There's nothing more exciting for children than to see the cartoon characters they watch religiously on television come to life before their eyes at a live event, and no such occasion provides a more potent IRL experience than a Day Out with Thomas. Frequently hosted at local heritage railway stations, these events not only transform the beloved TV tank engine and his fellow choo-choos into real, life-size trains, you get to ride them, too. For the duration of the trip (which can run 25 to 45 minutes), passengers get to imagine they're traveling through the island of Sodor, thanks to an interactive story component in which riders can help Thomas complete a mission and earn badges. Train tickets also include a photo-op with Thomas and various other activities. And, of course, no Day Out with Thomas is complete without an appearance from Sir Topham Hatt to help you get on your way.

Day Out with Thomas Background

Since the character was first introduced in the mid-1940s through a series of children's books penned by Reverend Wilbert Awdry, Thomas the Tank Engine has traveled far and wide — onto TV screens, into toy stores, onto lunch boxes — en route to becoming one of the most popular and enduring children's-entertainment franchises in the world. And since the early 1970s, children have been able to convene with Thomas in real life thanks to the Day Out with Thomas event series. The Nene Valley Railway in Peterborough, England, is said to be the first railway to dress up one of its engines as Thomas. Since then, Day Out with Thomas gatherings have become fixtures at heritage stations around the world, evolving into more elaborate and immersive events involving multiple trains, characters and storylines. But more than just entertaining the kids, Day Out with Thomas events also bring increased attention to the cause of heritage railway preservation.