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Review: Day Out With Thomas in Essex, CT

By Nick Harper April 28, 2015

Please note: This upcoming weekend, be sure to head to Norwalk and cross over to Essex via 95.  Alternatively, you can head down 84 to 691 and take the backroads. The damn you must cross over, if you take Exit 11 down to Essex, is closed this upcoming weekend.

All aboard for a Day Out with Thomas! Essex Steam Train in Connecticut is running a celebration of all things Thomas the Tank Engine. 

I was invited to visit the attraction with my seven-year-old son and four-year-old daughter. Both of them grew up with Thomas and love his stories, so this was a magical opportunity to ride a train pulled by Thomas. The engine was a beautifully restored old steam train, with historic carriages to match. 

After the 30-minute train ride (15 minutes each way) we returned to enjoy the Thomas-themed fun. There was Storytelling, a special Thomas Video Theatre, as well as Face Painting and Arts & Crafts stations for the kids to enjoy. 

Thomas’ best friend Percy was also there to keep Thomas company and kids and adults could have their photos taken with him. Sir Topham Hatt was also available and ready to meet guests of all ages. 

One of the great things about this attraction is there is one entry-price, with nothing extra to pay once you’re inside. There were lots of carnival rides that my children loved and several different sides shows - all of them included in the entry price, and they could ride as many times as they wanted. And as an added bonus the parking was free. 

There were also plenty of food and drink options, from healthy snacks to not-so-healthy treats. And for all those Thomas-lovers there was a gift shop with exclusive Thomas items for sale ranging from toys and clothing to cups and bowls. 

But be warned - this attraction runs come rain or shine, and if it’s raining there’s not much cover, so definitely take an umbrella or prepare to get wet. 

The Day Out with Thomas runs on Sunday April 26th and May 2nd & 3rd. Tickets cost $24 per person, with children under 2 entering for free. Your ticket is for a specific train departure time, so make sure you don’t miss it!