Thomas the Train…Live!

City-Kid Review:

It’s Thomas! Can we go again?
Yes.
Tomorrow?
Well, maybe not tomorrow but very soon.
Yayyyyyy!

In 2016, the New York Botanical Gardens premiered a new All Aboard with Thomas show, appropriately about growing plants. The previous one was good but this one is even better. It features Driver Sam who is, as always, great along with Thomas, himself. This is a fun show, with tons of Thomas songs and adaptions of children’s songs, such as ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees & Toes.’

There is an opportunity to have a photo taken with Thomas after the show and you get a free certificate to take home with your name on it, which your City Kid can hold up for the photo. They, also, take a photo with your smart phone or camera for you, while you pose, so you don’t need to purchase the professional, framed photos. The NYBG are highly organized to minimize wait time, and they really make it move smoothly.

Need to Knows:

You can get into the Botanical Gardens for free with an NYC-ID, but you have to pay extra for the show. Members of NYBG have free access to the Thomas show. The cost is $10 less on weekdays than on weekends.
Adult admission is: $20; children 2-12 is: $8; children under 2: free. This includes entry to the show.

Entrance to the Thomas show includes the Holiday Train show and the Everett Children’s Garden. You can make a train puppet and other fun activities. On the weekends and holidays they have  a musician leading a train parade.

Food Situation: The main cafe sells pizza, sandwiches, soups and salads. A little over-priced but good quality. The gingerbread cafe is set up behind the main glass house and has a variety of over-priced food options. I did not see any evidence of their delicious taco truck when we were there, but that doesn’t mean they won’t bring it out on busy days.

If you have a car, or don’t mind a longish walk, I recommend going to Arthur Avenue. I particularly recommend Tino’s Deli for lunch.

Location: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx, NY 10458. The Metronorth train stop, Botanical Gardens drops you directly opposite an entrance.

The show ends January 25th

Here is the link for more specifics.

Top-Tip

The earlier you get to the show, the closer to the stage you can get, which means you will be called up for the photo with Thomas, sooner.

They usually provide a crayon and coloring page, and/or give you tattoos and stickers on your way out.
It really is a fun show.

Is your City Kid a Thomas fan? Any other tips you can share? Please share with us in the comments below.

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