The animated Peppa Pig family, beloved by preschoolers around the globe, is coming soon to a permanent home in southeast Michigan.
Peppa Pig World of Play is opening April 9, 2019 at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. Joining other family-friendly attractions at the mall by Merlin Entertainment like Legoland Discovery Center Michigan and Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, this themed spot will give toddlers and preschoolers a place to celebrate the TV series that some say is giving American kids a British accent.
“One of the reasons Peppa Pig World of Play has come to Great Lakes Crossing is because of the incredible success that Merlin’s other attractions … have enjoyed here,” says Dawn Priebe, attraction manager for Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan.
“We are thrilled to provide a new attraction specially created for our youngest fans.”
Attractions included
The indoor play center is the first Peppa Pig World in Michigan, the second in the United States and only the third internationally. The first U.S. location opened in Grapevine, Texas in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and another play center is found in Shanghai, China.
The attraction invites kids to interact with Peppa characters and explore 14 colorful, themed play areas suited for climbing, sliding and imaginative play. A theater where Peppa Pig episodes are screened, a gift shop with a wide assortment of Peppa merch for fans, dining options for families and photo opportunities with Peppa and George are also featured at the center.
Playscapes kids will recognize from the show include scenes like “Peppa Pig’s iconic family home,” George’s fort and more, Priebe explains. And, of course, there will be “lots of imaginative muddy puddle jumping.”
Ticket pricing and hours
Tickets for Peppa Pig World of Play are $20 for kids and $5-$10 for adults. Get yours in advance of visiting at Peppa Pig World of Play Michigan website.
Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.
Peppa Pig World of Play is physically designed for small children, Priebe says – particularly toddlers through preschool-age children. Play is open to kids age 8 or younger. All guests must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and adults are not permitted to visit without a child.
An endearing character
The popularity of Peppa Pig, a British TV series that first aired in 2004 and still produces new episodes, has grown over the past several years.
It’s easy to see why kids are so enamored with the animated kids show, Priebe says.
“Peppa Pig is such a bright, charming and wonderful character who brings a world of fun and magic to children,” she says. “Our attraction lovingly recreates the settings, activities and themes from the show to bring an unforgettable experience to life.”
Things to do nearby
In addition to Sea Life Michigan Aquarium and Legoland Discovery Center Michigan, families who visit Great Lakes Crossing Outlets to check out Peppa Pig World of Play can also stop by the indoor golf entertainment center Topgolf, which opened in late 2018.
Gary Neumann, general manager at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, said in a press release that the new attraction at the mall “further strengthens its position as a leading regional destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.
“It’s exciting when notable global brands choose our center to debut exciting new retail concepts,” he adds, “and we are pleased to welcome this family-friendly attraction to our community.”
