Last week, we took a trip with our cousins to visit Crown Center and the Thomas and Friends exhibit. This exhibit is the perfect place for train-loving children. The first thing that caught the children’s eye as we walked in was the Thomas model. We were able to pose with it for pictures, climb aboard, and pretend to drive as conductors. In the Sodor Steamworks area, we helped fix Percy’s wheel and learned how trains were powered by coal.
Loading the coal on the conveyor and onto Percy was one of the highlights for my son. In the middle of the room is a huge toy train area—think eight-plus train tables connected to make a town where many kids can play together. For the young train enthusiast, there’s an Early Explorers area where they can build with their own set of trains. Older kids will enjoy learning more about Thomas and Friends and their author, Wilbert Awdry. There are also interesting facts about trains and the process of making Thomas the Train.
Our favorite area by far was Knapford Station. The kids loved dressing up as conductors, selling tickets, and “riding” the train. You can puzzle out how to load your luggage along with the other cargo that trains haul. This exhibit was enjoyed by all the cousins, from age 9 to almost 2.
Things to Note
- We went on a Friday before lunchtime, and the room was full. When we left around noon, the room had cleared, and only a few people were left. I would suggest going right when the exhibit opens or, if you can, in the afternoon.
- Don’t forget to visit the desk when you first walk in and get your parking validation ticket.
- Keep your train adventure going and head to Fritz’s for lunch. Go early—there will be a line.
- This is a free exhibit.
Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails is open until September 1, 2025.
Open Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
Hours on the Fourth of July and Labor Day: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.