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Day Out With Thomas Coming to Seattle for Summer 2024

All aboard, train fans! Thomas tickets are on sale now

Nancy Chaney
 | 

Published on: February 20, 2024

A life-size Thomas the Tank Engine pulls a train car at the Day Out With Thomas event near Seattle at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, Washington
Photo:
Day Out With Thomas. Credit: Stephen Smith

All aboard for fun with Thomas! Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine — and train lovers in general — can delight in the news that the popular Day Out With Thomas event will return to the Seattle area once again during summer 2024.

A life-size, talking Thomas will visit the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, Wash., over three weekends this summer: July 12–14, 19–21 and 26–28. Advance booking is recommended and timed tickets are on sale now.

This year Thomas will be heading out on a “Let's Get Colorful” Bubble Tour.

Find good-to-know tips below, but first, let’s get to the fun times awaiting families at Day Out With Thomas.

Day Out With Thomas itinerary:

  • Guests take a short ride in a train car pulled by a life-size Thomas the Tank Engine and arrive at the activities area.
  • There, families can explore the Color Corner, earn a Color Badge, say hello to Sir Topham Hatt, the stern controller of railways on the Island of Sodor, and enjoy family-friendly activities at the Play Pod.
  • Hop back aboard with Thomas for a short train ride to the top of Snoqualmie Falls and then back to the depot.
  • Shop for exclusive Thomas merch (parents, you’ve been warned).
  • Visit the railway museum exhibit hall; admission is included in your Thomas ticket price.

Tips for families:

  • Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your ticket time, so keep that in mind when planning your day.
  • Allow two hours for the excursion and play time, not including arriving 30 minutes ahead of your ticket time.
  • Some years, the weather during this event has been super hot. Pack water, sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats if the forecast calls for a scorcher. Remember, it's a rain-or-shine event.
  • This event has sometimes involved crowds and waiting; pack your patience and consider making sure kids have full bellies before you arrive. Snacks are available for purchase.
  • Say “hi” to Thomas for us and have fun!

If you go ...

Find it: The Seattle-area Day Out With Thomas event takes place at the Northwest Railway Museum’s Snoqualmie Depot, located at 38625 S.E. King St. in Snoqualmie. It’s about a 35-minute drive from Seattle and parking is free.

Dates: Day Out With Thomas takes place over three weekends: July 12–14, 19–21 and 26–28, 2024. Timed sessions start on the hour. 

Age recommendation: The Thomas experience is designed for children ages 8 and younger, though all ages are welcome.

Cost: Tickets cost $32 per person; $28 per person for groups of 20 or more. Tickets are required for guests ages 1 and older; babies younger than 1 ride free on an adult’s lap. Buy tickets in advance online. Tickets typically sell out in advance, but day-of tickets will be sold if space is available.

    Editor’s note: This article was originally published several years ago, and most recently updated in February 2024 to reflect the 2024 Day Out With Thomas event details.

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