It’s Party Time!

September 26-28 & October 3-5

All Aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine, everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine, is coming to town and we’re celebrating big this year for Thomas and Friends™ 80th Anniversary. Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour will be stopping at the North Carolina Transportation Museum on September 26-28 and October 3-5, 2025.

Day Out With Thomas is a fun-filled family event that takes place at Heritage Railways across the world. Each ticket includes a train ride with a life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine as well as access to a full day of activities for all to enjoy. Optional rides with Percy are also available for an additional cost. Thomas & Friends™ marks its 80th anniversary this year, celebrating eight decades of entertaining children and families with its timeless railway adventures. Since its debut in 1945, the beloved franchise continues to captivate young fans with new and exciting adventures.

The event at the N.C. Transportation Museum includes Thomas and Percy train rides, pictures with Sir Topham Hatt, a hay bale maze, temporary tattoos, a face painter, photo ops, character inflatables, giant lawn games, a music show, model train layouts, food vendors, picnic shelters, a large gift shop, plus three exhibit buildings featuring North Carolina’s transportation history with rail cars, antique automobiles, and a Wright Brothers flyer replica.

Activities Include:

• Live Entertainment
• Train Rides: 25 minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine (included), Optional 25 minute ride with Percy (extra cost)
• Group Activities: Bean Bag Toss, Mini Golf, Hay Bale Maze, Inflatable Games
• Additional Experiences: Bubbles, Face Painting, Temporary Tattoos, Crafts, Coloring Sheet
• Inflatable Fun: Character Inflatable photo ops!
• Museum Components: Heritage Railway Historical Artifacts