Wagons for kids are family transportation powerhouses. They let kids rest tired legs and give parents an easy way to keep kids contained while on the move. Many parents find them easier to use than strollers, with more space for kids to move and more room for parents to stash snacks, blankets, and toys.
We consulted with our advisor, Richard J. Bartlett, to select the wagons on our list. He chose the Radio Flyer 3-in-1 EZ Folding Wagon as the best overall for its convertible design, UV protective canopy, and durability. Read how he chose the top 5.
Life with kids requires a lot of gear, from sippy cups to car seats, but a wagon can help you to transport it all!
Our Expert’s Best Wagons for Kids
Here are the top picks from our resident expert. Compare the ratings and features of different models to find the wagon that will fit your family adventures.
| Editor’s Picks | Model | Rating | Dimensions | Weight | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Radio Flyer 3-in-1 EZ Folding, Outdoor Collapsible Wagon | 39 x 18.5 x 32.7-in. | 23 lbs | 150 lbs | |
| Best Budget | Step2 Neighborhood Wagon with Seats | 20 x 39 x 41-in | 22 lbs | NA | |
| Best for More Than 1 Kid | Radio Flyer Convertible Stroll ‘N Ride Wagon | 47.2 x 41.3 x 24.42-in | 31.3 lbs | 150 lbs | |
| Best for Travel | Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Camo Wagon | 39.3 x 18.5 x 30.71-in | 36.23 lbs | 150 lbs | |
| Best for Young Kids | EvenFlo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon | 45 x 37 x 39-in | 34.7 lbs | 55 lbs |
*Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 5 and based on reviews, feedback, and opinions of actual customers
In This Article
Who Should Buy a Wagon for Kids
- Beachgoers – Wagons often have more rugged wheels than a stroller, making them easier to pull on the beach. There’s more storage space for beach toys, towels, and food, and if the wagon has a canopy, it also offers some much-needed protection from the sun. Taking the family to the beach? Then check out our Family Beach Day Packing List for all the essentials.
- Multi-kid Families – Wagons designed to hold multiple kids can be more comfortable than a stroller as the kids have more wiggle room. As long as you don’t exceed the maximum weight capacity, a wagon has room for a couple of kids and plenty of gear.
- People Who Don’t Pack Light – If you need a lot of gear whenever you leave the house with your kids, a wagon gives you far more storage space than a stroller. Many include cup holders and side pockets for smaller items while you layer everything else inside the wagon.
Who Should Not Buy a Wagon for Kids
- People Short on Storage Space – Sometimes wagons fold down as small as a stroller, and sometimes they don’t. Some models don’t fold down at all.
- People Who Pack Light – You might not need a wagon’s extra storage space if you tend to pack light.
Research Tips (from a Home & Family Expert)
Kids can be energetic and rambunctious and can sometimes need a lot of gear for a successful outing. Whether you’re making a quick trip to the park or planning a day out at the beach, here’s what to consider when choosing a wagon:
- Check the dimensions (folded and unfolded) – Dimensions matter. Check the size of the wagon to make sure it will comfortably fit your kid(s). Also, take note of the folded dimensions, especially if you’re tight on storage space. Also, remember that the wagon will need to fit inside the trunk of a car easily.
- Note the maximum weight limit – The maximum weight limit can either help or hamper your day out as a family. A wagon with a 150-pound maximum weight limit can hold two kids and lots of gear. Wagons with a lower weight limit may also limit what you can carry.
- Wagon weight – You’ll be pulling both your child and the wagon. A lighter wagon means less weight for you to tug across the sand, grass, or sidewalk.
- Extra features – Do you need a canopy? Does the wagon convert to a bench or have two seats? What about extra pockets for storage organization? Think about the features you need to make outings enjoyable for everyone.
How Much Do They Cost?
Between $100 and $500
Most wagons cost between $100 and $250. Wagons in this range are typically lightweight, may seat one or two children, and often include a canopy. Some of these models may convert into different configurations like a bench. More expensive models may have a handle that can convert to either push or pull and have an adjustable canopy. At the higher end of the price range, the wagons also tend to have more durable wheels and frames.
