The Best Wagons for Kids and All Their Gear
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We reviewed and tested these fun wagons for your next family adventure.
Parents / Jhett Thompson
Move over strollers! Kids’ wagons are great for trips to the park, beach, farmers market, outdoor sporting events, and more, since they carry a ton of gear or multiple kids. Wagons come in all shapes and sizes and a wide range of price points: from basic plastic options with two seats to luxury picks that offer reclining seats, tons of storage, mosquito nets, UV protective sunshades, and infant car seat adapters. If you plan to let your kids ride in the wagon, be sure it has seats and buckles or harnesses, so you know it’s not meant for gear only. To select the best wagons for kids that are safe and convenient, we thoroughly researched more than 20 wagons, even testing several options in our New York City lab by assembling them, loading them up with sandbag “babies” and gear, walking them around an obstacle course, and more. We assessed each wagon’s durability, ease of cleaning and storage, materials, and overall value. We continue to test some of these wagons at home with our kids to learn more about their longevity, design, and quality. These were our top picks. Best Overall: Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Wagon
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Why We Like ItActing as three wagons in one, this Radio Flyer pick is sturdy, safe, affordable, and unbelievably versatile. We love how easily the collapsible cart transforms from hauling mode (with no seats) to two-rider seating to bench seating. 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 holds up to 150 pounds and works for children 18 months and up. We appreciate the wagon’s safety features, including seatbelts and a UV-protective canopy to block out the sun. The two built-in cup holders help keep kids (and caregivers) hydrated. Made with recycled “DuraClean” fabric, the seats have extra padding and are easy to wipe down. When not in use, the wagon folds flat with a one-handed mechanism for easy storage. But Take NoteThere's no lock or brake mechanism.The Details: Max weight in wagon: 150 lbs.Wagon weight: 32 lbs.Best Budget: Step2 Wagon for Two Plus
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Why We Like ItThis budget-friendly plastic wagon is best for preschoolers and toddlers and has plenty of room for two smaller kids. Its design is all about comfort: two contoured seats and deep leg wells allow kiddos to stretch.The wagon has two built-in seatbelts, cup holders, and extra storage space, with compartments under each seat. We love 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.But Take NoteThis wagon doesn’t fold, so it may be difficult to transport to and from a destination. It also requires assembly, but we found it’s straightforward and doesn’t take much time. The Details: Max weight in wagon: 75 lbs.Wagon weight: 24 lbs.Best for Beach (Gear-Only): Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Beach Wagon
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Why We Like ItIf your kids are big enough to walk but too little to help carry any gear, this is an ideal option. A workhorse in sand or gravel, this heavy-duty wagon has a huge interior storage space for hauling gear as well as two cup holders.Whether you’re headed to the shore or a soccer game, it’ll easily hold everything you need. This wagon folds flat to only 10 inches tall, so it’s easy to store in a closet, car trunk, or garage. It also comes with an easy-to-tote carrying case. But Take NoteThere are no designated seats or seat belts, so it’s safe for your stuff but not your kiddos. The Details: Max weight in wagon: 150 lbs.Wagon weight: 22 lbs.Best Luxury: Larktale Caravan Stroller Wagon
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Why We Like ItThis Larktale wagon transports two passengers (6 months old and older, up to 50 pounds) in luxuriously cushioned reclining seats. It has five-point harnesses, an adjustable handlebar, a quick-fold mechanism, a large exterior cargo basket, several pockets, and a cup holder. Steering is a breeze thanks to lockable swivel wheels and all-wheel suspension, and the brake engages easily. You can push it up curbs with the handlebar or a front pull bar. The drop-down footwell allows for more ergonomic seating positions and zips open to clean dirt, snack crumbs, and other debris. The seats are shaded by individual UPF 50+ sun canopies with peekaboo windows. With the purchase of a car seat adapter, an infant can join the fun, while a double seat kit expands the wagon to accommodate four kids. But Take NoteThe harnesses are tricky to buckle and must be rethreaded to adjust the height. This 34.5-pound stroller wagon is heavy and doesn’t steer well over sand, but it’s fine on firmer surfaces. The Details: Max weight in wagon: 112 lbs.Wagon weight: 34.5 lbs.Best Collapsible (Gear Only): Mac Sports Wagon Classic
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Why We Like ItAnother solid option from Mac Sports, this wagon's 150-pound capacity will seriously lighten your load. While it's not made to transport children, it is the best way to tote all their stuff, whether to a sporting event or the beach. For families with older kids and lots of stuff, this could be a lifesaver.Despite its heavy-duty frame, we appreciate that it's lightweight enough to easily transport: When folded, the wagon is only eight inches thick(!). It's available in fun colors and patterns, like pink, red, stars, and camo, so families can tote in style.But Take NoteIf your kids are younger and need something to ride in, this may not be practical.The Details:Max Weight in Wagon: 150 lbs.Wagon Weight: 24 lbs.Our Review and Testing ProcessTo select the best wagons for kids, we spent hours assessing more than 20 kids’ wagons on the market. We carefully considered design, features, material, product weight, child age/height/weight recommendations, storage space, and value. We also looked at several gear-only wagons. We tested several wagons in our lab and at home with our kids for further evaluation. In the lab, our editors walked through an obstacle course with the wagons, folded them, evaluated their features, and loaded them with sandbag “babies” to replicate the weight of a real child. We chose spacious, well-designed kids’ wagons that fit a variety of needs and budgets.Factors to Consider in a Wagon for KidsSafety: If you plan on having your child ride in the wagon, ensure it’s designed for kids to ride rather than only for hauling gear. Familiarize yourself with the wagon’s safety features before your kids hop in. Wagons created for children to ride in typically come with a seatbelt or harness. Children shouldn’t ride in a wagon if it lacks seatbelts or designated seating areas. If it were to tip over or stop short, kids could fall out and get injured. Size: Choose a wagon that is the right size for your family and how you intend to use it, whether that’s daily walks or occasional beach trips. Look for features that will come in handy for your lifestyle, such as collapsibility, infant car seat attachments, or high storage capacity.Weight Capacity: Consider how many children you need the wagon to hold, their ages and weights, and how long you intend to use it. It’s important to follow weight limit guidelines both for your child’s safety and for the longevity of the wagon. If you plan on using the wagon for several years, a higher weight capacity is best. Even after your kids outgrow it, wagons are handy for hauling groceries or other gear like folding chairs, umbrellas, and coolers. At What Age Can Kids Sit in a Wagon?Many of our favorite wagons are for kids 18 months old and up. Most wagons for kids offer less support than a stroller or car seat, so your child must be capable of sitting upright unassisted to ride in them. Some wagons can accommodate car seat adapters allowing you to snap yours in to transport younger children.How Do You Clean a Wagon?Clean wagons according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many fabric wagons can be spot-cleaned, while others have detachable sections that can be tossed in the washing machine. If you’re concerned about keeping milk and snack stains out of your wagon, you might opt for a plastic option that can be hosed down and dried outdoors.How Do You Keep Your Child Safe in a Wagon?Many wagons have a three- or five-point safety harness that should be used for every ride. If yours doesn’t, your child should walk beside the wagon rather than ride inside it.Who We AreMaya 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, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year-old daughter. Additional reporting by: Phoebe Sklansky is an editor and avid shopper who enjoys helping readers find the best products for their unique needs. She’s researched hundreds of baby products and has tested dozens in our lab, from strollers to baby swings to diaper bags. One of her favorite old family photos is one of Phoebe and her younger brother riding in their Step2 Wagon. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
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