We recently traveled just south of Birmingham, Alabama to the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum and spent the day with Thomas the Train. Read on to find out more about this fun activity filled train ride!
Two weeks ago, we spent the weekend in one of our favorite nearby cities, Birmingham, Alabama — just a short 3 1/2 hour drive from our home in Mississippi and one of our favorite food cities.
About 30 minutes south of Birmingham is The Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum that was hosting a Day Out With Thomas the Train event. This was the reason for our trip, and to celebrate Simon’s birthday. Our neighbor invited us to go with her family and I can’t be more thrilled that she introduced us to this fun activity!
Even though we could’ve made a day trip out of it, we arrived in Birmingham the day before our train ride so that we could enjoy the city. We spent the night in a hotel near The Summit, ate our way through Birmingham, and then headed to Calera the next morning.
We purchased our tickets in advance on the Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum’s website, and then bought matching shirts and train hats for the boys. Aren’t they so cute?? 😉 When we arrived the railroad museum, the boys were so excited to see a real life Thomas the Train! They also met Sir Topham Hatt!
The main event for a Day out with Thomas is the train ride, of course. It’s about a 20 minute train ride and you pick which car you want to ride when you purchase your tickets. We rode the Long Island which was super spacious and comfortable. The inside was decorated with bright colored ribbons and Thomas banners. As an adult, it is just a basic ride up and down the track, but to the kids it’s the most exciting thing ever! Nothing else happens during the ride, but the kids really enjoyed bouncing around their seats and watching out the windows.
Before and after the train ride, you can line up to get your picture with Thomas. There are plenty of other activities to keep the kiddos busy for a while, along with concessions for lunch or dinner. We started at the bubble blowing station and spent a good 10 minutes there before doing anything else!
Judah loved playing mini golf with his friends. He played at least three rounds that day before we insisted he stop! Ha!
The last area we visited was the “Tattoo Parlor” and play area. I didn’t realize they had numerous train tables set up with full tracks and trains to play with! This was Simon’s favorite.
Thomas the Train travels the country, so you should check to see if he’ll be in your area! I highly recommend this fun-filled adventure for you and your kids!
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Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
April 28, 2015 at 1:50 PMWhat wonderful memories you guys created together!!! My boys would love this – I need to check out when Thomas is coming to Detroit!
Nikki Gladd says
April 30, 2015 at 10:44 AMYes, they come to the Henry Ford Museum! Don’t forget to bring a camera and matching Thomas tees! 😉
Anonymous says
July 4, 2015 at 10:30 AMThanks for sharing! My daughter and I took my grandson to the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore. He was so excited to see Thomas. As we were boarding, he just wanted to stand and talk to him. Everytime we go, he stops to talk to the conductor. The B&O Museum has a play area with rides and trains to be enjoyed year-round. He really loved riding the train on the upscale train garden. On the days of “A Day Out With Thomas”, they added a small petting “zoo” with baby animals and a moon bounce. The larger Thomas, Percy and James train garden is inside the museum year round. That event was so much fun and if you have a train-lover in the family, the B&O Museum is a fun place to visit.
Nikki Gladd says
July 4, 2015 at 2:44 PMHow fun!! We used to visit Maryland often since that is where my husband is from. My in-laws just moved to North Carolina, so we won’t visit Maryland as often. When we do, though, I’m keeping the B&O in mind!! Thank you!!
Toni | BoulderLocavore says
August 25, 2015 at 9:34 AMI remember doing this when my daughter was little and what fun! For kids who love Thomas this is a dream come true and a ‘rock star sighting’ all in one. Your troupe of Thomas fans also could not be more adorable! When a fun outing.
Nikki Gladd says
August 27, 2015 at 1:52 PMThank you, Toni! I love that this is a timeless event!
Kirsten says
August 26, 2015 at 11:52 AMI LOVED Thomas the Train when I was a kid. So nice to see the next generation still loving it too.
Carrie @Frugal Foodie Mama says
August 27, 2015 at 1:23 PMOh my goodness! I think the best thing about this post is the pure joy on your kiddos’ faces! 🙂 What a great attraction for the kiddos.
@Travelpanties says
August 28, 2015 at 12:43 PMWow this looks so adorable! Your kids look so happy!
Michele @ Flavor Mosaic says
August 28, 2015 at 6:49 PMHow much fun for the kids! I bet you were the most popular Mom after this trip!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles says
August 30, 2015 at 3:31 PMHow sweet is that?! Thomas is such a great story. All those kids in their caps – adorable!
Nikki Gladd says
August 31, 2015 at 7:51 AMThank you, Brenda! I’m really glad we decided to do the matching outfits, hats and all! 🙂
Deborah says
August 31, 2015 at 10:31 PMOh my goodness – my kids would go crazy over this!! I’m bummed they aren’t coming to my area, but it might be a good excuse to go for a little road trip! 😉