I’m not sure what it is about little boys and trains. But it seems like a high percentage of boys turn two and a half years old and all they can talk about is “choo choos.” This happened with my nephew and last fall it happened with my son. After one trip to the Twin Cities Model Railroad Museum, he was hooked. We started watching Thomas the Train on demand every night. He got a train set for Christmas and many, many choo choos for special occasions following. Our living room floor is littered with track, a roundhouse, and the likes of Thomas, Percy, James, Gordon, Emily and friends. Many, many friends. My boy has picked up a new lingo, including “bust my buffers,” “cinders and ashes,” and “express coming through!” And while I’ve pretty much had my fill of the Island of Sodor, Sir Topham Hatt, and trains in general, it’s pretty darn cute how into it he gets. His imagination has really started taking form as he creates little scenarios for his trains.
Well, this weekend his mind is going to be blown, because his dad is taking him up north to ride on Thomas himself. Day Out with Thomas, a family event that takes place at regional railroads around the country, rolls into the North Shore Scenic Railroad August 2-4 & 9-11. An event for the whole family, Day Out with Thomas offers activities like arts and crafts, storytelling, food options, and a 25-minute train ride on Thomas. The event happens rain or shine and advanced ticket purchases are highly recommended.
So, if you’re looking for something to do with your preschooler (boys and girls, of course!), here’s a great option. Make a weekend of it; Duluth has plenty of other activities to offer, too.
