Overview
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends is a family-oriented festival experience celebrating the beloved blue engine and his railway friends. Hosted at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, United States, the event combines the charm of vintage railways with the joyful world of Thomas & Friends. The 2026 edition begins on April 19, continuing across select weekends, offering children and adults alike the chance to step into a storybook setting where trains, play, and imagination meet.
This festival is not a conventional music or arts gathering—it is a themed celebration designed to immerse visitors in the world of Thomas the Tank Engine. Families can expect interactive displays, train rides pulled by a life-sized Thomas replica, and live entertainment inspired by the popular television series. With its educational activities and friendly atmosphere, Day Out With Thomas (TM) has become a cherished annual event for parents seeking a safe and engaging outing for young children.
The Southern California Railway Museum, known for its impressive collection of historic locomotives, provides a fitting backdrop. The combination of real-world railway history and the fictional world of Thomas & Friends creates a unique setting that delights both train enthusiasts and first-time visitors. The festival offers a rare opportunity to experience railway heritage through a lens of play and storytelling.
Highlights
Music and Entertainment
While Day Out With Thomas (TM) is not centered around live music performances, it features cheerful family entertainment that keeps the atmosphere lively throughout the day. Expect sing-alongs, storytelling sessions, and interactive stage shows where familiar Thomas & Friends characters come to life. The soundscape of the festival—complete with train whistles, laughter, and themed songs—creates a heartwarming and nostalgic environment.
Production and Thematic Elements
The festival’s production design is a major highlight. Organizers recreate the charm of the Island of Sodor through colorful decorations, station-style signage, and immersive photo areas. The life-sized Thomas engine, complete with a smiling face and authentic steam sounds, is the centerpiece of the event. Children can board passenger cars for a short ride through the museum grounds, guided by friendly staff who share facts about railroads and the Thomas stories.
Beyond the train rides, visitors can explore themed play zones, craft stations, and storytelling corners. Many setups are designed for hands-on engagement—children can build their own tracks, color character sheets, or meet costumed conductors. Photo opportunities with Thomas, Percy, or Sir Topham Hatt are especially popular, providing memorable keepsakes for families.
Unique Features
Several features make Day Out With Thomas (TM) stand out among family events:
- Authentic Train Rides: The chance to ride aboard full-sized trains, pulled by Thomas himself, is a highlight few other events can match.
- Educational Value: Staff and volunteers share insights into railway history, offering a subtle learning experience for children.
- Interactive Activities: Craft tents, storytelling sessions, and themed games encourage creativity and teamwork.
- Photo Opportunities: Carefully designed sets allow families to capture moments with Thomas & Friends characters.
- Safe Family Environment: The festival maintains a relaxed, secure atmosphere, ideal for young children and first-time event-goers.
Venue & Access
City Vibe: Perris, California
Perris is a small city in Riverside County, California, known for its warm weather and open landscapes. It has a friendly, suburban feel with easy access from major Southern California cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs. The area’s relaxed pace and sunny climate make it perfect for outdoor events like Day Out With Thomas (TM). Visitors often combine their festival trip with local attractions such as the Lake Perris State Recreation Area or nearby skydiving centers for a weekend getaway.
Venue Atmosphere: Southern California Railway Museum
The Southern California Railway Museum is a living museum dedicated to preserving and operating historic railway equipment. Its spacious grounds house locomotives, streetcars, and exhibits that showcase the evolution of rail travel. During the festival, the museum transforms into a whimsical setting where history and fantasy merge. The authentic railway infrastructure—tracks, stations, and workshops—enhances the realism of the Thomas experience.
The venue is largely outdoors, with shaded areas and rest zones available for families. Accessibility is a priority: pathways accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, and staff are attentive to the needs of young visitors. Food vendors typically offer kid-friendly meals, snacks, and beverages, while souvenir stands sell Thomas-themed merchandise and educational toys.
General Access Tips
- Transportation: Perris can be reached by car via Interstate 215. Public transit options are limited, so driving is generally the most convenient choice. Parking is available at or near the museum.
- Arrival Time: Arrive early to secure good parking and avoid peak crowds, especially on weekends.
