Wagons come in all shapes and sizes, so if you plan to let your kids ride in them, look for the age recommendation and if it has seats and buckles/harness to keep them secure. You’ll also want to consider its durability, ease of cleaning, and if it’s easy to store when not in use. We researched popular options from trusted brands with these features in mind. These are the best wagons for kids on the market. Acting as three wagons in one, this Radio Flyer is a sturdy, safe, and affordable option that is unbelievably versatile. The collapsible cart can transform from hauling mode (with no seats) to two-rider seating to bench seating. Made with the brand’s recyclable DuraClean 2.0 fabric, the seats have extra padding and are easy to wipe down. Other safety features include seatbelts and a UV protective canopy to block out the sun. We also love that it has two built-in cup holders to help keep the kids (or parents) hydrated. Extra-wide wheels and a linked steering mechanism make it easy to pull, even on grass or sand, and a rear storage bar can hold two beach chairs. It can hold up to 150 pounds and is recommended for children 18 months and up. And when you’re not using the wagon, it folds flat with a one-handed mechanism for easy storage. Price at time of publication: $178 Parents appreciate the generous amount of room in the wagon body (especially for toting things other than kids) and the long handle which makes pulling the wagon easy. Price at time of publication: $120 An extra-large UPF 50+ canopy with mosquito netting keeps kids shaded and protected from the elements. Loaded with storage, parents will appreciate the four cup holders, undercarriage basket, and center console that holds tons of stuff. While it does fold flat, the quick-release wheels need to be removed for storage. Price at time of publication: $300 A workhorse in the sand, this cart folds to 10 inches flat, so it’s easy to store in a closet, car trunk, or garage and comes with an easy-to-tote carrying case. Two cup holders keep beachgoers from spilling their beverages while they trek across the sand. If your kids are big enough to walk without assistance but too little to help carry all your beach gear, this is the perfect cart for you. Price at time of publication: $240 The removable canopy has drop-down drapes that can provide privacy or help prevent sensory overload. Equipped with two adjustable 5-point harnesses that each have three height settings, the wagon is crafted to secure kids even as they age. The push-pull mechanism allows lots of flexibility. The wagon comes with a built-in cup holder, cooler bag, canopy storage bag, and storage cover. Price at time of publication: $535 When folded, the wagon is only eight inches thick. Perfect for sporting events, picnics, parties, or anywhere else, this choice is well-loved by reviewers. If your kids are younger, this may not be practical, but for families with older kids and lots of stuff, this could be a lifesaver. Price at time of publication: $110 The fabric frame is lightweight and quickly folds into the wagon for simple storage. While not huge or very versatile, this wagon is good for toting one kid around, especially if you don’t need tons of room or storage. Price at time of publication: $114 Wagons aimed at allowing children to ride typically come with a seatbelt or harnesses. If there are no seatbelts, harnesses, or designated seats for children, it’s best to skip having your child ride inside the wagon. If it tips over or stops short, kids could fall out and risk injury.
Size
When you take a wagon on an outing, it more than likely will not be the only piece of kid equipment you’ll carry with you. Choose a wagon that is the right size for the intended use. Whether that is going on daily walks with your kids or occasional beach trips, choosing an appropriately sized wagon will make your life easier. As you’re shopping for a wagon for kids, check out some features that may come in handy for your lifestyle. See if the wagon you’ve been eyeballing is foldable and how compact it can become when folded. That way, if you need to put it in your vehicle with other gear, it won’t take up too much space.
Weight Capacity
If you plan on using the wagon for years to come, a higher weight capacity will be helpful. Even if you don’t use it for your kiddos, it will still come in handy to haul groceries or other gear (say, folding chairs, umbrellas, and a cooler on the sidelines of a sporting event). Consider how many children you need the wagon to hold, their ages and weights, and how long you intend to use the wagon. Wagons do come with a weight limit, and it’s important to follow that limit for not only safety reasons but also to ensure you’re not overtaxing the wagon and will be able to use it for as long as you can.
Why Trust Verywell Family
Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, 8-year-old son, and 4-year old daughter. Maya loves the idea of a wagon for her crew but somehow never added that to her garage/kids gear warehouse. Every weekend she sees cute families at the local farmers’ market and is wowed by all the stuff they can shove in their wagons (in addition to their kiddos).
