day out with thomas

We brought our 1&2 year old and it forever changed their lives. We were in Squamish BC. My oldest could not believe he was apart of Thomas and so thrilled to go on the train. I almost had tears in my eye he was so excited. Just being there was worth it. To the nay Sayers, slow down and enjoy life a little.The following day for the 1st time ever my son handed me the remote control. All he said was Toot Toot. Can't wait to go back.

We went to celebrate my nephew's birthday. This location was at Strasburg Rail Road, right outside Lancaster, PA.The tickets were $19 per person (even with young kids), so for our family we paid $76. The lines to board the train were very long and once you're on, the train is PACKED! They did have a conductor that came around to collect tickets, and a photographer to take a family photo (cheapest print was $18.00). The ride was maximum 15 minutes.We're not doing it again. It just wasn't worth it. It was way too crowded, and you couldn't even get up front to see Thomas and get a picture in front of the blue locomotive. Once we were done, there were shops we could have gone in, but you can't bring in a stroller and I wasn't about to take my 2 year old out of the stroller. But that didn't stop other customers from leaving their strollers in the middle of the walking area, so it was a bit chaotic. The food was really expensive. Plus, it took us 1 1/2 hours each way to get there, so for over 3 hours of driving for a 15 minute train ride, not worth it.

I had heard about this from a few friends and decided to go this year now that my youngest can get around without a stroller (I have a boy, 3 and girl, 6). Since it's about a 2 hour drive for us and I don't have to worry about naps (one way), I booked a 3:30pm train time and we decided to eat lunch on the way and be there 1/2 -1 hr before our train departs thinking that there isn't too much else to do.From reading the other reviews, train ride is short and not very scenic so our expectations were low.It's true - the ride itself isn't 'WOW'ing, but Thomas is in front and the kids think they are in Annie or Claribel, so from that aspect they were not disappointed and we (the adults) got to rest a bit without chasing kids around so it was good.You can tell who puts this event on that it isn't their first time to the dance... there are tents everywhere to shade you from the sun when lining up, they have a large selection of toys and pictures for sale... but unlike other children attractions, they do not gouge you for money. What I mean by this, is they have people to take photos (that you can buy), but you can also take a picture yourself... don't have to try to sneak it by or hide the camera. TIP: wait until after the train arrives to take photos. Less rushing and if you are at the end of the day (like us), less people to compete and the people that volunteer/work there don't mind taking the photo for you.Also, we would have gone earlier when it opened. There are other activities like crafts or colouring... train set tables are set up (my son could have played 4 hours alone there), balloon animals... and it's FREE. Again, unlike other children attractions they had 'extras' but there was no charge.There is food for sale at the event. No indoor toilets, port-o-potties... also, if you go earlier, your ticket that day also gets you into the museum near by (which we did not know ahead of time) and it closes early afternoon. I'm sure this is something the kids would have liked to go to but we arrived late afternoon near closing and had to get on to our train.I would advise against the ride all day pass... very expensive and you can easily distract your kids with another activity or go to the museum after.

My husband and I decided to bring my 3.5 year old son for a Day Out with Thomas. He had a lot of fun! The train is absolutely amazing and kids love it! The coaches are very old though and not air conditioned, but they do play the Thomas songs during your ride which was cool. The staff and volunteers running the event were all polite and welcoming. There are a few opportunities to get pictures taken, but we did not buy them due to poor quality and cost. There is food available, but I cannot comment on that as we ate before we got there. Inside the building there are various things for kids to do: bouncy houses, crafts, tattoos,entertainment, train sets to watch and play with. There is also a gift shop, but they basically sell the same things that I can buy at Walmart for about a third of the price. I am glad we had the opportunity to see Thomas, but will probably not return again next year since it is a 2.5 hour drive for us.

We took our 2yo toddler on a 6 hour roadtrip just to spend a Day Out With Thomas. We stayed at the Four Points, and we recommend the Thomas Package. There was tonnes of activity for toddlers of all ages. The train sets, bouncy castles, and petting zoo were all great ways to frame the actual train ride. We recommend going on the Friday. Our boarding time was 1015, we arrived on site for 830. Things weren't busy yet...which was really nice. The volunteer staff and Railway Museum folks were spectacular -almost as excited as Disney! The students staff however were a bit unenthusiastic. That's ok though. We liked being left alone. I can't say many negative things about the experience...except that the photos were a rip off, with very few options for purchasing. Take your Thomas-loving child, and you won't be disappointed! It was well worth it for the look on his face when he saw the "real" Thomas.

