Do your kids love Thomas the Tank Engine? Families are invited to step inside the world of Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails! at the National Children’s Museum’s Visiting Exhibit Hall. The beloved Island of Sodor comes to life through playful, interactive STEAM experiences designed especially for young learners.
Running through January 4, 2026, this limited-time exhibit encourages children to explore engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork — all through the cheerful lens of Thomas, Percy, and their friends. With dozens of hands-on activities, it’s a dream destination for curious kids and their grown-ups.
Recommended for ages 2–7 and their families.
🚂 Step Into the Island of Sodor
Kids can slip on a conductor’s hat and discover what it takes to keep Sodor running smoothly. Around every corner, little engineers will find opportunities to build, experiment, and imagine.
Exhibit Highlights
- All Aboard, Thomas! – Climb inside Thomas’s cab and explore how an engine works.
- Knapford Station – Dress up and run the ticket booth like a real conductor.
- Loading Zone – Sort, stack, and send freight to the right destinations.
- Tick Tock, Fix the Clock – Match oversized clocks to train arrival times.
- Sodor Island Table – Navigate challenges at an expansive wooden-track train table.
- Sodor Steamworks – Work together to supply Percy with coal and water.
- Wobbly Wheel Workshop – Experiment with parts to fix Percy’s wheel.
- Sodor Tot Spot – A cozy sensory play area designed for toddlers.
- Thomas & Friends Retrospective – See how Thomas has evolved through toys, models, and media.
📍 Museum Location & Entrance
1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20004
The museum entrance is located in Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the intersection of 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue NW.
Look for the bright blue awnings!
🕒 Museum Hours & Visiting Tips
Regular Hours
- Monday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday–Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm
Extended Hours
- Nov 8–11: 9 am – 5 pm
- Nov 22–24: 9 am – 5 pm
- Nov 26: 9 am – 5 pm
- Nov 28–30: 9 am – 5 pm
Holiday Closures
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
Planning Your Visit
Looking for a quieter experience? The museum recommends visiting on weekday afternoons, when large groups are less likely to be in the space.
🎟️ Admission
Admission includes full access to the museum’s STEAM-focused exhibits, programs, and the Thomas & Friends™ experience.
Tickets are required for entry.
- Adults: $18.95
- Children (1+): $18.95
- Children under 1: Free
- Members: Free
📅 Exhibit Dates
September 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails! was developed by Minnesota Children’s Museum in partnership with Mattel, Inc. Presented by Fisher-Price.
