Some children simply can’t get enough trains. There’s something about chugging choo-choos that’s loaded with kiddie appeal.
One of the most popular is a certain anthropomorphic locomotive made popular in books and television. Fans of Thomas the Tank Engine will likely blow their own respective whistles as the character rolls into town in the live production “Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage: Thomas Saves the Day.”
“THOMAS & FRIENDS LIVE! ON STAGE: THOMAS SAVES THE DAY”
This 90-minute musical finds Thomas, Percy and the other train engines of the Island of Sodor busy gussying up their digs for a bash called the Lantern Festival. When a storm blows through town, it takes out the lighthouse light, making it difficult for the boats bringing festival guests to the island. No visitors means no Lantern Festival. So it’s up to Thomas and his pals to clean up the mess in time for the big day, which gives kids a solid lesson in friendship and cooperation. The show’s engineer is Jim Millan, perhaps best known as founder of Toronto’s Crow’s Theatre.
2:30 and 5:30 p.m. May 22. $23.05-$107.95. The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth. 800-745-3000, www.ticketmaster.com.
OTHER TRAIN-RELATED ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY:
KENNESAW
Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History
It works in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution and explains how railroads played a part before and after the Civil War. It’s home to the General Locomotive, the actual train stolen by a group of Union Civil War spies during the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. The museum is chock full of other permanent, rotating and traveling exhibits, and offers special programs for both children and adults. Those who visit on May 18 score $2 off admission in honor of International Museum Day. Guests also receive advice from the museum’s archival staff on how to best preserve photos, documents and other treasured items.
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Sundays. $7.50; $6.50 ages 61 and older; $5.50 ages 4-12; free ages 3 and younger. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee St., Kennesaw. 770-427-2117, www.southernmuseum.org.
STONE MOUNTAIN
Railroad Depot at Stone Mountain Park
Head to the Crossroads section of the park and hop aboard open-air cars pulled by full-size 1940s locomotives. Some of the park’s train engines are fresh off of a rebuild and new paint job. Throughout the five-mile jaunt, passengers learn about the history of the Stone Mountain Railroad and listen to time-honored railroad tunes. Tickets for the 25- to 30-minute ride can be bought individually or as part of the multi-attraction Adventure Pass.
Call or visit website for operating information. $9; $7 ages 3-11; free ages 2 and younger. Adventure Pass: $27; $21 ages 3-11; free ages 2 and younger. $10 parking per vehicle. Stone Mountain Park, 1000 Robert E. Lee Drive, Stone Mountain. 770-498-5690, www.stonemountainpark.com.
AUSTELL
Whistlestop Park and the Six Flags Railroad at Six Flags Over Georgia
Although the Thomas the Tank Engine branding has been retired, the interactive children’s area has been renamed Whistlestop Park. Tots hitch a ride on the Whistlestop train and burn energy on the adjacent playground. Whistlestop Park’s latest feature is The Lag Wagon where Percy Proton performs science experiments, magic, comedy and more. Both kids and adults will likely enjoy a leisurely ride on the Six Flags Railroad, one of the park’s original attractions dating back to 1967. Rides depart from Marthasville and Rabun Gap train stations.
Call or visit website for hours. $49.99; $34.99 children 48” and smaller; free ages 2 and younger. Discounts and season passes available online. Six Flags Over Georgia, 275 Riverside Parkway, Austell. 770-948-9290, www.sixflags.com.
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