Disclaimer: Tickets for my family and me were complimentary but all opinions are my own.
My family and I recently visited Strasburg Railroad located in Ronks, PA to experience A Day Out With Thomas and I wanted to share my experience with you! J is a HUGE fan of Thomas the Tank Engine and he was elated to see him up close! Check out our adventure.
Check-In
We had tickets to ride the train at 10:15 am so we arrived at 9:30 am to check-in and walk around. There were quite a few people there so we were glad to get that out of the way instead of rushing last minute. When we arrived we were guided to our parking spot and then we walked into a HUGE tent where we were handed a map and a few other brochures about the experience. On our way out of the tent, they had a shop set up where you could buy all sorts of Thomas and Friends souvenirs and knick-knacks. We stopped and loaded up on gear for the whole family as well as J’s cousins who couldn’t make it.
Once we left the tent we proceeded to the train booth and checked in. We were handed wristbands to wear and a few more brochures of information. We waited on the platform for Thomas to arrive, the anticipation was palpable! We then boarded the train, we opted for the open-air train to heighten our experience but I sure wish I had bought a jacket because it was a bit chilly! The train itself has closed seating or limited open-air, your pick!
Train Ride
The train ride itself lasts about 45 minutes and travels 4.5 miles east and 4.5 miles returning west on the same track, taking you through the beautiful Lancaster County countryside. Please note* This is the full 45-minute train ride to Paradise, Pennsylvania pulled by the fully operational steam Thomas the Tank Engine. The train ride itself is so scenic and wonderful! The joy in J’s eyes made the whole experience worth it, yes even the cold!
Back to the Station
After the ride was over we were back on the platform and ready to enjoy the rest of the activities. Our first stop was getting a picture with Sir Topham Hatt! We then went over to the Live Show where our favorite Thomas & Friends hits were played! The songs were performed by live singers and dancers on the Town Square Stage which is located next to Cafe1832. If you’re famished grab a bite to eat at the Cafe, you won’t be disappointed! Once J was tired of dancing we headed back to the tent where there were various games and photo ops set up. They also had a huge buffet line of food(hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, etc.) set up for purchase. After all of that fun, we were exhausted and decided to call it a day!
How You Can Experience A Day Out With Thomas?
Don’t fret A Day Out With Thomas is coming back to Strasburg Railroad two more times in 2022! Here are the dates and some important information for you to know before you go:
Available Dates:
- June 17, 2022
- June 18, 2022
- June 19, 2022
- June 20, 2022
- September 16, 2022
- September 17, 2022
- September 18, 2022
- September 19, 2022
Please be aware that ALL tickets must be prepurchased online!
- All Ages One Year (1) and Older: $25.00 – Includes Thomas train ride and all Day Out With Thomas event activities.
- The Day Out With Thomas activities are open from 9:30 a.m. each day until one (1) hour after the last Thomas train returns to the Station.
We had so much fun and will definitely be going back again! Do check it out and let me know if you guys go!
This sounds like a great time for the kiddos. THis is the kind of thing that makes memories that last a lifetime.
What a fun time! My kids would have loved to do this when they were tiny.
Sounds like a fun train ride. My kids would have loved this train.
Thomas the train comes to our area but we have never been to see him. My son is 11 now so he might not think this is a cool idea. It does look like a ton of fun for the littles ones.
Wow! That looks like a really wonderful place to visit! Kids would really enjoy to be here!
He look so happy! My son would absolutely love to visit there I’m sure! Such a really amazing place!
That looks like so much fun. I’m sure my kids would have loved this as well. What an amazing experience.
This post brought back so many memories. I took my kids to this when they were younger. They were obsessed with Thomas. I still want to take them but they are older and I don’t think they would go, so enjoy it while you can! Your son is adorable!!
wow! I remember those days when my both kids were going crazy over Thomas. This is such a special experience for kids!
All of my kids loved Thomas the Tank Engine and would have had a blast at this. I’m not sure that my granddaughter knows about Thomas the Tank Engine, but I’ll let her parents know. I know they would like to take her to this.
Great job! Happy times! Man, this post will be a treasure someday. Read this again after some years and it will be a magical read.
Oh wow! Looks like you guys had so much fun on the train ride especially the little one.
What a neat idea. I’m sure my kids would have loved this when they were younger. Looks like a fun day!