We were among the very first Sydney-siders to attend the brand new Peppa Pig experience which opened at the ICC in Darling Harbour this morning and will stay until Sunday 21 July. Peppa Pig Playdate welcomes fans of the show into an interactive, immersive pop up world inhabited by Peppa and her family and friends.
Mummy Pig was there to greet us at the entrance and was soon joined by some of her castmates, with Daddy Pig, George, Suzy Sheep and Danny Dog all making an appearance during the morning. You only had to listen out for the squeals of delight to know a different character had emerged and there was plenty of time and access for each child to get their moment with the character and for parents to snap a pic or two.
My three were so excited to see the world of Peppa Pig brought to life in tangible formation, walking through the iconic trees, going inside Peppa and George’s house where even a jar of spaghetti stood proud in the kitchen, and sitting and colouring at Madame Gazelle’s playgroup.
First port of call for Noah was a ride on Grandpa Pig’s train, something both he and Denny repeated numerous times throughout the 90 minute session. A pop-up Miss Rabbit was even on hand to assist the station master in ensuring everyone got a turn and that embarking and departing happened safely.
Meanwhile Raphy got in on some muddy puddle jumping (minus the mud) thanks to a huge inflatable bouncy muddy puddle installation. This and others of the activities that make up the Playdate are subject to a ‘taking turns’ policy to avoid overpopulation and thus accidents happening. Reading books in Peppa’s house is another such activity, and another which the littlest Hine thoroughly enjoyed.
The dinosaur playground was a huge hit for kids big and small, as they dove down the ‘enormous’ dinosaur slide, crossed the bridge like Grampy Rabbit and discovered fossilised dinosaur footsteps. From dinosaur adventures to navigating mazes where Noah led me through the spherical walkways to reach Pedro Pony’s teepee at the centre.
As for Peppa Pig herself, a special Meet and Greet area has been set aside and supervised groups can line up and have their turn meeting Peppa and capturing that Kodak moment. Towards the end of each session Peppa and George put on a mini concert at the main stage for all the boys and girls (and grown ups too), which was definitely a huge draw for all in attendance.
We had our fill of train rides, spotting Mrs Duck and her ducklings, bouncing up and down in muddy puddles, and sharing special moments with our favourite characters, and crafting and creating music in the same classroom we’ve seen Peppa, George and their friends make dozens of TV memories in. Of course we couldn’t leave without paying a visit to Mr Fox’s shop which you’ll be pleased to know has everything! Plush toys and books and sunhats and t-shirts and showbags ($55) too.
The Peppa Pig Playdate is a must-do day out for any ardent Peppa fan, I promise you won’t be disappointed but you may be left with a certain Bing Bong song stuck on repeat in your head!
Book your tickets now and don’t forget to hashtag #peppapigplaydate when you share your pics on social media!
What you need to know:
What: Peppa Pig Playdate
Where: The Gallery, Level 2 of the Convention Centre, ICC Sydney, Darling Harbour
When: Saturday 13 – Sunday 21 July 2019
· Sat 13 & Sun 14 July: 9am – 2.30pm
· Mon 15 – Fri 19 July: 9am – 12.30pm
· Sat 20 July: 9am – 2.30pm
· Sun 21 July: 9am – 1pm
Duration: Each session runs for 90 minutes.
Tickets: $44.90 pp
Pram Parking: Prams/strollers and baby capsules are permitted into this event. Other items can be cloaked at the Customer Service Desk on the ground floor of the Convention Centre and on level 2 beside the Gallery.
Parent Room/Bathroom: The nearest baby change room and toilets are located on level 2 and ground floor of the Convention Centre – ask the nearest ICC staff member for directions if you’re not sure.
Getting There: The ICC is located opposite Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour which is easily accessed from the city via Market Street. Click here for all your transport options for the ICC
Parking: If you’re driving to the ICC I recommend parking at either the Darling Quarter Wilson Parking or Darling Square (Zollner Circuit) Wilson Parking. Both offer a $14 flat rate weekend parking fee and are equidistant to the ICC. Opt for parking in Darling Square – Zollner Circuit if you’re visiting during the week as you can take advantage of their $21 school holiday rate.
Food and Drink: No commercial food is allowed inside the experience.