Thomas the Tank Engine Is Rolling into Georgia and Bringing a Birthday Bash With Him

If your toddler has ever pointed to a blue train and shouted “Thomas!” with alarming confidence, this one’s for you.

Day Out With Thomas: The Party Tour is chugging into SAM Shortline Railroad in Cordele, and it’s not just a photo op—it’s a full-blown birthday party. Thomas turns 80 this year, and apparently, he’s celebrating like it’s 1945 and no one has screen time limits.

🚂 What’s Happening

• Ride a real train pulled by Thomas himself
• Meet Sir Topham Hatt (still formal, still in that top hat)
• Hands-on activities, games, mini golf, inflatables, and bubbles—so many bubbles
• Live music and sing-alongs (brace yourself for “Thomas’ Anthem” on repeat)

📅 When & Where

• June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, & 22
• Departs from Georgia Veterans State Park in Cordele

🎟️ Tickets & Details

• Tickets start at $23 per person
• Trains run multiple times a day; each trip is 30 minutes
• You can ride in a climate-controlled vintage railcar or an open-air car if you want full summer-in-South-Georgia immersion
• Advance booking is highly recommended, especially if you want a morning ride before nap meltdowns kick in
  👉 samshortline.com/dayoutwiththomas

🎉 Why This Isn’t Just for Kids

• You get to walk through vintage train cars like it’s 1952
• It’s inside a state park, so you can picnic, hit the beach, or go full grandparent-core with a round of mini golf
• Watching your 4-year-old absolutely lose it with joy when Thomas rolls in? Yeah, that’s the main event

If you’re local—or even semi-local—it’s a solid summer day trip. Just expect crowds, sugar highs, and at least one kid loudly asking if Thomas is real. (He is. For two weekends. In Cordele.)