While strollers are great to tow kids around in, there are times when they just don’t cut it. Either the kids outgrow the stroller, you need to bring more things with you, or you just want to give your kids a different experience and let them ride in a wagon.
Whatever the case, you want to choose a wagon that best suits your needs. Sometimes this means looking for a small wagon, and sometimes you need a wagon for big kids or a wagon for 3 kids.
Let’s take a look at what to look for in a wagon for kids as well as the benefits as you search for the best wagons for kids.
In this article
- Our Picks for Best Wagons for Big Kids
- What to Look for Before Buying a Wagon for Kids
- Benefits of Wagons for Kids
- Our Review of the Best 8 Wagons for Kids
- 1. Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Ez Folding Wagon with Canopy
- 2. Little Tikes Deluxe Ride and Relax Wagon with Umbrella
- 4. Step2 Wagon for Two Plus
- 5. Step2 Canopy Wagon
- 6. Radio Flyer My First 2-in-1 Wagon
- 7. Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon
- 8. Wonderfold X4 4 Passenger Quad Stroller Wagon
- The Bottom Line on Best Wagons for Kids
Our Picks for Best Wagons for Big Kids
| Title | Price | Prime | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Top
Top | Radio Flyer 3-In-1 Ez Folding Wagon | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Little Tikes Deluxe Ride | Prime | Buy Now | |
Top | Radio Flyer Grandstand 3-in-1 Wagon | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Step2 Wagon for Two Plus Blue | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
Top | Step2 Canopy Wagon | Kids Wagon with 2 Seats and Storage | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
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What to Look for Before Buying a Wagon for Kids
Whether it’s your first time buying a wagon for kids or you’re looking to replace or upgrade the one you have, there are certain things you should look for before making a purchase.
Strong wheels/tires
If you don’t have sturdy wheels and tires, your wagon is not going to work as well as it should. You want durable tires that will not only make it easier to push the wagon but will also offer a smoother ride for your little passengers!
Quality handle
You’re going to be pulling the kids along, so you want a handle that’s durable. This will make it easier to steer and reduce the risk of it toppling over. If kids decide to pull one another, you also want a handle that’s going to be easy to hold on.
Seating space
Wagons that have a seat or a padded seat make the ride more enjoyable for kids. We all know that happy kids make happy parents!
Seat belts
Some wagons come with seat belts. While you’re not going to be riding along at high speeds, a seat belt is still a good idea, especially for younger kids. They may decide to start wiggling around or even try to stand up during the ride.
Umbrella or canopy
Some models come with an umbrella or a canopy over the wagon. This is a nice feature to have on a sunny and warm day. Not only does it make the ride more enjoyable but it also helps to protect kids from the harmful UV rays from the sun.
Cup holders
It’s always nice when a wagon for the kids comes with cup holders. This can prevent drinks from spilling and making a mess.
Safety features
You want to buy a wagon that is high-quality with rounded edges. No sharp edges please! Anything jagged or not smooth can pose a danger for kids.
Durable material
Choose a wagon for kids that’s made from durable equipment like solid steel and rubber wheels. These types of materials are strong and are made to last even the roughest of playdates!
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Benefits of Wagons for Kids
While you may think that you’re just buying a wagon for fun, there are also other benefits in having one.
Toy Storage
Many wagons have space where kids can store toys. It’s often located underneath the seats. While it’s not a huge space, it’s often just enough to let them put a couple of toys to take with them on their ride.
Exercise
If kids are pulling one another, they’re getting a lot of exercise. It’s not easy to pull a wagon, especially when you’re a kid. Think of all the energy they’ll use as they’re playing with the wagon. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Storage for Parents
If you’re using the wagon to go to a festival and need to store snacks and drinks, you can just put them in the wagon. This eliminates the need for another bag or cart to tote those items too.
Now that you know what to look for in the best wagons for kids and some of the benefits, let’s take a look at some of the top models out there.
Our Review of the Best 8 Wagons for Kids
1. Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Ez Folding Wagon with Canopy
Radio Flyer is a household name when it comes to wagons for kids, so it should come as no surprise that one of its models is our top pick. We like this particular wagon because it checks all of the boxes of the things parents should look for when choosing a wagon.
It has a thick, padded, seat cushion that’s easy to clean as well as a canopy for those super sunny days.
This model is also 3 wagons in one. You can use it as a two-rider with seating, bench seating, or haul things. There is room for two riders with two cup holders.
The weight capacity is 150 pounds, so keep that in mind as you’re pulling your riders along or carrying items. It’s recommended for kids 1 and half years up.
Parents will love the fact that the wagon folds and collapses easily. This can come in handy if you’re putting it in the trunk to bring to a festival or somewhere else.
Pros:
- Canopy
- Padded seat
- 2 Cup Holders
- Reasonably Priced
Cons:
- May not be good for bigger kids as the weight limit is 150 pounds
2. Little Tikes Deluxe Ride and Relax Wagon with Umbrella
Parents are going to love the bells and whistles on this wagon that they’re going to wish there was one their size. This Little Tikes model not only has an umbrella to keep the sun out, but it also has an attached cooler that can be filled with ice to keep drinks cold. There is also storage space to bring along a few extra toys or snacks for the ride.
Kids can safely ride with seat belts while they use the attached drink holders. Once you reach your destination, easily convert the wagon to a bench for kids to sit and enjoy. Many parents can take a load off too as the maximum weight limit is 250 pounds.
