As parents or caretakers, anything out there that can make lives with our kids easier is a huge plus. Whether your little ones have outgrown their strollers or you’re finding you need a few extra hands for their toys at the playground, wagons for kids can be a great way to keep your children—and their belongings—comfortable and safe on any outing, be it a day at the beach or a stroll around the block. And let's be honest—they’re also a heck of a lot of fun! Here, the best wagons for kids in a range of sizes, budgets and designs.
12 of the Best Wagons for Kids to Take on Your Next Big Adventure (Or, You Know, to the Playground)
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Published Apr 19, 2023
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What to Look for in a Kid Wagon
You want your children to be safe and comfy in their wagon. After all, there’s nothing worse than hard wheels that don’t absorb bumps well!
When choosing a wagon for your kids, consider what you’ll use it for. If it’s just to tow the toddlers around the backyard or to the park, you can get away with an inexpensive plastic wagon with a lower payload capacity. However, if you’re envisioning hikes, beach excursions and camping trips, you’ll want a sturdier wagon that can cart around more gear (and tired kids).
Another factor to take into account is your kid’s age—if you have infants or toddlers, you’ll want a wagon with a three- or five-point harness to keep them secure. For the smoothest riding experience, go for options with all-terrain rubber tires, which will conform to concrete, gravel or dirt trails.
In addition, you’ll want to look for top-notch features, such as seatbelts, a sturdy, durable frame that can withstand your kids’ weight, extra storage space, and, if possible, a canopy to protect them from the sun’s harmful UV rays. If your little one likes to take control, a lightweight wagon with easy steering capabilities may also be something to consider. Take a look to see if the handles are pinch-free and have push/pull capabilities (trust us, your back will thank you).
Wagons made from thick plastic or one with sturdy steel will ensure that they can handle whatever road is ahead: extra bonus points if the material is easy to clean and can folded up for storage or to be taken on-the-go. Consider where you’ll be storing your cart and shop accordingly—some wagons can be folded up into a compact size while others will need more space.
What Is the Weight Limit for a Kid Wagon?
The weight limit of a wagon for kids will vary depending on the brand and model you choose. For example, the wagons on this list will accommodate between 75 to 300 pounds (so yeah, there’s a big range). Now that you are ready to take your outdoor adventures to the next level, read on to check out our list of the best wagons for kids.
The Best Wagons for Kids at a Glance
- Best Overall Wagon: Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Collapsible Wagon for Kids
- Best Steel Wagon: Beau Jardin Folding Wagon
- Best Classic Wagon: Roadmaster Classic Steel-Pull Wagon
- Best All-Terrain Wagon: Radio Flyer Steel-and-Wood Wagon
- Best Wagon Storage: Ever Advanced Folding Stroller Canopy Wagon
- Best Plastic Wagon: Step2 Pull-Wagon
- Best Folding Wagon: WagonBuddy Folding Stroller Wagon with Canopy
- Best Umbrella Wagon: Jeep Wrangler Stroller Wagon
- Most Comfortable Wagon: Wonderfold Luxe Quad Stroller Wagon
- Best Heavy-Duty Wagon: Gladly All-Terrain Stroller Wagon
- Most Rugged Wagon: Veer All-Terrain Cruiser
- Most Stylish Wagon: VW4 Volkswagen Stroller Wagon
- Why We Love It: seat belts, UV protection canopy, rear storage pouch, cup holders
- Weight Limit: 150 pounds
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Dimensions: 32.7 x 39 x 18.5’ inches (opened); 18.5 x 32.68 (closed)
This amazing little wagon is so versatile, it can not only tote two children and haul up to 150 pounds worth of cargo, it converts into bench seating when you unzip the side panels. Although the Radio Flyer brand was founded way back in 1917, this toy has many modern upgrades, including cupholders, seatbelts, a canopy for UV protection and rear pouch storage. When you’re done using it, its 22-pound frame also folds down with just one hand. What’s not to love? Recommended for kids ages 18 months and up.
- Why We Love It: removable, washable fabric, coated steel, rust-proof, no assembly required
- Weight Limit: 176 pounds
- Weight: 28.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 34.3 x 20 x 26.4 inches (opened); 31 x 17.7 x 10.6 inches (closed)
When you need to cart around more than just your kids, this tough wheeler can do the heavy lifting for you. Its ultra-sturdy alloy steel frame is covered with a durable polyester fabric, allowing it to handle up to a whopping 300 pounds of whatever you've got. The two front wheels rotate by a full 360 degrees for easy maneuvering, and it can be folded up for convenient storage. While it’s possible to tote your beach bags and up to two kids around in this nifty little wagon, its important to know that there are no seatbelts so it’s best suited for older kids.
