Kids use wagons for work and play around the house, and parents like them for family outings. Wagons are an ideal on-the-go napping spot, and some wagons shield a child from sunburn or insect bites. Read through the following list of top-rated choices and decide if owning one of the best kids’ wagons will add convenience to work, play, and outdoor adventures!
Best Wagons for Kids
While the Berlin Flyer Sport Wagon is an Amish made, slightly more expensive wooden wagon to tote your children in up to 300 lbs; whereas the Little Tikes Lil’ Wagon is an inexpensive, lightweight plastic wagon for your toddlers to pull around to give their dolls or stuffed animals a ride.
Little Tikes Jr. Red Explorer Wagon
The Little Tikes J. Red Explorer Wagon is made of sturdy plastic, with removable sides. This affordable wagon is designed for one or two riders, with a maximum weight limit of 100 pounds. With an extra long handle, reviewers mention that it feels comfortable to pull this vehicle, and its “quiet ride” tires make a smooth ride for passengers.
The Explorer Wagon reportedly does its best exploring on asphalt and concrete, since its wheels tend to stick in grassy or sandy beach areas. Some parents have had trouble assembling its wheels, but others mention that actually reading the manual helps and they had no problems.
Another notable feature of the Explorer Wagon: its extra high side panels. They can be conveniently removed for loading and unloading, but reviewers add that a child could possibly remove the panels while riding. Because the handle folds up, the Explorer Wagon can travel and store easily.
Pros:
- Lower end price
- Great for one or two riders
- Removable side panels
Cons:
- No safety belts
- Side panels can be removed by child
- Assemble wheels carefully using the instruction manual
Berlin Flyer Ride Sport Wagon for Kids
The Berlin Flyer Sport Wagon is a handsome wooden wagon that cruises along any terrain with its large, no-flat tires.
Customers generally praise the quality of the Amish-made Berlin Flyer Sport Wagon, although the all-terrain tires typically need to be aired out upon arrival because of an initial chemical smell. This easy-to-assemble wagon comes in five different colors: red, hot pink, orange, blue and purple.
Pros:
- 300 pound weight maximum
- No-tip steering
- Easy to assemble
- Color choices
Cons:
- More pricey than other models
- Toxic tire smell at first
Little Tikes Lil’ Wagon
The Little Tikes Lil’ Wagon is a child’s toy and is not designed for little human riders. But, this vehicle is a toddler favorite for toting stuffed animals and gear around the basement or backyard.
Priced far lower than its grownup counterparts, the sturdy plastic Lil’ Wagon takes minimal assembly to get ready for drivers who are 18 months and up.
Radio Flyer makes a few best toddler tricycles that your kiddo is sure to love as well.
Pros:
- Sturdy plastic
- Easy to assemble
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not for children to ride in
Best Sports Wagon
Radio Flyer All-Terrain 3-in-1 EZ Folding Wagon
The Radio Flyer All-Terrain Folding Wagon comes equipped with wide, solid rubber, heavy-duty treaded tires. This wagon features a flatbed with safety belts that converts into bench seating and a cooler caddy with extra storage space. When you don’t need the cooler caddy, fold it up and store it out of the way.
This spacious wagon holds up to 150 pounds and technically holds two riders, but one parent admits that her teenager even climbed in and fit without feeling too squished. Kids can sit in the wagon or side-saddle for more fun.
If parents had two wishes it would be that the handle would stay upright when the wagon is stationary and that there would be a storage area for the canopy when not in use. The wagon does not come equipped with a canopy, but an optional Radio Flyer Wagon Canopy is available for purchase.
Pros:
- Duraclean fabric wipes clean
- Easy fold with one hand
- Off-road, all-terrain tires
- 3 types of seating
- Includes cooler caddy
Cons:
- No place to rest the handle when not in use
- Storage space for canopy
Best Toddler Wagon
Step2 Wagon for Two Plus
The Step2 Wagon for Two Plus room for two — up to a recommended 75 pound maximum weight. This wagon comes in willow green or denim blue and most parents report that assembly is quick and simple. Some parents put the handle on backward, making it easier to transport in a small vehicle.
Loaded up with seat belts, door latch, cup holders, and a seat storage space, this wagon has some great features. Parents say it seems to resist tipping, even for kids who like to lean over the edge and watch the hardy, plastic wheels turn. Those wheels, however, are reported to be somewhat noisy and are designed for pavement and grass only.
Pros:
- Two seat belts
- Latching door
- Cup holders
- Easy Assembly
Cons:
- Noisy wheels
Best Kids Wagon with Canopy
Little Tikes Deluxe Ride and Relax Wagon
Parent reviews have called the The Little Tikes Deluxe Ride and Relax Wagon the Bentley, Cadillac, and Rolls Royce of wagons. The luxury of riding like royalty under a detachable umbrella is bound to cost a little more — so it’s slightly more pricey than other wagons.
Cold drinks are within reach for your little prince or princess, because of the handy drink holder and attached cooler. Seat belts add safety and QuietRide wheels make for smooth riding, although its larger size can be difficult to maneuver on some surfaces.
The entire wagon converts to a bench that can accommodate children or adults. When ready to store the royal wagon, his or her majesty’s minions (that’s you, adults) can simply detach the canopy and flip the wagon handles under. This makes it slightly more compact for storage, though this larger wagon does not fold down much beyond its 42 x 23.6 x 16.5 size.
