10 years ago plus we took our first train ride on Thomas. And now we board again with another generation. Our teenage son's little sister. When ever we hear the Thomas the Train theme song or see toys in the store or books at the bookstore, we are instantly transported to a simpler time. When our soon to be 15 year old was 3. We have lots of treasured memories of him and Grandpa and trains. And now we get to relive all those treasured times with his little sister.
Last weekend our family headed out to Perris to the Orange Empire Railway Museum for the 2018 Day out with Thomas event! When we arrived we got excellent parking right in front of the railway. Parking is FREE so that is a nice extra bonus. The entry to the museums right in front, we easily presented our Media tickets and went in. We were given a passport that we would get stamped at all the different stops at the event. And we were told after we got all our stamps in our passport we would be able to redeem it for a prize. Our train ride was in the next 20 minutes so we got in line, and received our boarding passes. While we were in line we got to enjoy the beautiful skies of Perris and watched Thomas full steam ahead pull up right next us. We boarded an antique train and off we went on a magical train ride aboard Thomas. It was so nice and breezy with the windows down. We waved to the those who were watching us depart. It brought me back to a memory of when our son was 3, aboard the Thomas train gazing out the window. It is obvious the magic of Thomas was still alive and now in his sister. Even though he still holds Thomas dear to him.
After the train ride we decided it was time for bathroom break and to eat. I must say, the Orange Empire Railway is so CLEAN! The bathrooms were clean, both the women and the men's rooms. That was a huge plus in my book. The Thomas event also had a handy tent up for baby changing. Very thoughtful. They had a bunch of food and snack and drink vendors set up all in a row. We decided upon the Carls Jr truck, an ice cream cone at the giant Ice Cream Cone shop. And drinks at the Old West Soda shop. Really awesome vendors that set up for the Thomas event. The Railway provided a covered shady eating area, with tables and chairs. It was well shaded and clean! They had an employee walking by wiping the tables as people left. It was so nice to eat at a clean table ready for you.
Next we went about all the activities, coloring station, tattoos of you favorite Thomas friends, the play area, jumpers, Imagination Station, Video Room, Petting Zoo, and store. We also walked through the Railway Museum and saw so many amazing things. Our daughter loved the outdoor area with real railway signs and lights. You can press the button and watch the sign light up or move. It teaches you about what that sign means on the railway and how it works. We got to see the antique trolley and the cutest little caboose that is actually available to rent for birthday parties! It has a cute fenced in area, with play equipment and picnic tables and I saw a bbq. Looks like an adorable place for a party.
After we finished all our activities we showed our passport to the Railway workers and they were just the most delightful gentlemen. Our daughter got a cute, soft Day out with Thomas 2018 ball and some coloring books from the railway. She was delighted and could not wait to get back home to show her Grandpa who is a train enthusiast and came from a very long lineage of Union Pacific/Railway workers and conductors.
I think this event and the Orange Empire Railway in general is worth the drive! We live about an hour and 20 minutes away, but we are looking forward to going back on another Orange Empire Railway Expedition. The workers are all jolly and light hearted and full of information and passion. It is such a refreshing activity, to get out of the hustle and bustle of fast paced life and step back in time in history. I also must applaud ALL the volunteers that helped with the Day out with Thomas event, the LDS Missionaries, a local Girl Scout troop, The US Air Force Youth Group/March Air Force Reserves.
Again, go on that train ride! Life is short. Take your kids to see Thomas and definitely visit the Orange Empire Railway Museum!! I promise you it is a place to make some special family memories!!
