I grew up watching Thomas the Tank Engine with my brother. I didn’t remember much of it into adulthood, but when my oldest son was 2 he discovered a love for trains, and of course the #1 blue engine Thomas the Tank Engine. To say he was obsessed is an understatement. Everything had to be Thomas. We watched every episode and every movie, had books, wood trains, Trackmaster trains, clothes, shoes, you name it, he had it.
A few years ago, I discovered the annual event, Day Out with Thomas, and I knew I had to take him! This event is held throughout the year at various train museums and heritage railroad stations throughout the country, and the world. The closest one to us is in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. We had been there before to ride the regular route, the Missionary Ridge Local so we knew the museum and area well already.
The DOWT event in Chattanooga is held every Spring, usually in late March and early April for two weekends. They have many activities and games set up for kids to play around the museum. And the best part, the event itself is FREE! You only pay if you want to ride on the train with Thomas, but at this event I don’t feel it is necessary to have a great time.
Free Activities at Day Out with Thomas:
- Thomas and Friends toy play tent
- Temporary Tattoo Station
- Coloring Station
- Balloon Animal Maker
- Photo Ops with Sir Topham Hat and Thomas
- Scavenger Hunt
- Bubble Station
- Game Tent
- Mini Golf
- Inflatable Slide
- Magic Show
- Story Time
- Free Admission to TVR Museum
There are so many things to keep kids entertained and busy for hours! While most say 3-4 hours, we usually stay most of the day. My kids can’t get enough of the fun! Their favorites include the toy tent, inflatable slide and bubbles.
If you do choose to ride on Thomas the train for the event, it is an exciting moment for kids. And a nice break for the adults! They take a short ride down the tracks, through the tunnel, and back again. The cars are decorated with streamers, music plays, and kids get a certificate for riding with Thomas for the day and helping him be a really useful engine. One downside at least in Chattanooga is the music and overhead speakers are so low and it’s hard to hear. But otherwise, it is an enjoyable experience. After going for a few years, one pro tip is to ride the train either first thing when you get there or right before lunch. You choose the time you ride when you purchase your tickets. If you go in the afternoon or wait until the end, kids are worn out, cranky and little ones fall asleep easily.
If you have super train enthusiasts in your group or just want to extend your day, I do recommend the Missionary Ridge local train that also runs during the event. It is not Thomas themed, but it is much longer. It goes all the way to the end of the tracks where you watch the train engine get turned around on a turn table. It is really neat! You also learn the history of the area and the train and get a quick break at the station before heading back. You could even ride Thomas in the morning and this one in the afternoon. Since it is a longer trip, it is easier to get a good nap in for littles, so they are ready to tackle the rest of the evening.
Before you leave the event, don’t forget to check out the merch tent! You can get all kinds of toys, t-shirts, pens, plushies, blankets and more! There’s also exclusive Day Out with Thomas branded collectible wooden trains and cars. I usually let each kid have $20 to spend on whatever they’d like. Chloe loves the little minis- you can customize a set of 6 in a box. Hunter usually gets a set of some kind. Dawson gets push toys or t shirts. In previous years they’ve also given away little bubble wands to the kids who come in as well.
Of course, you don’t have to buy anything to enjoy this event. Pack a picnic and come for the day to enjoy the activities. Take pictures, make memories, and create wonder for your kids without breaking the bank!
We’ve made Day Out with Thomas our annual tradition for our family since 2021, and I don’t think we will stop any time soon. My oldest is still obsessed with trains and Thomas. He says he wants to be a train engineer when he is older. Only time will tell, but for now I’m content with creating those wonderful memories and fueling all my kiddos passions. The 2025 event is coming up soon in Chattanooga and we can’t wait to share the 80th anniversary of Thomas the Tank Engine with all of you!
*To find a Day Out with Thomas event near you, check out the schedule and get tickets here.
(You can get $2 off each ticket with promo codes MARCH25 or PARTY2025)
*Need a hotel stay in Chattanooga or near your local event? Email me at [email protected] and I would love to book your hotel stay for you. No extra costs, no fees.