The wheels and style of the wagon are sturdy, so is the handle. The handle itself flips underneath for easy storage. This wagon is priced reasonably for all of the features it comes with.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Cooler for drinks
- Converts to a bench
- Can hold up to 250 pounds
Cons:
- Can only hold 2 kids at a time
3. Radio Flyer Grandstand 3-in-1 Wagon
Here’s another great choice from Radio Flyer when it comes to the best wagon for kids. This 3-in-1 model can be a two-seater, bench, or a flatbed. There are also seat belts and two backrests for the seats. The weight capacity is 200 pounds so this is a good wagon for bigger kids.
The wagon has four cup holders which will come in handy for both kids and adults. There is no canopy, which is one downfall because there is no protection from the sun. The tires do provide for a quiet ride, so that is a plus.
Pros:
- Converts to bench or flatbed
- Comes with cup holders
- Reasonably priced
- Tires provide a quiet ride
Cons:
- No canopy included
4. Step2 Wagon for Two Plus
Step2 is also a well-known brand when it comes to kids’ toys, so wagons should be no different. This is one of our top picks because it has a door that makes it easy for kids to get in and out.
There are two padded seats with deep space for kids. This is a good choice for kids who are taller since there is more legroom. You also have a bit of storage space on the side to put juice boxes and small snacks.
Two seatbelts are included so you don’t have to worry about kids bouncing around too much. Note that the maximum weight here is 75 pounds, so this is probably best for younger kids. The recommended age for kids is ages 1 and a half up.
There aren’t many bells and whistles here, so if you’re just looking for a wagon you can push the kids around in, this may be a good choice. If you wanted one with more features as well as a canopy for sun protection, you may want to consider other models.
Pros:
- Seat belts
- Two padded seats
- Deep space for kids’ legs
Cons:
- Can only hold kids up to 75 pounds
- A little pricey for what it offers
- No canopy
5. Step2 Canopy Wagon
Here’s another Step2 wagon that we like, one with a canopy. This one has large wheels with plastic tread to provide for a smooth ride. We like that it has two contoured seats that come with seat belts. You also have enough legroom for tall kids.
This wagon has room for two kids. If you wanted a wagon for 3 kids and looking for storage, this isn’t the wagon for you. However, if you want a canopy, cup holders, and a compartment for small items, this one may just do the trick.
For the price and what it offers, this wagon is a good deal.
Pros:
- Two contoured seats
- Large plastic wheels
- Reasonably priced for the money
Cons:
- Can only fit 2 kids
- Not extra many features
6. Radio Flyer My First 2-in-1 Wagon
Here’s another good choice from Radio Flyer. One for the much younger set. This is called My First Wagon because it is designed for smaller kids and gives them a taste of how to pull a wagon.
It only has a weight limit of 35 pounds, so this wagon is not meant to tow kids around in.
Kids can wheel around their toys and use it as a walker wagon. It has a 4-wheel base that’s stable to help them build confidence and balance. This is the perfect wagon to help kids with balance and teach them how to clean up their toys by putting them in a wagon.
While this is not a wagon to bring the kids around in, it’s still a great choice if you’re looking for a gift or want to get your kids used to pulling a wagon for when they get a little older.
Pros:
- Great for little ones
- Good to store toys
- Has a walker wagon function
- Durable wheels
Cons:
- Can’t be used to wheel kids around in
- Weight capacity is 35 pounds
7. Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon
You can’t talk about wagons for kids without mentioning the Classic Red Wagon from Radio Flyer. Chances are you even had this wagon as a kid!
This is a simple wagon that you can pull one or two kids along in or use to transport other items.
It has an all-steel body with no jagged edges or sharp corners. The 10-inch steel wheels have rubber tires that are durable. The weight capacity is 150 pounds, so you can use this for kids for a few years. It is recommended kids that are one-year-and-a-half and older.
Pros:
- Sturdy frame and wheels
- Weight limit of 150 pounds
Cons:
- No seat belts
- Can only carry two children
- No canopy
8. Wonderfold X4 4 Passenger Quad Stroller Wagon
Think of this as the Mercedes of wagons for kids. Just one look and you know this is not your standard wagon.
If you’re looking for a wagon for 3 kids, this one is perfect. You even have room for a fourth. The four seats have a 5-point harness, so all the kids will be secure as they ride.
The maximum weight limit is 180 pounds, so it’s probably best for smaller kids, depending on their weight. If you don’t have four riders, you can use the extra space for anything else you’re taking along with you.
The Wonderfold stroller is easy to fold and unfold in just one step. It has a removable canopy, making it great for sunny days. The wheels are sturdy and there’s even a one-step foot brake.
As you can tell, this wagon has a lot of features so it should come as no surprise that this is the most expensive wagon on the list. If you have a big family and want to bring everyone at once, this could be the wagon for you.
Pros:
- Can hold 4 children
- 5-point-harness
- Removable canopy
Cons:
- Expensive
The Bottom Line on Best Wagons for Kids
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When it comes to the best wagons for kids, we like wagons with canopies for sun protection that can fit at least two children, and has some storage. That’s why we chose the Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Ez Folding Wagon with Canopy as our top pick.
Not only does it have many handy features, but it’s reasonably priced and easy to fold up and store. It’s also sturdy and has a weight capacity of 150 pounds.
As you search for the perfect wagon for your child, consider the features that mean the most to you to help you narrow down your search. Remember to always consider safety and always have fun!
