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Day Out With Thomas™
April 26-27 and May 3-4 and 10-11, 2014
Let the legendary, larger-than-life train take your children for a ride they’ll never forget.
Thomas the Tank Engine™ is the pride of Sir Topham Hatt’s fleet of really useful engines. During Thomas’ annual visit to Greenfield Village, he is the centerpiece of six days of family fun and entertainment. You can ride Thomas around the village, of course, and meet Sir Topham Hatt™ face-to-face. Advance tickets are strongly recommended. Be aware that some time slots sell out very quickly. Members of The Henry Ford receive free Greenfield Village admission and an exclusive opportunity to purchase Thomas ride tickets in advance. Greenfield Village admission is required for nonmembers to ride Thomas.
 
Greenfield Village admission is required for every non-member to ride Thomas.
You will not be admitted to Greenfield Village for the Day Out With Thomas™ program without a membership or a valid Greenfield Village ticket. Village admission will be added automatically to your Thomas purchase unless you are logged in as a member of The Henry Ford.

program details
  • Train Rides
  • Storytelling
  • Live Music
  • Meet Sir Topham Hatt™
  • Magic Shows
  • Shopping and More
Download and Share the Day Out With Thomas™ Digital Flyer

Download 2014 Day Out With Thomas Program Map

Click here for information about a special offer and visit guide for Families with Autism hosted in partnership by The Henry Ford and the Autism Alliance of Michigan.

Learn more about an exclusive Railroaders' Breakfast event made especially for your little engineer.

pricing
MEMBERS: $11.75 per person, age 1 year & older
Price includes admission to Thomas the Tank Experience. Members receive free unlimited daytime admission to Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, free parking and more!
Become a member today.
NON-MEMBER: Prices include admission to Greenfield Village and the Thomas the Tank Experience
    SENIORS age 62 & up $33.75
    ADULTS age 13-61, $35.75
    YOUTH age 5-12, $29.25
    CHILD age 1-4 $11.75
All INFANTS under 1 year are free

pre-event information
What is Day Out With Thomas™?
Day Out With Thomas™ is a family event that offers children and their grownups the opportunity to ride with classic storybook friend Thomas the Tank Engine™ at heritage railroads nationwide. Parents, grandparents and siblings join their aspiring engineers in the fun. The Day Out With Thomas experience will engineer miles of smiles for the whole family and introduce a new generation to the timeless excitement of railroading.
Who is Thomas the Tank Engine™?
Since Thomas the Tank Engine™ left the depot more than 60 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 the 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.
Where is the event?
Day Out With Thomas™ takes place in Greenfield Village, part of The Henry Ford. All rides are a roundtrip beginning at Smiths Creek Depot, about ¼ mile from the entrance of Greenfield Village. Please plan on getting to Smiths Creek at least 15 minutes before the departure time printed on your tickets. Smiths Creek is about a 20-minute walk from most parking areas.
When is the event?
The 2014 Day Out With Thomas™ event takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, April 26-27, May 3-4, 10-11, 2014.
When do tickets go on sale?
March 12, 2014 for members of The Henry Ford and March 26, 2014 for non-members.
How do I purchase tickets?
Advance tickets are available for purchase online and through the Call Center at 313.982.6001
Who needs tickets?
Tickets are required for guests ages 1 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, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, including Storytelling and Video Viewing, Temporary Tattoos of Island of Sodor friends, and an Imagination Station with arts & crafts and more. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt™, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.
Are discount tickets available?
There are no discount tickets available for Day Out With Thomas™.
How will I receive my tickets?
If purchased two weeks or more in advance of the event, guests will receive their tickets in the mail. Guests who purchase tickets closer to the event date can pick up their tickets at Greenfield Village Will Call the day of the event.
Are there any refunds?
There will be no refunds or exchanges.
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.
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.
Do you recommend purchasing tickets in advance?
Due to the popularity of Day Out With Thomas™, advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Events commonly sell out. When purchasing tickets you will be asked to select a specific date and time for your ride with Thomas. Your ticket is valid only for that date and time.

