Day out with Thomas pulls into Essex, Connecticut

It’s a train revival in our house these days. From a recent train book review, to train snacks, and now the DAY OUT WITH THOMAS™: THE FRIENDSHIP TOUR 2017. This new tour is pulled into the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat station this April and May. We got our tickets punched and then it was “All aboard!” Here’s a look at what we enjoyed on our Day Out with Thomas!

This is a sponsored post by HIT Entertainment.

Our family time at the Day out with Thomas tour!

This event really is a full DAY out with Thomas. You’ll want to arrive early enough (or stay later!) to take advantage of all there is to see and do at your station. In Essex, we had so many choices from games, storytelling, balloon animals, play areas, and more! We arrived about two hours early so we could participate in the fun!

The boys favorite stop is always the Imagination Station room – where they can enjoy ride-on trains, LEGO tables, train tables, and more hands on play.

Upstairs, we found the gift shop with anything and everything Thomas the Train! It’s definitely a great place to do a little birthday or Christmas shopping. Then, the boys got a photo with Sir Topham Hat and a few at the Percy Train photo opp station! This room also houses some toy train display areas, where the boys could check out the elaborate layouts of real toy trains.

Outside, there were several antique cars and trains that were fun to look at and made for awesome photo opps!

Finally, it was time for our ride on Thomas the Train! The boys got a kick out of how the Thomas mouth moves when he talks (his eyes too!). For any kid who loves trains, this is a fabulous train ride, complete with getting your ticket punched by the conductor, to chatting with the engineers and giggling at the steam blowing out of the train!

During the ride, well-known Thomas Train songs play, and a short narrative is provided to help kids get into the fun of Thomas visiting their train station! At the end, each child receives a Junior Engineer certificate. And if they visit all the activity stations during the day and get a sheet stamped, they’ll also receive a small Thomas-themed prize when they leave.

Check out my Instagram gallery for more photos of our fun and exciting Day out with Thomas! I have to say, now that the boys are a lot older than past visits and can both participate and enjoy all the activities, this has been my favorite Day out with Thomas yet!

[Gallery] Engineered for fun! The boys enjoyed the sights and sounds of Day Out with Thomas – The Friendship Tour 2017! #dowt #ad

A post shared by Julie Kieras (@juliekieras) on May 6, 2017 at 1:09pm PDT

Day out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 – information

In their most exciting year yet, Thomas the Tank Engine and his BFF Percy create a fun-filled event for the whole family.Enjoy a 25 minute ride, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy fun activities. Friendship-inspired activities abound, like photo opps, crafts, collecting passport stamps, friendship bracelets, and social play that develops key friendship skills for toddlers. Of course, the usual play tables and entertainment as well as food trucks will be available.

Little engineers can enjoy

carnival rides,
a petting zoo,
face painting,
storytelling,
a music show,
and play areas

all included with their ticket! Caboose the Clown will create balloon characters during the music show!

Times: Ride depart every 45 minutes starting at 9 am through 5:15 pm. (Rain or shine!)

Ticket Prices: $24 (plus tax) for ages 2+ (Kids under 2 are free!)

Where to buy: Purchase online or call toll-free 866.468.7630. For more information and directions on the Connecticut ride, contact Essex Steam Train & Riverboat at 860.767.0103 or visit EssexSteamTrain.com.

For general information about the tour or to find a Day Out with Thomas: The Friendship Tour 2017 event near you, visit www.dayoutwiththomas.com.