Overview
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends is a beloved family-friendly festival experience celebrating one of the most iconic characters in children’s entertainment history. Taking place at the historic B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, United States, this event transforms the museum’s grounds into a whimsical world of locomotives, storytelling, and interactive fun. Running from May 3, 2026, onward, it offers children and parents alike an opportunity to meet the famous blue engine, Thomas, and immerse themselves in a day filled with discovery, learning, and joy.
Unlike traditional music or arts festivals, Day Out With Thomas (TM) combines the nostalgia of classic railway heritage with the excitement of live entertainment tailored specifically for young audiences. It is a celebration that merges education, adventure, and creativity. From train rides to themed exhibits, it’s an event that encourages families to connect through shared experiences and a love of trains.
The festival is part of a larger global tour that brings Thomas & Friends to life at railway museums and heritage railways across different countries. Each location adds its own local flavor, and Baltimore’s B&O Railroad Museum, being one of the oldest railroad museums in the world, provides an especially authentic and historically rich setting for this event.
Highlights
The highlights of Day Out With Thomas (TM) at the B&O Railroad Museum are centered around hands-on activities, interactive performances, and family-oriented attractions. While the exact schedule may vary each year, the event typically includes a mix of train rides, meet-and-greets, storytelling sessions, and plenty of themed photo opportunities.
- Ride with Thomas: The signature experience of the festival. Families board a real train pulled by a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine for a scenic ride around the museum’s historic tracks. The ride captures the excitement of being part of Thomas’s world and offers a memorable photo moment for children.
- Meet Percy or other friends: Depending on the year, visitors may also encounter other characters from the Thomas & Friends universe, making the event even more magical for young fans.
- Storytelling and Live Entertainment: Children can gather for storytelling sessions featuring tales inspired by the Thomas & Friends adventures. Performers often engage the crowd with sing-alongs, interactive skits, and educational talks about trains and teamwork.
- Imaginative Play Zones: There are play areas where kids can build their own train tracks, explore miniature engines, or engage in creative crafts inspired by railway life.
- Photo and Souvenir Stations: Families can capture the day’s memories at themed photo booths and browse exclusive Thomas & Friends merchandise, from conductor hats to collectible toys.
- Educational Exhibits: The B&O Railroad Museum’s permanent exhibits on the history of railroads add an educational dimension to the fun, allowing children to learn about real trains while meeting their fictional favorites.
Each highlight is designed to balance entertainment with education, ensuring that young visitors not only have fun but also gain an appreciation for the importance of railroads in shaping transportation history.
Venue & Access
The B&O Railroad Museum, located in Baltimore, Maryland, serves as the perfect venue for Day Out With Thomas (TM). The museum is a national treasure, often referred to as the birthplace of American railroading. It houses one of the most comprehensive collections of locomotives, rolling stock, and railway artifacts in the world. The museum’s sprawling grounds provide ample space for both the Thomas-themed attractions and the museum’s ongoing exhibits.
The venue is easily accessible from downtown Baltimore and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region. Visitors arriving by car can find parking options near the museum, and public transportation links make it convenient for families without vehicles.
Inside the grounds, the festival layout is designed for families with young children. Stroller-friendly pathways, shaded rest areas, and food vendors offering kid-friendly meals contribute to a comfortable and enjoyable experience. The museum staff and volunteers are known for their hospitality, ensuring that visitors receive guidance and assistance throughout the day.
Because the event takes place within a functioning museum environment, attendees can also explore the permanent exhibitions, giving them a deeper understanding of how railroads contributed to the development of Baltimore and the United States as a whole.
Tickets & Price Range
Tickets for Day Out With Thomas (TM) at the B&O Railroad Museum can be purchased online through the official ticketing partner. It is strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance, as this event often sells out, especially on weekends and during early May when the celebrations begin.
While the exact prices are not listed here, ticket categories typically include general admission for adults and children, with infants under a certain age sometimes entering for free. Family packages or group rates may also be available, depending on the year’s policy.
Every ticket usually includes admission to the museum, access to all Thomas-themed activities, and one train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. Additional activities such as souvenir photos or premium experiences may be offered at an extra cost.
For the most accurate and current ticket information, please visit the official ticket page linked below:
Past Lineups & Vibe
Although Day Out With Thomas (TM) is not a music festival in the traditional sense, it has its own unique lineup of attractions, performances, and themed activities that vary slightly each year. The event’s spirit remains consistent—lighthearted, family-oriented, and filled with laughter and wonder.
In previous editions at the B&O Railroad Museum, visitors have enjoyed live performances by children’s entertainers, magicians, and costumed characters from the Thomas & Friends universe. There have also been appearances by storytellers who bring the world of Sodor to life through interactive reading sessions and puppet shows.
The atmosphere at the festival is vibrant yet relaxed. Parents can sit back and enjoy the sight of their children’s faces lighting up as Thomas rolls into the station, while kids can spend hours exploring the themed zones and learning about trains. The museum’s staff and volunteers often dress in period costumes, adding a touch of authenticity and fun to the overall setting.
The vibe is distinctly community-driven. Families from across the region come together, many returning year after year. It’s not uncommon to see multi-generational groups—grandparents who grew up watching Thomas with their children, now sharing the same joy with their grandchildren. The event’s focus on wholesome entertainment and educational engagement makes it a standout in the family festival calendar.
Tips for First-time Visitors
Attending Day Out With Thomas (TM) for the first time can be a magical experience, but a little preparation helps ensure everything goes smoothly. Below are some practical tips for families planning to visit the Baltimore edition at the B&O Railroad Museum.
- Book Early: Tickets often sell out weeks in advance, particularly for popular time slots. Reserve your preferred date and train ride time as early as possible.
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at least an hour before your scheduled train ride. This gives you time to park, check in, and explore the museum exhibits before boarding.
- Dress Comfortably: The event involves both indoor and outdoor activities. Comfortable shoes, hats, and sunscreen are recommended, especially if the weather is warm.
- Bring Snacks and Water: While there are food vendors on-site, having a few kid-friendly snacks and water bottles on hand can make the day easier for families with young children.
- Plan for Souvenirs: Many families like to purchase keepsakes such as Thomas toys or conductor hats. Setting aside a small souvenir budget helps avoid last-minute decisions.
- Check the Schedule: Activities such as storytelling sessions and character meet-and-greets may occur at specific times. Review the event program upon arrival to make the most of your visit.
- Respect the Venue: The B&O Railroad Museum is both a festival site and a historical institution. Encourage children to explore respectfully and follow staff instructions.
- Capture Memories: Photography is encouraged, so bring your camera or smartphone. However, be mindful of other families when taking photos near popular attractions.
- Prepare for Weather Changes: Early May in Baltimore can bring variable weather. Pack light rain gear or an extra layer just in case.
- Stay for the Day: Beyond the Thomas attractions, the museum’s permanent exhibits and model train displays are worth exploring. Plan to spend several hours to fully enjoy the experience.
By following these tips, first-time visitors can ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable day filled with laughter and locomotive adventure.
Useful Links
Day Out With Thomas (TM) at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore is more than just an event—it’s a tradition that continues to bring families together through the magic of trains and storytelling. Whether you’re a lifelong Thomas & Friends fan or introducing your children to the world of steam engines for the first time, this festival offers a heartwarming blend of education and entertainment in a setting rich with history.
Lineup, dates, and prices are subject to change. Please check the official sources for the latest information.
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