When Thomas the Train invited our family to visit and provide our readers with a review, we were all very excited. Though sick Shane had to remain home yet again, my almost 4yo (Sean) and I jumped on the chance to ride the rails. In less than 90 minutes, we drove door to door, parking steps away from the life-size celebration of Thomas the Train. Overflow parking is available for those unable to park like we did, which includes a bus shuttle for some and a train ride for others.
The cheery staff created us ad we wandered up to the entrance, providing a map of the grounds, times of the shows and photo opportunities, and a section for stamps (more on that later). Straight into the park we visited Thomas’ shed with a steam engine being worked on inside. There’s also a tattoo tent ready at the entrance, along with other stations throughout the park.
Sean very much enjoyed the free kiddy rides, which are included with your ticket purchase. His favorite was the fun house where he could zip through without waiting in line, and many parents were appreciative of the option to go through with the children. Other rides include a tea-cup style ride, carousel, and motor car ride. All these are perfectly sized for pre-schoolers, and perfectly priced for free (did I mention free yet?)
Offered near the kiddy rides were the usual fair foods with plenty of tented seating, picnic table seating, and grassy areas for you to enjoy the hamburgers, hotdogs, fried dough and more.
We crossed over the train tracks where more food was offered by a local organization, including kid-friendly snacks and juices. Many children also enjoyed trying on fire-fighting equipment, going through a fire truck, and hopping onto an ambulance. We stopped just beyond the touch-a-truck options for the plumbed bathrooms. Note that there were also plenty of port-a-potties also available throughout the park, which we did utilize and were clean, along with standing hand-washing stations near the food tents.
Before boarding Thomas, we stopped in the huge gift shop. They had a great model train set-up in there, similar to those we all enjoy at the Danbury Railway Museum. There was Thomas anything and everything you could purchase in the gift shop and all reasonably priced. We walked away with a lunch box for each boy, who are now excited to use them at Patterson Rec’s pre-school camp this summer.
Though the line to board Thomas appeared quite long, it went incredibly fast (I mean incredibly fast) and we found ourselves sitting comfortably on a beautiful stage coach within a short few minutes. Sean loved waiving to all the people and cars as we rode Thomas for approximately 25 minutes. Throughout the ride Thomas and the conductors came over the speakers to tell stories and ask fun questions the children enjoyed answering (who is Thomas best friend?!). Sean’s favorite part of the ride besides hanging out the windows to waive was receiving his very own Jr. Engineer Certificate from the conductor.
After the train ride, we went to visit Thomas himself at the front of the train. You are able to take photos either yourself or utilize their professional staff while Thomas is being boarded/un-loaded. From there we stopped back into the gift shop for a picture with Sir Topham Hat, then around back for various train tables. Actually we returned to the train table area a couple times at Sean’s request, so it was obviously a hit.
Along with the train tables, there were coloring pages, storytelling, live musicians, more tattoos, face painting, and magic shows. It’s the perfect stop if mom and dad need to sit down, cool off, and still easily keep an eye on the kids.
We had a great, great time and definitely look forward to returning. I know the day will eventually and quickly come that Sean will outgrow this stage, so I’m eager to take advantage of this fun-loving pre-school age while I can. The only head’s up I would give you is the dust. We were all pretty dirty by the time we left the park, but what children’s fun activity doesn’t’ come with a little dirt or mess?
The park is stroller friendly (and flip-flop friendly, which is what I wore), with plenty of stroller parking where necessary. It’s pretty easy to get around the park with any stroller, though there were a couple gravel areas I noticed parents with small wheels having difficulty. It was only maybe 10-20 feet of area, so really they could have lifted the stroller and walked it. Otherwise it should have been manageable for everyone to navigate.
Ah yes, the stamps that I promised more on. The four main activity areas have stations for you to receive a stamp on your map. At the end of your day, you submit your map and receive a prize. I won’t ruin the surprise, but it is worth getting those stamps. If for no other reason, it kept Sean happily entertained in the car, so he didn’t even realize we were heading home.
All in all, I recommend going. As I mentioned earlier, this pre-school age is quick and fleeting. Grab a hold and enjoy it while you can. Take your kids to see Thomas, watch the sparkle and wonder in their eye and on their face, and have some fun.
Info from our article:
Thomas the Tank Engine rides depart every 45 minutes, rain or shine. Departure times begin at 9:00 am through 3:30 pm on May 4th and 5th. Tickets are $21 plus tax for ages two and up. Tickets are on sale now by calling toll-free 866.468.7630 or logging onto www.ticketweb.com/thomas.html. For more information and directions, contact the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat at 860-767-0103 or www.essexsteamtrain.com.
Please note: you can purchase tickets at the door, even if they are sold out on-line. Parents did not have trouble purchasing train rides, and there’s *SO* much to do if you’re unable to get the exact time you’re hoping to get.
The Thomas Train photo and Sir Topham Hat photo are from jedphotography.com. I purchased all images, but they will not be mailed until after publication of this article.