- Why We Love It: simple design, multi-purpose
- Weight Limit: 180 pounds
- Weight: 17.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.7 x 4.3 x 34 inches
With a classically vibrant red hue and a retro, flatbed style, you might think this 34-inch steel wagon was straight out of the 1950s. But the modern safety features, like rounded edges and a no-pinch push/pull steering system courtesy of the elongated handle, prove it's plenty modern enough to take on today's challenges. It has sturdy rubber tires and is recommended for tykes of 60 pounds or less. It’s worth noting that because this wagon had no sides or seatbelts, it's not suitable for the littlest of kids, and is recommended for ages 3 and up. This one is also best to transport just one kid, not multiples.
- Why We Love It: all-terrain tires, guardrail
- Weight Limit: 200 pounds
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Dimensions: 40.5 x 20.5 x 10 inches
Want to bring home the nostalgic feeling you got from riding in a wagon as a kid? Then give this timeless wooden and steel version a try. It boasts 10-inch all-terrain wheels that are covered with strong rubber tires to withstand even the bumpiest of rides. The extra-long pull handle makes for safe turns and can be tucked away under the wagon for storage. It’s also stronger than many available options with a high weight capacity of 200 pounds. Unlike the collapsible Radio Flyer, however, this one doesn’t have any seatbelts so keep that in mind when rolling over the pumpkin patch with littles. Recommended for ages 18 months and up.
- Why We Love It: pull and push handles, collapsible, foot brake, detachable canopy, 5-point harnesses, storage pockets, snack tray
- Weight Limit: 110 pounds
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Dimensions: 42 x 27 x 46 inches
If you’re the type of person who likes to be prepared for anything that might come your way, then this is the wagon for you. Made from stain-resistant and durable materials, it can not only carry up to 110 pounds, but it also comes complete with a storage pouches at the front, so you can pack for any occasion (picnic, anyone?). Not to mention the detachable tray for all your kids’ snacks and beverages (so. Many. Snacks). The canopy, meanwhile, will keep your kids safe from the elements. Extra cool feature? The handles on the front and back so you can push or pull your precious cargo. Recommended for kids ages 2 to 7.
- Why We Love It: foldable handle, latch door, safety belts, seat storage, cup holders with drain holes
- Weight Limit: 75 pounds
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Dimensions: 42.5 x 20.25 x 38.25 inches
Made of a thick plastic frame with chunky wheels, this kid-friendly style can withstand whatever outdoor excursions you’ve got planned with your babes. In addition to its durable, easy-to-clean, water-resistant exterior, there’s built-in floor holes in case of spills (because you know there will be spills). Better yet, it’s got seatbelts for safety, under-bench storage, an effortless latch door and deep footwells. Recommended for kids 18 months and up.
- Why We Love It: push/pull handlebar, foot brake, collapses to 10 percent of original size, storage basket
- Weight Limit: 120 pounds
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Dimensions: 45.5 x 22.5 x 38 inches
From the tailgate to the theme park, this folding wagon makes it easy to tote around both the kids and the cooler. The fabric is stain-resistant, so no need to worry about spilled juice and snacks. The handlebar gives you the choice to push or pull, and everything comes to a stop with the convenient foot brake. If the basket is filled with tiny humans, a front storage basket gives you space to stash essentials. And when the fun’s over, the wagon will collapse to just 10 percent of its original size. Recommended for kids 18 months and up.
- Why We Love It: car seat, stroller and wagon mode, detachable cooler bag, adjustable handlebars, puncture-proof tires, storable canopy
- Weight Limit: 110 pounds
- Weight: 51 pounds
- Dimensions: 46 x 29 x 46 inches
This Jeep Wrangler wagon pulls double duty as a stroller. Strap the kids in for a day of fun, knowing they’re secure in the five-point safety harness. A canopy will provide welcome shade, but can be easily stored if everyone wants to soak up some Vitamin D. A cooler and organizer help keep the essentials stored neatly—the former has a 15-pound capacity to accommodate all the snacks and sippy cups. And because this one comes with an included adaptor for multiple popular car seats (like Britax B-Safe 35 and Chicco Keyfit 30), you can use it from ages 0 and up.