Our Methodology: Why Trust Safe Smart Family
Children’s products, first and foremost, must be safe. Covered joints and brakes are among the features that keep little fingers from getting pinched or runaway wagons. Seats and safety belts are other features that will keep kids securely inside the wagon. A durable build and wheels with an easily collapsible but stable design are among the other considerations that factored into my decisions. – Richard J. Bartlett
The Best Wagons for Kids: Full Reviews
The Radio Flyer 3-in-1 EZ Folding Wagon balances convertibility and features with price, making it a great pick for the best wagon for kids. The EZ folding wagon converts into a bench for both parents and kids, as well as a standard wagon with or without a canopy. However, most of the time, parents like to use it to transport kids with the canopy for a sunshade.
It only weighs 23 pounds but has a maximum weight limit of 150 pounds. That sturdy, durable base creates a wagon that can handle toys, towels, food, and kids without buckling under the weight. It can seat two children and includes seat belts for both. The removable canopy is also a UV protectant. There are two water bottle holders and a storage pocket for added organization.
If there’s a weakness with this wagon, it’s wind. The canopy can easily blow away if the wind gets heavy.
- 150-pound maximum weight limit
- Seating for 2, plus seatbelts
- UV resistant canopy
- Converts to a bench or use as a wagon with or without the canopy
- Canopy easily blows away in the wind
The Step2 Neighborhood Wagon with Seats has a simple design that’s affordable if you’re on a tighter budget. It’s entirely made of durable plastic, but there are two built-in cup holders and a small storage pocket where kids can stash their cups or a few toys.
The Step2 can hold two children and has two built-in seat belts. The plastic body makes clean-up simple because all you have to do is wipe it down. While the body doesn’t fold, the handle can fold under the body for slightly more compact storage.
- Two built-in seatbelts
- Easy to clean plastic body
- Foldable handle
- Plastic body doesn’t fold
The Radio Flyer Convertible Stroll ‘N Wagon seats two children and contains two safety harnesses. One end of the wagon has a pull handle like a traditional wagon, but the other end has a push handle like a stroller. The push handle adjusts to three positions for greater comfort, and each handle can lock in place when not in use, letting parents choose the easiest way to travel.
This model converts from a wagon with a canopy to a wagon without a canopy or a bench when the side is opened. It’s great for sporting events, days at the beach, and general family outings. The wagon body collapses for easier storage and transport, too. A maximum weight limit of 150 pounds allows for two kids and plenty of cargo. However, at 31 pounds, the wagon is fairly heavy in and of itself.
- Push or pull handle options
- Locking handles
- Convertible design—bench or with/without canopy
- Heavier than other models at 31 pounds
The Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Camo Wagon weighs only 26 pounds, yet still has a 150-pound maximum weight limit. Its lightweight construction, combined with a small folded-down size, are what set it apart as a great wagon for travel. It can be used as a wagon for two children with two safety belts or converted to a bench by unzipping one side when a parent needs a seat too.
This model also has rubberized tires that are better for off-roading. They can withstand a few rocks and sticks without getting damaged or stuck like plastic wheels. The built-in storage pocket and two cup holders let you keep a few things organized, too. However, some users have noted that the fabric over the side post can get weak over time and tear.
- Two built-in harnesses
- Lightweight body it only 26 pounds
- High maximum weight limit at 150 pounds
- Fabric can get weak over the side posts
The Evenflo Pivot Xplore All-Terrain Stroller Wagon straddles the line between two of the best ways to transport children outside of a car—wagon and stroller. The handle can change positions for pulling or pushing, whichever works best for the occasion. This model also features two adjustable 50 SPF canopies so you can adjust one for each child.
The attached storage basket can fold into the wagon body when you have one child in the wagon or extend outward to make room for two. There’s also a tray for snacks and drinks inside the wagon. The maximum weight limit of 55 pounds limits this model to young children. However, it’s hard to pass up the smooth movement of the all-terrain wheels.
- Handle transforms from push to pull
- Adjustable storage pocket
- Seats up to two children
- Internal snack tray
- Low maximum weight limit
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can kids use wagons?
Can kids sit in utility wagons?
Is a wagon better than a stroller?
Why do you need a wagon for kids?
Article Sources
Safe Smart Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
- Marcin A. When can babies sit up and how can you help a baby develop this skill? Healthline.com. Published March 22, 2018. Accessed May 23, 2022.
Home and family advisor for Safe Smart Family with more than a decade writing about home and family lifestyle topics and expertise in home product reviews
