One-Track Mind
All aboard as talking Thomas the Tank Engine steams into Austin

The beloved Thomas the Tank Engine is steaming into Austin — and you can hop on board.
Running September 28-30, Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018 is pulling into the Burnet Community Center at 401 E. Jackson St. in Burnet. The tour, now in its 23rd year, rolls into Central Texas for three days of fun with a real talking Thomas the Tank Engine.
During the event, little fans and their families can take a 25-minute ride on Thomas himself, a three-mile journey that begins on the platform in Burnet and ambles through the picturesque Texas Hill Country.
As the train steams through town, "attendants" will lead the car in activities and give a history of the train, which is provided by the Austin Steam Train Association. (Oh wait, just kidding. It's actually the real Thomas the Tank Engine.) And bonus, the train is air-conditioned.
Following the ride, yuk it up with Sir Topham Hatt, controller of the railway and enjoy an inflatable Cranky the Crane. Other highlights include photo ops, live music, interactive play stations, crafting, storytelling, a magician, rock climbing, and an interactive Passport to Adventures booklet in which kids can track their activities for prizes.
Tickets to the Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018 tour are $24 per person and include a train ride and all-day entrance to the Burnet Community Center. Military discounts are also available.