day of event information
What times do trains depart?
Trains leave every ½ hour from Smiths Creek Depot beginning at 9:30am; last train departs at 4:30pm. Smiths Creek Depot is about a ¼ mile walk from the front entrance of Greenfield Village.
When should we arrive for our train ride with Thomas?
It is recommended that guests arrive at the event at least one hour before their scheduled departure. The line will begin ½ hour before each scheduled departure at Smiths Creek Station. Please plan on getting to Smiths Creek at least 15 minutes before the departure time printed on your tickets. Smiths Creek is about a 20-minute walk from most parking areas.
Is there assigned seating on the train?
There is open seating on each of the five open-sided cars. Seating is first come, first served for all scheduled departures.
How long is the train ride?
The ride is approximately 20 minutes and runs the entire perimeter of Greenfield Village.
Are you limited to just one train ride?
There is one train ride per ticket.
Is there parking available on site?
Plentiful parking is available. Please note that Smiths Creek Depot is a 20 minute walk from most parking areas.
Is there an additional cost for parking?
Nonmembers of The Henry Ford are charged a $5.00 parking fee per ticket order at the time of ticket purchase. Members park free.
What if there is inclement weather?
Day Out With Thomas events take place rain or shine.
Are cameras allowed?
Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their Day Out With Thomas memories for their photo album. A professional photographer will also be on hand to take photos that will be available for purchase if so desired.
Will there be food available?
A variety of food and snacks is available at different food stalls, and restaurants throughout Greenfield Village, and within the Day Out With Thomas Activity area.
Are strollers permitted?
Day Out With Thomas is a family event that welcomes guests of all ages. There is even a designated area for “stroller parking” during the train ride.
Is the event handicap accessible?
A specially designed section of one of our railcars is available to accommodate a variety of wheelchairs and family members.
Are pets allowed?
No pets are allowed at Day Out With Thomas.

what to bring, what to wear
Greenfield Village is spread over dozens of acres-- comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes are a must. A large portion of activities are held outdoors, rain or shine. Dressing for the weather is a must. Bring umbrellas / rain gear and prepare for a wide range of temperatures. Please note that Greenfield Village closes at 5:00p.m., those holding later afternoon tickets should plan on visiting Greenfield Village buildings before their scheduled ride to allow enough time to experience all there is to offer.

Wheelchairs are available for a small fee at the Village entrance. Electric scooters are also available for a fee, but only in limited supply. Wheelchairs and scooters are rented on a first come, first served basis-- plan to arrive early if you need to rent them. You are welcome to bring your own wheelchair or scooter, however, upright scooters (Segways) are not allowed on premises.

Children's wagons are also available to rent for a fee at the Village entrance. You are welcome to bring your own stroller or wagon, however, recreational scooters, bicycles or in-line / in-sole skates are not allowed inside the Village gates.

Bring a camera; photography is allowed in all areas of the Village.

special
Tickets to A Day Out with Thomas are available online, through The Henry Ford Call Center (open 7 days a week, 9am - 5pm) 313-982-6001 and at all admissions counters. Advance purchase is strongly recommended as Thomas timeslots sell out quickly. Tickets can be mailed when reservations are made 2 weeks or more in advance. Tickets purchased less than 2 weeks out will be held at Village Will Call.

Greenfield Village tickets or membership to the Henry Ford are required to ride with Thomas. Please plan to arrive at Smiths Creek Depot at least 15 minutes prior to your ride with Thomas. Please note that most parking areas are about a 20 minute walk from Smiths Creek Depot.  We cannot guarantee you will get to ride if you miss the time stated on your ticket. Day Out with Thomas tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable.

directions/maps
The Henry Ford is located in Dearborn, Michigan on the corner of Village Road and Oakwood Boulevard, just west of the Southfield Freeway (M-39) and south of Michigan Avenue (US-12).
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124-5029
From the East or West via I-94:
Take I-94 to the Oakwood Boulevard exit; go north on Oakwood. The Henry Ford is 2.5 miles from the exit on the corner of Village Road and Oakwood Boulevard.
From the South via I-75:
Exit to northbound Southfield Freeway (M-39); drive 4.1 miles to Oakwood Boulevard (Exit 4). Left on Oakwood and drive 1.8 miles.
From the North via Southfield Road (or I-96):
Take Southfield Freeway (M-39) south 4.5 miles past I-96 and exit at Michigan avenue (Exit 6). Continue on the Southfield service drive (veer left) for .5 mile. At the first stoplight, turn right onto Village Road (through the iron gates) and drive .75 mile.
Metro Detroit often has major construction projects. Please check the following sites for the latest on construction areas and road closures.
Michigan Department of Transportation
AAA Traffic & Construction Report