Thomas the Tank Engine and his anthropomorphized railway buddies have been entertaining kids for decades. He's starred in books, TV shows, and been made into toys and apparel. Thomas himself pulls into the Medina Railroad Museum May 9-18 for Day Out with Thomas 2008: The Great Discovery Tour.

Day Out with Thomas is geared toward preschoolers and their families, and features 25-minute rides with Thomas, visits with railway controller Sir Topham Hatt, tours of the museum, arts and crafts, storytelling, live music, and other activities. This is the 13th year for the tour, which stops in 45 cities across the country.

The Medina Railroad Museum is located at 530 West Avenue in Medina (located about halfway between Rochester and Buffalo). The Day Out events take place Friday-Sunday, May 9-11 and 16-18, 9 a.m.-6:45 p.m. (events start at noon on Fridays). Tickets cost $18 for ages 2 and up.

For more information call the museum at 866-468-7630 or visit railroadmuseum.net or thomasandfriends.com.