Day Out With Thomas FAQ
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
for Day Out With Thomas™
at the Colorado Railroad Museum
PRE-EVENT INFORMATION
What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is family fun in an outdoor environment! Thomas the Tank Engine is chugging into the Colorado Railroad Museum this September for the annual Day Out With Thomas™ event. All Thomas fans are invited to come spend the day with the favorite No. 1 Engine. This year, we are celebrating Thomas with three weekends—so ‘Pop’ On Board for a Train Ride Adventure!
Day Out With Thomas™ is an exciting way for children and grown-ups to enter the world of Thomas and Friends™. The event provides an opportunity for kids to ride on-board a train led by Thomas himself, and to take a photo with him, too! Other hands-free activities include live entertainment, photo ops with Sir Topham Hatt, lawn games, shopping at the pop-up gift shop and much more! It’s full steam ahead to an unforgettable day with a host of train-related activities, Thomas, and a special appearance from Sir Topham Hatt, the Railway Controller from the Island of Sodor.
Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine first left the depot more than 75 years ago, this Really Useful Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have chugged their way into the hearts of preschoolers and grownups worldwide. Based on The Railway Series of classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son, Thomas & Friends™ is a rite of passage that inspires the imagination while teaching life lessons of friendship, exploration and cooperation.
What are the appropriate ages for Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that welcomes passengers of all ages. Younger children are those most likely to be especially fond of Thomas & Friends™.
When is the event?
Three weekends (Saturday and Sunday): September 6-7, 13-14, and 20-21, 2025.
What is included in the ticket price?
A ticket for Day Out With Thomas™ includes a train ride (at a specified time) with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends™ themed entertainment in an outdoor environment. Highlights include:
- 20-minute Train Ride led by a full-sized, talking Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive.
- Admission to select portions of the Colorado Railroad Museum with outdoor offerings and activities included
- Fun activities and entertainment featuring:
- Live entertainment including trainyard gameshows, puppet shows and even stilt walkers!
- Say hello to Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway.
- Bubble activities like bubble blowing and bubble bouncer-ball racing in the Bubble Zone.
- Photo opportunities throughout the event, including with Thomas himself.
- Play with Thomas & Friends toys then pick out a temporary tattoo in the Play Pod.
- An activity sheet that will guide guests through the event experience highlighting the four key station stops to visit for a free giveaway.
- Outdoor Scale Model Trains operating all day long at the Denver Garden Railway Society’s permanent on-site, landscaped G-gauge railroad.
- Push a Locomotive Around aboard a 120-year old, “armstrong”-powered railroad turntable
- Step-On Access to selected historic railroad cars and locomotives.
- Pop-up gift shop on site with exclusive Thomas & Friends™ products only available at Day Out With Thomas™.
- Food and drinks available on-site for purchase.
Will Thomas the Tank Engine be there?
Thomas the Tank Engine will travel all the way from the Island of Sodor and arrive “right on time” to take a ride with you and your family.
Will Sir Topham Hatt be there?
Yes, Sir Topham Hatt will take time away from his busy schedule as Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor to make a special appearance at the event.
Gift Shop and Merchandise Tent
The Museum’s Depot Store will be open, along with a special, separate Day Out With Thomas™ merchandise area offering a wide variety of items not regularly carried by the Museum. Museum Members receive their membership discount on regular Depot Store merchandise purchases; Members DO NOT receive a discount on items purchased in the special merchandise area. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and cash for payment.
TICKETING DETAILS
When do tickets go on sale?
July 22, 2025 (Tuesday): Museum Member Exclusive Tickets On-Sale
July 29, 2025 (Tuesday): General Public Tickets On-Sale
How much are tickets?
$25 per person ages 1 year and older. Under age 1 admitted free.
Discounts: For 2025, Museum members receive $2 off (starting July 22 for a limited time only) by using a provided, exclusive member code at checkout. Active Duty military also receives $2 off per ticket, upon request.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets will be available by visiting the main Day Out With Thomas™ page at www.DayOutWithThomas.com or by calling TicketWeb at 866.468.7630.
Who needs tickets?
Tickets are required for all guests ages 1 year and older. Guests under age 1 are free.
How will I receive my tickets?