- Why We Love It: 5-point safety harnesses, collapsible, easy-access door, deep carriage, lots of storage
- Weight Limit: 300 pounds
- Weight: 63 pounds
- Dimensions: 19 x 33 x 21 inches (opened); 44.5 x 29 x 20 inches (closed)
Did someone say reclining seats? It’s no wonder we’re deeming the Wonderfold Wagon the most comfortable of this bunch. Kids will stay secure in the five-point safety harnesses and deep carriage. The seats are also removable. When the kids are grown, use it to tote gear to the beach, camping trip or other adventure. This wagon maxes out on storage, too, with space to stash belongings on every side. Executive editor Alexia Dellner took her kids for a spin and was surprised by how cushy the wagon was. “My 3-year-old son loved sitting in this wagon and was even able to climb in and out by himself (not sure if that’s recommended though!). Meanwhile, I loved how easy it was to maneuver and the fact that my 13-month-old daughter was securely strapped in. While inserting and removing the canopy was a little fiddly (you can’t fold the wagon down with the canopy), there’s no denying that it offers great coverage from the sun’s rays and it’s nice that it's height adjustable as well.” Recommended for ages 6 months and up.
- Why We Love It: weather resistant, all-terrain wheels, foot brake, stowaway nap mattress, car seat adaptor available (sold separately)
- Weight Limit: 250 pounds
- Weight: 42 pounds
- Dimensions: 41 x 30 x 22.5 inches (opened); 41 x 30 x 15 inches (closed)
This wagon was so good, Dellner says she wished it was made for adults. She appreciated the handy cupholder (including one for the wagon pusher) and the option for kids to lay down flat. Over bumpy and rough city terrain, Dellner found that that it was still smooth sailing. The wagon was also a winner at the local park. “It became the hit of the playground with all my son's friends hopping in for a ride,” she says. “The ability to fit four kids comfortably (we tested this out with kids from ages 13 months to 4 years old) is a great perk for bigger families or group vacations. Overall, I was blown away by this stroller wagon and will be using it for school drop off, playground excursions, beach vacations and more!” She adds that the fact that the canopy can zip close was a big hit with kids who wanted to play inside, and that the only potential downside was that it was easier to pull than push but “it wasn’t really an issue for me.”
- Why We Love It: hose washable, water resistant, military-grade steel base, foot brake, snack tray
- Weight Limit: 300 pounds
- Weight: 33 pounds
- Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 23 inches (opened); 37 x 20 x 14 inches (closed)
With a military-grade steel base, the Veer All-Terrain Cruiser was made for rugged outdoor adventures. The entire wagon is hose washable, so don’t be afraid to take it on hikes, camping trips and beach days. A locking handle gives you the option to pull, and it can accommodate an infant car seat while still towing two toddlers. Branded content operations director Rachel Gulmi calls it “a beast of a wagon. It’s so beyond durable that I never have to worry about being too hard on it or that my toddler will be too messy in it. Overall, I really love the Veer wagon and I know it will last for years.” She does note that there are a couple design elements to keep in mind. The wagon will easily fold in under 60 seconds, but to do so, you must remove all the attachments. And, if you prefer to push your wagon like Gulmi, know that the back wheels will become the front wheels, but don’t rotate, which can make steering a little tricky. Recommended for kids 18 months and up.
- Why We Love It: classic VW van design, all-terrain wheels, removable seats, functional headlights, UPF 50 canopy, snack tray, removable rear basket
- Weight Limit: 300 pounds
- Weight: 58 pounds
- Dimensions: 54 x 29 x 49 inches (opened); 20 x 29 x 44.5 inches (closed)
Whoever said wagons for kids weren’t stylish had never set their eyes on this. Live your ‘70s dreams (and show the kids whose music is boss) with this VW van-inspired wagon. It even has functioning headlights. But make no mistake, it is as functional as it is pretty. All-terrain wheels, removable seats, an adjustable UPF 50 canopy and snack tray are just a few of its other laudable qualities. Mesh side panels, an adjustable handlebar and plenty of storage are some more. Recommended for kids 6 months and up.
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Alexia Dellner is a PureWow Executive Editor with over a decade’s worth of experience in digital media, largely in the family, wellness and travel space. A mom of two tiny humans, Alexia runs PureWow’s parenting vertical and spends hours each week researching and testing products designed to make parenting easier (or at least more fun). Alexia is based in Jersey City; her work has also appeared in Women’s Health, Shape, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and more.
Marissa Wu is a PureWow Associate Editor with a focus on SEO. She covers everything from fashion and home trends to travel, beauty, wellness, family and food. Her work has also appeared in Southern Living, Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted.
