Frequently Asked Questions

What is Day Out With Thomas™?

Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers aspiring engineers and their families the unique opportunity to take a ride with the classic storybook engine, Thomas the Tank Engine™, at regional heritage railroads across the country.

Who is Thomas the Tank Engine?

Since the Thomas & Friends™ series began over 80 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, but is designed for children through age 8.

Will Thomas the Tank Engine be there?

Thomas the Tank Engine has traveled all the way from the Island of Sodor and has arrived Right on Time to take a ride with you and your family. He will be part of the train set you ride on, and all families will have a chance to take a photo with him when they reboard the train.

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 meet and take pictures with guests.

What is the itinerary for Day Out With Thomas?

Guests will board the train with Thomas the Tank Engine at the Snoqualmie Depot in historic downtown Snoqualmie for a ten minute ride to the Railway History Campus.  Guest will detrain and have an hour to experience the Thomas and Friends activities and visit the rail heritage exhibits.  Guests will then reboard the train with Thomas the Tank Engine for an excursion to Snoqualmie Falls.  At the end of the ride, guests will be returned to the Snoqualmie Depot.

Are masks required?

No.  However, the Northwest Railway Museum recommends masks for anyone who is able to wear one, the NRM wants families to bring home memories, not a cold or something worse.

How long is Day Out With Thomas?

The train excursion and activities will take approximately two hours to experience and will include a train excursion with Thomas to Snoqualmie Falls.  Guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.

Where is the event?

The event begins out of the Snoqualmie Depot located in historic downtown Snoqualmie, Washington.

38625 SE King Street, Snoqualmie, WA 98065

When is the event?

July 10 – 12, 17 – 19 & 24 – 26 , 2026.

When do tickets go on sale?

Late March 2026.

How much are tickets?

Ticket prices will be announced in Winter 2026.

How do I purchase tickets?

Tickets may be purchased online at TicketWeb

Who needs tickets?

Tickets are required for all guests ages one and up.

What is included in the ticket price?

A ticket for Day Out With Thomas includes the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, and a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, and access to the Museum’s exhibit hall. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.

How will I receive my tickets?

Tickets are downloaded from the web site and printed at home.

Are there any refunds?

There are no refunds or exchanges. If you have an issue with your order, please contact TicketWeb directly at info@TicketWeb.com

Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?

Yes!  Day Out With Thomas at the Northwest Railway Museum usually sells out and waiting to purchase tickets at the front gate risks disappointment.

How do I get there?

From Seattle, take I-90 east. Take exit 27 and follow the signs to downtown Snoqualmie. From eastern Washington, take I-90 and use exit 31 in downtown North Bend. Follow the signs to downtown Snoqualmie.

Is there parking available on site?

Free parking is available in the lots and streets of downtown Snoqualmie.

Is there an additional cost for parking?

Public parking is free.

What times do trains depart?

Trains depart every hour on the hour beginning at 9 AM. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure.

When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?

We recommend that guests arrive at the Snoqualmie Depot at least 30 minutes before their scheduled departure. This is a scheduled event so you will be riding the train to the event site, participating in Thomas-themed activities for approximately one hour, and then riding behind Thomas the Tank Engine to Snoqualmie Falls before returning to the Snoqualmie Depot.

Is there assigned seating on the train?

Tickets are assigned by time. Guests must be together during boarding if they wish to sit together on the train.

How long is the train ride?

Approximately 10 minutes between Snoqualmie and the exhibit hall venue, then an additional 30 minute ride from the exhibit hall venue to the top of Snoqualmie Falls and back to the Snoqualmie Depot.

Are you limited to just return train ride?

There is one return train ride per ticket.

What if there is inclement weather?

Day Out With Thomas events take place rain or shine.  However, many of the Thomas and Friends activities will be located inside the exhibit hall.

Are cameras allowed?

Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas memories for their photo albums and to share online. Don’t forget to tag your photos with the hashtag #DayOutWithThomas!

Will there be food available?

On-site food options will be limited, but some snacks will be available for sale. We encourage you to patronize the many quality restaurants in historic downtown Snoqualmie before or after your excursion.

Are strollers permitted?

Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes guests of all ages. The Museum encourages families to bring their strollers with them, as they will be at the Railway History Campus for about an hour.
The historic coaches have narrow aisles, so a stroller that is able to fold up is usually easier to bring aboard.

Is the event handicap accessible?

The Museum strives to provide reasonable accommodation. A wheel chair lift is available for boarding the train at both locations, but please note that the event is held partially outdoors.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas. Only fully trained service animals are permitted.

Is there available lodging in the area?

There are hotels available on Snoqualmie Ridge (10min), Redmond (30 min), and Issaquah (20 min).

How do I find out about other events?

You can find the complete Day Out With Thomas 2026 schedule by visiting www.dayoutwiththomas.com. For information on other Thomas & Friends experiences, please visit www.thomasandfriends.com and click on “Events.”