This past Saturday, my family and I got up early, despite the fact that we got to bed really late on Friday night, for none other than a Day Out with Thomas. You see, Thomas the Train is on his “Go, Go Thomas Tour 2013.” Quite the reason for sleepy little ones to rub their eyes and get their sleepy little bums out of bed and get going as we yelled “all aboard” to get into the car.
When we got to the Strasburg Railroad in Lancaster (Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA) mid-morning and it was perfect weather for a train ride. The kids were thrilled to see Thomas, himself and life-sized, ride by as we were getting our tickets, complete with moving eyes. So cool!
We waited to jump on-board for our own ride upon Thomas. When our time came shortly after, the kids giddily hopped aboard grabbing their window seats, but as I climbed aboard I was more enthralled with the beauty of the car we were in. Nice plush velvety seats, chandeliers hung from the roof and pretty green glass lined up along the top of the train, below the roof. So much nicer than that plastic/metal train we always ride into New York. This was a ride with style!
On the ride Thomas came over the speaker and spoke to the kids, as well as a narrator to give a brief story. For the amount of children that were on the train you could hear a pin drop. Every single one of them was intently listening and looking out at the window at the beautiful fields surrounding them.
After getting off the train, there is a 10-minute time slot to get in line and take a picture with Thomas. If you are thinking, “Well then what?” Think again. There is plenty to do after the ride. Kids can take a picture with Sir Tophamm Hat, ride a small hand-pedaled train on a track, play in a tent set up with dozens of train tables; get tons of free Thomas tattoos to go around and take a cranky car ride. (Think watching an old railroad movie with two people cranking the lever on each side strolling down the track–it is work!.)
The tour is over for June, but don’t fret, in September they will be back the 14-22 and November 22-24 . If you look on the link above you can even buy your tickets now. It is a fun family day and I must say from a parent point-of-view; Thomas is a VERY useful engine. He kept the kiddos entertained for the better part of the day.
About the Author: Donna runs a fashion/lifestyle blog called Bella Perfectionista, as well as a communication company called BellaLu Communications. You can check out her blog here and follow her on Facebook or @bellaperfection on Twitter.
Philaburban Mom 