Overview
Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends is a beloved family-oriented festival that turns the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris into a cheerful celebration of trains, imagination, and community. This event, scheduled to begin on April 12, 2026, is part of a worldwide tour that brings the iconic blue engine Thomas and his friends to life for children and parents alike. It combines the charm of classic railway heritage with interactive entertainment inspired by the globally popular “Thomas & Friends” series.
The festival is designed for families seeking a wholesome and educational outing. Attendees can ride behind a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine replica, meet costumed characters, and explore the museum’s extensive collection of locomotives and railway artifacts. The event’s tone is joyful and nostalgic, appealing both to young fans of the franchise and to adults with an appreciation for vintage railways. The Southern California Railway Museum’s expansive grounds provide ample space for themed activities, merchandise stalls, and food vendors, ensuring a full day of discovery and fun.
Highlights
The highlights of Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends revolve around immersive experiences that blend storytelling, education, and entertainment. The festival’s primary attraction is the train ride behind Thomas himself. Each departure features cheerful narration, themed decorations, and opportunities for children to wave as the train chugs along historic tracks. The ride offers a tangible connection to the world of Sodor and gives families a memorable shared activity.
Beyond the train ride, the event includes numerous themed zones and stages that encourage participation. Children can engage in arts and crafts stations, storytelling corners, and interactive play areas featuring Thomas’s friends such as Percy, James, and Emily. Live entertainment often includes sing-alongs, dance sessions, and short performances inspired by the values of friendship, teamwork, and curiosity that define the “Thomas & Friends” universe.
The production quality of the festival is consistently high. Organizers pay close attention to detail, from the colorful decorations and friendly staff costumes to the sound design that fills the venue with cheerful steam-engine whistles and familiar musical motifs. The Southern California Railway Museum’s authentic locomotives and carriages add a layer of realism, creating a bridge between fictional storytelling and real-world engineering heritage.
Unique features of the event include educational exhibits about railway history, opportunities to explore vintage train cars, and hands-on demonstrations of mechanical parts. Parents often appreciate the balance between imaginative play and STEM-based learning, as children gain insights into how trains operate while enjoying the magic of Thomas’s world.
Venue & Access
The festival takes place in Perris, a city located in Riverside County, California. Perris is known for its relaxed Southern California atmosphere, desert landscapes, and a strong connection to transport history. Visitors often find the area welcoming, with a mix of small-town charm and easy access from major highways and nearby urban centers such as Riverside and Temecula.
The Southern California Railway Museum, formerly known as the Orange Empire Railway Museum, is a sprawling venue dedicated to preserving and showcasing the state’s railway heritage. The site features operational trains, trolleys, and a variety of exhibits that trace the evolution of transportation in the region. Its open-air setting and family-friendly facilities make it an ideal location for an event like Day Out With Thomas (TM), where guests can comfortably explore at their own pace.
Getting to the venue is straightforward. Most visitors arrive by car, with ample parking available near the museum grounds. For those traveling from Los Angeles or San Diego, the drive typically takes between one and two hours depending on traffic. Public transportation options are limited, so planning ahead for a personal vehicle or rideshare is recommended. Once inside, the festival layout is stroller-friendly, and accessibility accommodations are generally well implemented, including ramps and shaded rest areas.
The atmosphere at the venue is lively yet manageable, with plenty of space to move around even during peak hours. Families often bring picnic blankets to relax between activities, and the museum’s open fields provide a comfortable environment for children to play safely under supervision.
Tickets & Price Range
Tickets for Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends are available through the official ticketing partner. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket, age category, and selected date or time slot. While exact rates can change from year to year, visitors can generally expect family-friendly pricing, with separate options for adults, children, and infants. Some packages may include additional perks such as priority boarding for the train ride or access to exclusive merchandise.
It is advisable to purchase tickets in advance, as this event often sells out quickly, especially on weekends. Online ticketing allows guests to choose preferred ride times and avoid long queues at the entrance. Group bookings and member discounts may be available through the Southern California Railway Museum’s membership programs, but availability can vary. Parking fees, if applicable, are typically modest and collected on-site.
Because pricing can differ depending on date and availability, families are encouraged to check the official site for updated information before planning their visit. The event’s reputation for organization and value ensures that most visitors find the experience well worth the cost.
Past Lineups & Festival Vibe
While Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends is not a music festival in the traditional sense, its programming includes a variety of live entertainment and interactive performances. Past editions have featured character meet-and-greets, storytelling sessions, and live narrations that bring the world of Sodor to life. Guest performers often include children’s entertainers, puppeteers, or educators who engage audiences through song, movement, and humor.
The festival vibe is distinctly wholesome and family-centered. Parents often describe the atmosphere as nostalgic, recalling their own childhood experiences with trains or the “Thomas & Friends” television series. Children, on the other hand, are captivated by the chance to see Thomas up close, to touch the trains, and to participate in themed games. The event fosters a sense of wonder and shared joy across generations.
In addition to the Thomas-themed activities, the Southern California Railway Museum frequently showcases parts of its permanent collection during the festival. Guests may encounter restored electric trolleys, diesel engines, and cabooses open for exploration. Volunteers and railway enthusiasts are on hand to answer questions about the history of each exhibit, enhancing the educational component of the day.
Overall, the festival’s energy is gentle yet exciting—a safe, inclusive environment where families can engage with both fantasy and history. Visitors often leave with keepsake photos, souvenirs, and fond memories of a day filled with smiles and steam whistles.
Tips for First-time Visitors
For those attending Day Out With Thomas (TM), Thomas & Friends for the first time, a little preparation can make the experience even more enjoyable. The following tips will help ensure a smooth and memorable visit.
- Plan your arrival early: Morning sessions tend to be less crowded, giving families more time to explore before the midday rush. Arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled train ride is recommended.
- Dress for the weather: Perris typically enjoys warm, sunny days in April. Lightweight clothing, hats, and sunscreen are essential. However, mornings can be cool, so layering is a smart choice.
- Bring essentials for young children: Strollers, snacks, water bottles, and wipes will make the day more comfortable. The venue offers restrooms and baby-changing facilities, but having your own supplies can save time.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks: The grounds are extensive, and it’s easy to spend several hours exploring. Use shaded picnic areas or the museum’s indoor exhibits to rest periodically.
- Capture the memories: There are numerous photo opportunities, including designated spots with Thomas and other engines. Bringing a camera or fully charged phone ensures you won’t miss a moment.
- Respect the venue and staff: The Southern California Railway Museum is a working preservation site. Following posted guidelines and staff instructions helps protect the historic equipment and maintain safety for everyone.
- Check schedules and maps: Activity times and ride departures are clearly listed on event maps and signage. Reviewing them early helps you prioritize which attractions to visit first.
- Consider weekday visits: If your schedule allows, weekday sessions often have fewer attendees, providing a more relaxed experience.
Finally, remember that flexibility is key. Young children may tire earlier than expected, so pacing your day and allowing for spontaneous breaks will lead to a happier overall experience. Many families choose to make the festival part of a weekend getaway, exploring other attractions in the Perris area such as local parks or nearby lakes.
Useful Links
Lineup, dates, and prices are subject to change. Please check the official sources for the latest information.
Leave a Reply