A day out with Thomas

charlotteL

Has anyone done this?  I am thinking about taking the boys this weekend.  Do you have any advice?  Is it worth it?

savannah11

We haven't done it in Texas but went last year in CA.  O loved it.  We got to ride on a real train pushed by Thomas.  They had a tent set up full of different Thomas train assemblies that kids could play on.  We spent the whole day there.  We plan to go again next month.  

kat.in.the.hat

do you have a link for it?  Marion looooves Thomas.

horn_jm@hotmail.com

We did this as an overnight trip two years ago and last year (well, I went on bed rest the day before we were to leave last year.. so DH took DS with our friends).  It's doable as a day trip, but we enjoyed the drive and staying near a small town.  Anyway, it's definitely worth it, if you have a Thomas fan in the house.  Honestly, the first year when DS was almost 2, we could have done it without riding the train and been just fine.  He loved riding little trains at the time - but he enjoyed seeing the outside of Thomas and the other activities more than riding on the big train (which he liked just fine - just obviously wasn't as into it as watching it from outside).  Now last year, when he was almost 3, he enjoyed everything, especially riding on Thomas.  I want to go again this year, but we have a family reunion planned and just got back from a road trip where DS2 didn't travel well.  I hope some of you go and enjoy it!

https://www.texasstaterr.com/events.php#thomas 

charlotteL

Both kiddos love it and my brother works in Rusk so it will be a double treat.  Thanks for the advice.

horn_jm@hotmail.com

oh - advice - call now if you want to try and stay anywhere nearby (check the Rusk visitor's bureau website).  There aren't a lot of accommodations nearby.  You can book the train tickets online.  Certain times book up quickly, as I know early times are usually popular.  Also, I don't recall them checking tickets or anything when you enter the parking lot - only when you ride the train.  You could probably pack some lunch with you in a cooler, if you don't want to buy standard fair type food.

The Texas State Railroad would be great to visit even when Thomas isn't there.  The area outside is nice, and I think there was a playground and picnic area.

KelleyA

I'm seriously considering packing the kids up and going!  We have friends in Tyler that we could visit.  Mercados and Brunos Pizza...yum!   I used to live in Tyler and haven't been back in 15 years, can't imagine how different that area is now.  Hmmmm....

RaeAnt

I worked it one year when we still lived in PA doing face painting and it was insane! I'm not sure who mowed me down more, the kids or the parents. Dh grandmother worked the candy shop att the location and HATED when Thomas was there. But, if you don't mind the crowds go for it. most things you are going to do with the kiddie-boos that is commercial is gonna be packed. Just go in relaxed and with plenty of time so you don't get caught up in the frenzy.