"Day Out With Thomas" Train Rides in Kentucky (2024)

Last revised: December 4, 2023

By: Adam Burns

The "Day Out With Thomas" events are a popular attraction for families with young children, and the famous tank engine visits Kentucky in June, 2024 at the Kentucky Railway Museum in New Haven.  

Each event is slightly different depending on the location but the festivities typically involve kids can enjoying a train ride (usually lasting 20-25 minutes), meeting Thomas and his friends, enjoying storytelling as well as arts and crafts, partaking in a play area of toy trains, and purchasing merchandise.  nHere are some of the key reasons why these events have become such a hit:

The Thomas & Friends Brand: The Thomas & Friends brand has been a beloved children's franchise for several decades, and the friendly blue engine and his colorful friends have become icons of children's entertainment. Many families are drawn to "Day Out With Thomas" events simply because they love the characters and want to experience them in person.

Interactive Activities: "Day Out With Thomas" events are designed to be interactive and engaging for young children. Kids can take a ride on a real Thomas the Tank Engine train, explore train-themed play areas, meet costumed characters from the show, and participate in a variety of crafts and activities.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The events are designed to be family-friendly, and many parents appreciate the opportunity to spend a day out with their children in a safe and welcoming environment. The events often feature food and drink vendors, photo opportunities, and other amenities that make for a fun and stress-free day.

Seasonal Themes: Many events are themed around seasons or holidays, such as Christmas or Halloween. This adds an extra layer of excitement and makes the events feel special and unique.

Nostalgia: For many adults, a "Day Out With Thomas" is a chance to relive happy childhood memories of watching the show or playing with Thomas the Tank Engine toys. This nostalgia factor can be a powerful motivator for parents and grandparents to bring their own children to these events.

Overall, the event offers a fun and engaging experience for families with young children, and their popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Thomas & Friends brand.

Kentucky Railway Museum

(New Haven):  The Kentucky Railway Museum dates back to 1954 and is one of the oldest such organizations in the nation.   

Since that time the museum has grown steadily and today features large collection of rolling stock and even features excursion trains which are pulled by the most famous locomotive on the grounds, ex-Louisville & Nashville 4-6-2 Pacific Type #152 (currently under restoration).

Today, they offer numerous specials throughout the year including train robberies, dinner trains, murder mysteries, and host "A Day Out With Thomas" which makes his stop at the museum in 2024.

2024 Dates

• June 1 - June 2

• June 8 - June 9

Among the museum's attractions are the following:

Train Rides: As previously mentioned, the museum offers a variety of train rides that give visitors a chance to experience the thrill of riding on a real train. These include short excursions and longer, themed train rides, such as the North Pole Express, dinner trains, the Santa Express, birthday parties, and more!

Exhibits: The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the history of railroads in Kentucky and the surrounding region. Visitors can learn about the role of trains in the Civil War, see antique railroad equipment and memorabilia, and explore a working train yard.

Model Trains: The museum has an impressive collection of model trains, including a large HO scale layout that depicts a fictional town in Kentucky.

Field Trips: The museum offers field trips for school students, which includes a 75-minute train excursion.

Special Events: Throughout the year, the Kentucky Railway Museum hosts a variety of special events, such as train-themed festivals, holiday celebrations, and more.

Gift Shop: Visitors can browse the museum's gift shop, which offers a wide selection of train-related toys, books, and souvenirs.

Overall, the Kentucky Railway Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in trains and railroad history. With its impressive collection of trains and exhibits, fun train rides, and special events, the museum offers something for visitors of all ages.

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