The event lived up to its name. Our train ride was at 3PM so we made sure we were there at least an hour early to check out the other activities, and there were many of them! There were inflatables, model train displays, a petting zoo, a juggling act, story time, food, an "Imagination Station" and videos. They also had water sprinklers and bubble machines. The day was HOT but thankfully most of the activities were under tents and shady trees.
The best part of the experience was the kids' first moment laying their eyes on the life-sized Thomas steam engine. My son jumped with delight. My daughter was wide-eyed and, for once, speechless (she is an incessant babbler!). When our train was called, we boarded the train quickly. The Thomas train ride took about 25 minutes round trip. There is not much to see but trees and the river, but the kids entertained themselves inside the train. (Tip: find a seat close to the fans or an open window because it does get warm inside the train, especially if you have kids that won't sit still.) For an additional cost, there is another train ride to the Ol' Susquehanna mine where you can pan for your own gems to take home, which might have been more interesting.
After the train ride, it was photo op time. Of course, we took a picture with the #1 steam engine. The photo line was long but it went by fast. (Tip: you can take pictures with your own camera or with the professonal photographer at the event). After pictures with Thomas, we met the train engineers, and got up close to check out how a steam engine worked. Sir Topham Hat also made an appearance, but we missed him because the kids were too busy at the petting zoo!
The "Imagination Station" was a great way to wind down after the train ride. It featured train tables for kids to play with, spin art, temporary tattoos, stamp art, and Mega Bloks building tables. My kids were pretty much glued to the train tables.
Despite the oppressive heat, Day Out With Thomas was worth the trip. It was priceless to see my little daughter's eyes bulge out of their sockets when she first laid eyes on Thomas. And it was great to sneak in a brief teaching moment with my little engineer about what a steam engine looks like up close and how it is powered by coal.
Day Out With Thomas™: Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 will be wrapping up this weekend July 12 through 14. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit 877trainride.com.
Disclosure: the author was provided with complimentary tickets to Day Out With Thomas™: Go Go Thomas Tour 2013 in exchange for reviewing this article. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