Highly recommend for the Thomas fans. Our three year still talks about it months later. We just bought tickets to go again this year. There are Indoor and outdoor activities for the kids. Plenty of food being sold on site. The gift shop was good too although we didn't buy anything. The Thomas train ride was an experience he ll never forget. His eyes lit up when he saw the made up train pull up. Before heading home we pulled onto a side street to watch it drive by us as well. Very friendly area. Great finish to a fun filled Thomas day

We really enjoyed our Day out with Thomas in Lancaster, PA. The tickets were $20.00. I was able to find a coupon for $3.00 off which was great. It is very cold is Lancaster/Ronks, PA in the fall fo make sure you bundle up. They have a lot of activities and gift shops for the kids. The Railroad Museum is across the street. Very nice. We didn't wait long to get on the train, but they are on a strict time schedule. The lines moved very quickly. The train ride is short (about a 15 min ride) but great for all Thomas the train fans. Their was a conductor on the train and Sir Toppen Hat was there was when got ot off the train. Such a cute experience for my son who loves Thomas. They are wheelchair accesible which is awesome. The train is really cute and historic..

I have not been personally involved with this project, but it draws a huge crowd of children and parents each year. Many guests travel from Michigan and further to take in this experience. It is very well run.

Excellent. Stay at the best western, pass on the cardinal motel.We were hoping for more unique or rare items to buy there, but its all off the shelf wal-mart toys. The train ride is priceless for a thomas fan.

Thomas the Tank Engine, the legendary train comes to St. Thomas every year in the summer. Huge volumes of little ones go to the city to get to see their locomotive hero, and this year that included my own Thomas fan. The venue is held at the St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Centre on Wilson Ave. be advised that tickets should be purchased for the train ride well in advance as this is an immensely popular event. And be warned the price is very steep at nearly $30 CDN per person (and that includes the little ones - I know I had to pay full price for my 2 year old but I'm not sure about children younger). There are many more activities at the venue other than just the train ride including a bouncy castle, miniature train, craft centre and hay maze. There is the chance to meet Sir Topham Hatt and get a photo. There is also a variety of snack foods offered. Restroom facilities are portable toilets. Of course the main reason to go is the train ride which was disappointing. Large numbers of families are moved to lines to get in the train, and yes, Thomas is in the lead (photos can be taken with him). Once in, if there are three of you, you will be told to occupy a single bench meant for two as this train will be full. Arrive at least half an hour before to get a good seat - there were two areas on the train car we were in that did not have a window and the late arrivals got these horrible seats. The train ride lasts about 15 minutes each way and you see the lovely rear yards of subdivision homes in the flat terrain of St. Thomas, so even if you don't get a view you won't be missing much. Of course throughout the ride we got all the Thomas songs. You probably need only three or so hours here total. Now as an adult I wasn't much impressed for the price paid. I could have gone to a local place for a bouncy castle and found a better train ride for less money. But it wouldn't be Thomas. So if your child is a diehard Thomas fan, check this out. Otherwise, seek out better train rides elsewhere.

Hello, EverybodyWe went to see Thomas in July 2013 Unfortunately it wasn't a very Good Experience. We paid 30$ each for the 3 of us 90$ Little overpriced. The ground was ok, had some animals most of the vendors were food vendors, why would you need 7 out of 12 tents food.... Sad... :(The gift shop was way overpriced, Thomas Balloons 12.99$ No strollers allowed to the Gift Shop so there were all over at the Main Room.The Train Ride was ok, the only problem that they OVERsold the seats , so the last 12 ppl in line had tickets didn't get on, we had to wait for the next one. Overall the function was overpriced, I do understand that it was a function so everybody had to make money but Please it was a Kids function, the staff rude, we will not go back .

Lots of things for the kids to do! (Petting Zoo, Bouncy Castles, Tattoos, toy store, shows, etc) It was neat to see Thomas in person... BUT... the ride was a little boring- you go backwards and forwards in a straight line. Not much of a view (Residential/Industrial Area)