Thomas the Tank Engine Visits the National Train Museum in Green Bay, WI

The National Train Museum in Green Bay, WI, was host to a special visitor recently as Thomas the Tank Engine visited from June 9^th-13^th. The event was part of the national tour, A Day Out with Thomas the Celebration Tour 2010. Engineers of all ages were able to see a full size Thomas, meet Sir Topham Hatt, listen to storytelling and so much more.

A one day pass to the event cost $16.00. The price included a ride on a train pulled by Thomas, activities like coloring and music, playing on inflatable toys and of course access to all the exhibits the museum offers. The highlight of the day was the ride with Thomas. The ride was a two lap tour of the museum grounds and lasted for about 20-25 minutes. Passengers could sit on benches on an open air car or ride in more traditional passenger cars. After the ride kids were able to pose in front of Thomas and have their pictures taken. Parents were free to take pictures and the organizers also took pictures which could be purchased later in the day.

Inside one of the museum buildings Sir Topham Hatt was also available to pose for pictures with. In this same building were coloring activities, story telling, and a play area that had more Thomas trains than one has ever seen. Kids and parents were also able to walk through old train cars and even see one of the museum highlights, General Dwight D. Eisenhower's WWII train.

Outside kids could enjoy unlimited access to the inflatable bouncy toys, play on the playground equipment or dig in the sandbox. There was food available for purchase and people could take a trip up the observation tower to get a view of the surrounding area, including the historic Lambeau Field. And no event like this would be complete without a souvenir stand. Visitors could stop by the Thomas tent and find everything from hats and t-shirts to play sets and any Thomas and friends piece they needed to make their own train set more complete.

Overall it was a great day out with Thomas. Kids and parents alike were able to spend an entire day at the museum enjoying activities and learning not only about Thomas, but also about some history of the railroads and trains. The National Railroad Museum did a fantastic job hosting the event as there was plenty to see and do and lines were very short. Finally, the ride on a train pulled by a life size Thomas will be a wonderful memory for the children and their parents.