The park is a certified autism center.
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas — With a target demographic of six and under, it may seem like the new Peppa Pig Theme Park in North Richland Hills isn’t for everyone.
But step inside and guests will discover that it truly is for every kid.
“I love being able to tell my friends in the autism community that this is a friendly space for our kiddos,” said North Texas mom, Heather Dearmore.
Dearmore says for someone with autism, like her 7-year-old daughter, Acacia, theme parks can be intimidating. They’re filled with sights, sounds, and textures that make it uninviting.
“We don’t want that,” said Julie Estrada, public relations director for Merlin Entertainments, the company that owns the park. “We want them to have a pleasant experience.”
Estrada said she’s seen it far too often.
“Families would travel, but don’t because they don’t think the location they’re going to is going to be a good experience for their kids,” she said.
Dearmore agreed.
“We’ve never gone to a theme park and we’re from southern California,” Dearmore said. “We didn’t do Disneyland or anything. It’s just too overwhelming.”
The Peppa Pig Theme Park was designed differently.
Online sensory guides allow parents to plan, explaining how each attraction may affect their child.
Most rides are either sensory-friendly or handicap-accessible, and sensory activities are scattered throughout.
Perhaps most meaningful, however, is that every staff member receives autism-focused training.
“It’s an amazing experience to see families come in with their children and know that they have a safe place to play, they have a place that understands them, where they can be themselves and they have a place where they can create memories that last a lifetime,” said Estrada.
Thanks to the park’s recognition as a certified autism center, Acacia went on a ride for the first time.
Dearmore says these experiences will make Acacia more comfortable and confident, opening her world to so much more.
“As a mom you think, ‘It’d be nice to have a place like this,’ but you don’t know if it’s ever actually going to happen,” Dearmore said. “And then, here we are. It’s wonderful.”