You will have the choice to print your tickets at home, or display the actual e-tickets on your phone when you arrive at the event entry gate.
Are there any refunds?
There are no refunds. Tickets may be exchanged for another day/time before the event (subject to availability). There is a $4 Exchange Fee per ticket, and no exchanges will be made less than 4 days before the scheduled event.
Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?
Due to the popularity of Day Out With Thomas™, and the fact that this event has completely SOLD OUT the past four years, advance ticket purchase is the only way to ensure you and your youngster(s) will get to see Thomas. When purchasing tickets, you will be asked to select a specific date and time for your ride with Thomas. Your ticket is valid only for that admission on that date, and your train ride departs at that specific time.
DAY-OF EVENT INFORMATION
What times do trains depart?
Trains pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine depart every 45 minutes beginning promptly at 8:30 a.m., with the last departure at 4:00 p.m. Your train’s specific departure time is listed on your ticket; you must be on board at least 2 minutes prior to the time listed on your ticket. Please arrive early so you don’t miss your train ride with Thomas!
When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?
Guests are asked to arrive at the event 30 minutes in advance, and to be in line 15 minutes before their scheduled departure time. Late afternoon departures only (3:15 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. trains): we recommend arriving up to 90 minutes in advance, so as to experience event attractions and entertainment in advance of your train ride. All event entertainment and attractions conclude at 5:00 p.m. each evening. Early morning arrivals note: event grounds open at 8 a.m.
What are your hours during Day Out With Thomas™?
The Museum Grounds open at 8 a.m. each day, and close at 5:30 p.m. NOTE: All activities and entertainment conclude each day at 5 p.m. If you have a train ride scheduled for 3:15 p.m. or later, please see ”When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas? (above).”
Is there assigned seating on the train?
No. Tickets are assigned by time. Guests will board the train in family groups, and have the option to choose your car, so long as seats are available. Guests must be together as a group during boarding, if they wish to sit together on the train.
How long is the train ride?
Approximately 20 minutes, and led by a full-sized, talking Thomas the Tank Engine locomotive.
Are you limited to just one train ride?
Yes. There is one train ride included per event ticket, departing at a specified time.
How do I get to your location?
The event site is the Colorado Railroad Museum, 17155 W. 44th Avenue, Golden, CO 80403. From Denver and surrounding areas, take I-70 to exit No. 265 (Highway 58). Take Highway 58 west to the first exit, McIntyre Street. Turn right onto McIntyre and go one block north to West 44th Avenue. Turn left on to W. 44th Avenue, and follow W. 44th Avenue for about one mile. The Colorado Railroad Museum will be on your right, just after Salvia Street. Turn right into Museum parking lot A. If parking lot A is full, you will be directed to parking lot B, located just across the street.
Is there parking available on site?
Yes. All parking is onsite at the Colorado Railroad Museum for Day Out With Thomas™ 2024.
Is there an additional cost for parking?
No. Parking is free at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
What if there is inclement weather?
Day Out With Thomas™ events take place rain or shine.
Are cameras allowed?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas™ memories for their photo album.
Will there be food available?
Yes. The Museum will host a selection of onsite food vendors offering lunch, snacks, drinks and treats for purchase during Day Out With Thomas™.
Can I bring a picnic lunch?
Guests are welcome to bring a pre-packed picnic lunch, however, please note that tables are unreserved and must be shared by everyone at the event. The Museum has no locker or storage facilities. No alcohol is allowed on the Museum grounds. All food must be prepared in advance; cooking onsite is prohibited.
Are strollers permitted?
Yes! Day Out With Thomas™ is a family-friendly event that welcomes guests of all ages. There is even a designated area for “stroller parking” during the train ride.
Is the event accessible to persons with physical disabilities?
Yes, with some limitations. Accessible parking spaces are located in front of the Museum Depot Building in Lot A. Accessible restrooms are located in our Museum Library and supplemented by accessible portolets throughout the site. Wheelchair access for train rides is available on specific cars in the train. The main Museum entrance is not equipped with power assist doors, and not all public areas of the museum are wheelchair accessible. Motorized wheelchairs are welcome. The Museum does NOT have wheelchairs available for loan or rental.
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas™. Service dogs only are welcome if needed to assist a guest with a disability and trained to perform specific tasks to aid that guest.
