there is something that needed to be happening for them,” said Mayor Jack McCarty, who also tested out the rides himself. McCarty sees the park as a major draw, expecting it to attract millions of visitors to the city of 70,000 residents.
The Peppa Pig Theme Park is an addition to NRH2O Family Water Park, Catapult Adventure Park, and many other attractions that are developing in the city.
“I think it’ll be an entertainment spot for all of DFW,” McCarty said. But beyond his role as mayor, McCarty is also a grandfather eager to bring his own grandkids to play. “My oldest two grandsons are very excited about doing this.”
The park caters to young children but is designed for all ages, with a special emphasis on inclusivity. As a Certified Autism Center, it offers a welcoming space for kids with sensory sensitivities.
“It’s wonderful to have a park that we can all enjoy,” Downer said, noting her 5-year-old daughter is on the autism spectrum. “I think this city is growing. There are a lot of people here with children of this age, especially on the special needs side. So having it in North Richland Hills is definitely awesome and accessible for everyone.”
For Downer, the opening day visit was all about making memories with Avery — watching her daughter learn through play and hearing her excitedly ask, “Ride more?” as they explored the attractions.
The park officially opens on Saturday, March 1. It’s ready to welcome families from across North Texas and beyond for a day filled with snorts, giggles, and plenty of muddy puddles to jump in.