- Navigation: The festival map, available at the entrance, helps visitors plan their route between train rides, activity zones, and dining areas.
- Facilities: Restrooms and baby-changing stations are located throughout the venue, ensuring a comfortable experience for families with toddlers.
Tickets & Price Range
Tickets for Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends are typically sold through Ticketweb. Pricing varies depending on date, time slot, and optional add-ons such as special seating or souvenir packages. While exact figures change annually, visitors can expect a general range that reflects family-friendly event pricing. Children under a certain age may require tickets even if seated on a parent’s lap, so it’s best to check the official purchase page for current policies.
Advance purchase is strongly recommended, as this event often sells out—particularly the earliest train rides of the day. Some packages may include admission to the museum’s other exhibits, while others focus solely on the Thomas experience. Group discounts, if available, are usually listed on the official site closer to the event dates.
Past Lineups & Festival Vibe
Although Day Out With Thomas (TM) is not a traditional music festival, it has a rich history of family entertainment. Past editions have featured appearances by Thomas, Percy, and Sir Topham Hatt, along with costumed performers who interact with children throughout the grounds. The event’s formula—combining live storytelling, educational activities, and real train rides—remains consistent across years, maintaining its appeal to returning families.
The festival’s vibe can be described as joyful, wholesome, and community-oriented. Parents often remark on the nostalgia they feel when sharing the Thomas stories they grew up with. Children, meanwhile, are thrilled by the opportunity to meet their favorite characters and ride a real train. The event’s scale is large enough to feel festive but small enough to be manageable for families with young kids. Volunteers and staff contribute significantly to the welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that every guest feels part of the Thomas & Friends family.
In previous years, additional attractions have included model train exhibits, miniature railway rides, and interactive demonstrations of steam engines. These elements underscore the event’s dual mission: to entertain and to educate about the history of railways. The Southern California Railway Museum’s collaboration with the Thomas & Friends brand ensures a balance between authenticity and fun.
Tips for First-time Visitors
Weather and Clothing
April in Perris typically brings warm, sunny weather with low humidity. Daytime temperatures can range from mild to hot, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential for outdoor comfort. Evenings may cool slightly, so packing a light sweater or jacket is advisable, especially for late-afternoon train rides.
Packing Essentials
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses help protect against the Southern California sun.
- Comfortable Footwear: Expect to walk across open grounds and gravel paths—sturdy shoes are best.
- Hydration: Bring refillable water bottles, as hydration stations are often available.
- Snacks for Kids: While food vendors operate on-site, having small snacks for children can prevent restlessness between activities.
- Camera or Smartphone: Capture memories with Thomas and friends at designated photo spots.
- Weather Gear: A light jacket or poncho may come in handy if unexpected breezes or light rain occur.
On-site Behavior and Comfort
Families should plan their schedule around train departure times, which are clearly listed on tickets. Arriving at the boarding area 15–20 minutes early ensures a smooth experience. Parents are encouraged to keep children close, as the excitement of trains and crowds can make little ones eager to explore. The staff is friendly and accustomed to assisting families, so never hesitate to ask for help or directions.
Respecting the museum’s exhibits is important—many of the trains on display are historic pieces. Touching or climbing on equipment outside designated areas is discouraged. Following staff instructions helps maintain safety and ensures that everyone enjoys the event. Trash and recycling bins are located throughout the venue; keeping the grounds clean contributes to a pleasant environment for all.
For families with strollers, most paths are accessible, though some areas may have uneven surfaces typical of railway settings. Bringing a stroller with good wheels or a baby carrier is recommended. Rest zones and shaded picnic areas offer a place to relax between activities. Many visitors choose to spend half a day at the festival, but those with museum interest often stay longer to explore additional exhibits.
Extra Tips
- Book tickets early, especially for weekends and morning train times.
- Check the official website before traveling for any schedule changes or weather updates.
- Bring a small backpack for essentials so your hands remain free for children or photos.
- Plan a visit to nearby Perris attractions if you wish to extend your family outing.
- Encourage children to participate in educational activities—these moments often become the most memorable.
Useful Links
Lineup, dates, and prices are subject to change. Please check the official sources for the latest information.
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