Looking for a family-friendly adventure in North Carolina? The annual Day Out with Thomas event at the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, N.C. is back! Here’s everything you need to know for this year's event.

 

 

Day Out with ThomasTM 2025

September 26-28 & October 3-5, 2025
N.C. Transportation Museum, Spencer, N.C.

 

 

Day Out with ThomasTM 2025: The Party Tour

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine™, everyone’s favorite #1 blue engine, is rolling into the North Carolina Transportation Museum for a special celebration of Thomas & Friends™ 80th Anniversary. Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour takes place September 26-28 and October 3-5, 2025, bringing railway fun to families from near and far.

Each ticket includes a ride with life-sized Thomas the Tank Engine and access to a full day of family activities. Optional rides with Percy are also available for an additional cost. Kids can snap a photo with Sir Topham Hatt, navigate the hay bale maze, enjoy balloon art, temporary tattoos, character inflatables, giant lawn games, model train displays, and live music. Food vendors, picnic shelters, and a large gift shop add to the experience, while three exhibit buildings showcase North Carolina’s rich transportation history - from antique automobiles to rail cars and even a replica of the Wright Brothers’ flyer.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate eight decades of Thomas & Friends™ magic with a weekend full of trains, play, and unforgettable memories!

 

Kids playing with bubbles

 

Day Out with Thomas Event Highlights

  1. 25-Minute Thomas Train Ride: Climb aboard and enjoy a scenic, 25-minute train ride with the famous blue engine. A must for any Thomas enthusiast!

  2. Meet Percy!: For an extra treat, you can book an additional ride on Percy, another beloved engine from the Thomas & Friends™ universe.

  3. Sir Topham Hatt Meet-and-Greet: The controller of the railway, Sir Topham Hatt, will be at the event for photos and fun interactions.

  4. Live Entertainment & Games: Keep your little ones entertained with live shows, performances, and various Thomas-themed games.

  5. Hay Bale Maze & Other Attractions: Wander through a hay bale maze, perfect for little explorers, or check out other family-friendly attractions across the museum grounds.

  6. Professional Photo Opportunities: Commemorate the day with professional photos featuring your family with Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt.

 

Family taking photos with Sir Topham Hat

 

Tickets & Pricing

 

General Admission Prices:

  • Fridays: $28.46 per person
  • Weekends (Saturday/Sunday): $30.60 per person

Percy Ride Add-On:

  • Fridays: $8.56 per person
  • Weekends: $10.70 per person

These tickets grant access to all event activities, with the option to include Percy for an extra special ride. Advance booking is highly recommended, as this popular event tends to sell out.

 

Special Experiences

 

  1. Breakfast with Sir Topham Hatt: If you're looking to make the day even more magical, there is an option to start your day with a delightful breakfast experience with Sir Topham Hatt. This ticketed event will include a meet-and-greet, plus a morning meal to fuel the fun ahead.

  2. Food Vendors: You won’t go hungry with great food options on-site. Some of the fan favorites include:

    • Roadway Dawg’s Food Truck
    • The Old 97 Kettlecorn Company
    • This Little Piggy
    • KC's Kitchen
    • The Chill Shak Food Truck
    • Civitan Club of Salisbury

 

Click the image below to check out our Instagram Reel to catch a glimpse
of what to expect at Day Out with Thomas!

 

Day Out with Thomas Thumbnail

 

Planning Your Visit

 

Location:
The N.C. Transportation Museum is located in Spencer, N.C., making it a central spot for many North Carolinians and beyond. It’s easily accessible and provides ample parking for guests.

Lodging & Offers:
If you're traveling from out of town, consider booking a stay in Rowan County using the booking widget below. As an added bonus, you can receive FREE Day Out with Thomas tickets or even a VISA gift card by staying at participating accommodations! Learn more about the Day Out with Thomas Stay & Play Package.

For those wanting to extend their adventure, Rowan County offers plenty of family-friendly activities, parks, and dining options to fill your trip.

 

Important Tips for a Great Day Out with Thomas

  • Arrive Early: To make the most of the event and avoid long lines, it’s a good idea to arrive a little earlier than your ticketed time. This will give you the chance to explore the museum and get settled before the big ride.

  • Dress Comfortably: Since much of the event is outdoors, comfortable clothing and shoes are a must. Be prepared for potential warm weather in September and October in North Carolina.

  • Check the Schedule: Each day will feature several ride times, so be sure to know your departure time and schedule activities around it.

  • Bring Your Camera: While there are professional photo ops available, it’s always great to have your own camera to capture candid moments with your kids during the event.

  • Have Fun: Above all, Day Out with Thomas is designed to create lasting memories for children and families, so make the most of every moment!

 

Thomas the Tank Engine on railroad tracks

 

The 2025 Day Out with Thomas event at the N.C. Transportation Museum promises to be an exciting, memorable experience for kids and parents alike. From interactive activities to the iconic train rides, it’s a full day of adventure with everyone's favorite blue engine. Whether you're coming for a day or staying the weekend, there’s plenty of fun waiting for you and your family in Spencer, NC.

 

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the official event page.

 

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