Review: A Day Out with Thomas, Strasburg Rail Road
Last week we attended our third Day Out with Thomas event and our second hosted by the Strasburg Rail Road in Ronks, PA. Day Out with Thomas (DOWT) events are a favorite of our Apple Families- if you missed our original post describing the event check HERE.
A lot has changed in the 3 years we’ve been attending. My daughter who used to love Thomas is now 6 and claims she is not into it and her brother who is 3 is more Thomas Obsessed then I ever thought possible. Despite the “too cool for first grade” attitude, both of my kids still LOVED a Day Out With Thomas and the 6 year old was the first to complain when it was time to go.
The event at the Strasburg Rail Road features train rides with Thomas and now Percy, temporary tattoo tent, digital play station, story telling and viewing, music, food, building with Mega Bloks, shopping, music, coloring, food, meet and greet with Sir Topham hat and some more attractions unique to Strasburg- pedal trains, mini train rides and more. We just love all the options that Strasburg offers for the kids to do and play with. For the train lovers the Rail Road Museum of PA is right across the street. Strasburg Rail Road also has their own vintage trains that can be ridden for an additional fee.
What set this year apart from previous years for us was the addition of Percy! I remember the first year- my daughter asked where all the other trains were. Truthfully she was hoping for Rosie but at age 3 just the sight of Thomas was enough to keep her happy. As she got older there was more questions. This year she was thrilled to see Percy; who happens to be her brother’s favorite. **DOWT Tip: You need to purchase separate tickets to ride Thomas or Percy.** My kids were a little disappointed they couldn’t ride both trains as we did not have tickets for each. Nonetheless they loved Percy!
The real magic came as we were leaving whe we realized- Percy was talking! If only I had a video of my daughter’s face for this. She had no doubt this was the real Percy! Yes, the very same train that we rode speaks to the children!
If you want to visit a DOWT event the Philipsburg railroad in NJ is hosting on July 10-12 and 17-19, 2015 and they are returning to Strasburg on September 12-20 and November 20-22; the Essex Rail Road in CT just wrapped up. More information can be found on the Day Out With Thomas ticket page.
You can find out more information on the Strasburg Rail Road on their website. All around Strasburg has many train themed stores, museums and hotels. Strasburg Facebook page and Thomas and Friends Facebook page also have great information, tips, tricks and activities.
