When Thomas the train, and Percy, visited the Strasburg Railroad when our kids were younger, it was a little expensive for us to give them a ride, but I wanted my kids to get to enjoy it—especially since my 2 year old just LOVED tractors and trains. So in the beautiful weather we scoped out the area and found the Red Caboose Motel.
Let me tell you, this is the perfect place for an alternative to riding the train. And I think my kids enjoyed it just as much if not more, because they actually got to see Thomas driving the train.
The Red Caboose Motel is one of the first things the passengers see on their trip. It has Amish Buggy rides, so the kids can look at the horses while they wait for the train. There are also llamas, pigs, chickens and goats (which my kids got a kick out of their huge horns!) in the FREE petting zoo (more on that below). There are quaint benches and picnic tables for the kids to wave from when they train goes by. And there is even a little playground.
We did a quick walk through the gift store and saw a bunch of small rides my kids found fascinating as well. I will admit the store was kind of small and organized uniquely, but you might find some hidden treasures while you are getting warm inside.
But if you are there to watch the train, be careful with your time! Thomas and Percy are only regulated to go a short distance before they have to turn around, so you have about a 2-3 minute wait before you can wave to them a second time.
The train departs every half hour between the timeframe for that day, usually starting around 10:15am and ending sometime between 3pm or 4pm. See the Day Out with Thomas train schedule.
FREE Petting Zoo
There is also a FREE petting zoo on the property with some unique animals. We enjoyed the goats and pigs quite a bit.
The Viewing Tower
This is a recent addition to the property but a neat one. Its a silo converted to an observation tower with a really amazing view of the Strasburg railroad and country side.
Playground
The playground is near the bottom of the viewing tour, perfect for kids to have fun at with a parent while the older ones climb to the top of the tower.
The Red Caboose Motel is located at 312 Paradise Ln, Ronks, Pennsylvania 17572. Follow them on Facebook to stay up to date with their happenings! You can also learn more on their website.
Erika says
This is a great idea!! I took my kids last year, but didn’t realize just how crazy the parking would be! Can you park right at the Red Caboose Motel, or do you still have to park with all the Strasburg goers? Thanks for your help.
Kathy says
Yes, park right at the Red Caboose Motel! At least that’s where I did. There was plenty of parking. We enjoyed the petting zoo animals until the train came.
Cassie Bosley says
we’ve gone during Thomas’s visits before and just do the free stuff
I wouldn’t try that on the weekend though! they may require you to show tickets now but still fun to see thomas and walk around the trains and play on the new playground there. We like the petting area at red caboose too though, I wasn’t sure how far down he goes before heading back.