Pros:
- Converts to a bench
- Seatbelts
- Plenty of space
- Umbrella included
Cons:
- Needs assembly
- Its larger size can be cumbersome
Best Wagon for 5-Year-Olds
Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon
The Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon is the iconic red wagon that has been enjoyed over many generations. It’s a simple, budget-minded wagon that fits many needs.
The steel body can hold up to 150 pounds, and the real rubber tires are durable. With an extra-long handle that folds under for storage and a controlled turning radius that prevents tipping, little details show that the red Radio Flyer is still one of the top-rated wagons for children.
No, it doesn’t have seat belts, drink holders, bells, whistles, or luxury seating. It’s just a Radio Flyer – a classic red wagon.
Pros:
- No-pinch safeguards on ball joint
- Made of sturdy steel
- Budget-priced
- Easy to assemble
Cons:
- Can rust if left outside
- No extras
Best Foldable Wagon for Kids
Hauck Eco Wagon
Hauck may not be a recognizable name, but the forest green Hauck Eco Wagon, is gaining great parent reviews. The Eco Wagon includes a removable weather shade for sun and rain and a hand brake for safety. Its hand washable fabric stretched over a steel frame makes for a lightweight wagon that doesn’t feel cumbersome and even the handle is comfortable to grasp.
The wide rubber wheels of the Eco Wagon really stand out. They are equipped with bearings, which is unique for most wagons and really make pulling the canopy wagon and steering it a breeze. Wider wheels might make it difficult to get into narrow spaces.
The Hauck Eco Wagon holds up to 110 pounds but doesn’t have cup holders, noises or molded plastic seating. There’s a removable pad for riders’ comfort, but it can be removed for transporting things other than little humans.
Check this out on our best stroller wagon list.
Pros:
- Equipped with canopy
- Lightweight
- Folds for storage
- Easy assembly
Cons:
- No safety belts
- Wide width
- High end price
Comparing the Best Wagon for Kids
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed. The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with the product compared to others in the table.
| Hauck Eco Wagon | 4.2 | 9.0 | 259.48 |
| Berlin Flyer Ride Sport Wagon for Kids | 9.1 | 9.6 | 249.99 |
| Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon | 9.9 | 9.6 | 119.99 |
| Little Tikes Lil' Wagon | 9.9 | 9.2 | 27.99 |
| Step2 Wagon for Two Plus | 6.4 | 9.6 | - |
| Little Tikes Deluxe Ride and Relax Wagon | 3.9 | 9.2 | - |
| Little Tikes Jr. Red Explorer Wagon | - | 8.8 | - |
| Radio Flyer All-Terrain 3-in-1 EZ Folding Wagon | 6.4 | 9.4 | - |
FAQ’s – Best Wagons
Do I really need a kids wagon?
If you go for walks, play at the park, watch ballgames, or visit the local Farmer’s Market with your children, you may find a wagon to be your best buddy. Loading children into a wagon makes an outing more interactive than pushing a stroller, plus there’s room in a wagon for all the “stuff” families need. It’s a welcome bonus when a wagon is washable, transportable, and folds down for easy storage.
What age should my little one be before purchasing a wagon?
Wagons are great when you have one little one or several little ones. A good age for a baby to being the transition from stroller to wagon would be around 12 months old. By then, your baby can hold itself up when sitting, especially when going over bumpy terrain. It is a great addition if you go out and about often because your little one can play in it, nap in it, or snack in it. Toddler age is also perfect for a wagon as they want to be more independent yet you can keep track of them in the wagon when you are on the go.
What should I look for in a wagon?
As you have seen from this article, there are multiple types and styles of wagons. Before purchasing a wagon, you should consider your family needs. If you are using it for use when going to the beach or hiking or sporting events, you need to look for an all terrain wagon with big, sturdy wheels that can handle different types of ground cover. If you will use it out in the sun or at the beach, you will want to consider a wagon that has a canopy for sun cover for your little tikes. Depending on your vehicle, you may want one that easily folds or fits in your trunk. You will also want to consider how many children will be riding in the wagon. Some wagons have seats so if you have two toddlers, you may want to look for a wagon with two seats. There are also wagons that do not have seats that are also a good option for little ones, especially if they will need to nap in the wagon because the flat bottom would be perfect for napping with a blanket. Consider both your current needs as well as possible future needs before choosing the best wagon for your family. If you want to find more options about stroller wagons, read our article Best Stroller Wagon for Fun, Safety, and Convenience.
Bonus: A Fun History of the Radio Flyer Wagon
Although there are many excellent new wagons on the market, The Radio Flyer Wagon is the standard of a child’s first wagon. Inducted in 1999 into the National Toy Hall of Fame, The Radio Flyer has an interesting history.
When Italian immigrant Antonio Pasin arrived in New York in 1914, he was rich in carpentry skills, but poor in everything else. After selling the family mule, his parents paid for his passage to New York to seek a better life.
Antonio found his way to Chicago, where he worked as a manual laborer. He saved up for woodworking equipment and set up a shop in a rented room. By night, he crafted little red wagons. By day, he peddled them on the street.
Eventually, his little business grew to become the Liberty Coaster Company in 1923. By 1930, he was mass-producing his design out of metal. He named his wagon The Radio Flyer after fellow Italian and Nobel prize winner Marconi’s popular invention: the radio.
The Radio Flyer has morphed and improved over the years. Radio Flyer sported higher sides in the 1950s for carting. The 1970s demanded bright colors and slick, muscle tire additions. To match the SUV trend in the 1990s, The Radio Flyer went all-terrain and the version was dubbed The Quad Shock Wagon.
