The Best Wagons for Kids Make Outings Way Less Stressful

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

While stroller wagons may not be as necessary for child-rearing as, say, actual strollers, their benefits are many. First of all, they’re roomy: Not only can you fit multiple kids inside, but most can accommodate a full cart of groceries or all your beach supplies as well. And since kids are in the same seating area, it’s much easier for them to entertain each other than when sitting in a double stroller (a must for long walks in the park or in line for ice cream). Finally, these models are meant to handle many types of terrain, so they’re often a much better way to cart little ones through mud, sand, and snow.

All kinds of brands have introduced their versions in the past few years, so which are actually the best wagons for kids? Well, we’ve done the research for you by combing the Internet and stores for the top models and interviewing parents and experts. Read on to find out which eight are our favorites.

Our Favorites

• Best overall: Veer Cruiser XL All-Terrain Hybrid
• Best value: Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon
• Best heavy-duty: Wonderfold Luxe Stroller Wagon
• Best for travel: Embark Collapsible Wagon
• Best for toys: Olli Ella Wonder Wagon
• Best for snow: L.L.Bean Rambler Wagon XL Winter Set
• Best for multiple kids: Keenz XC+ 4 Passenger Wagon
• Best convertible model: Radio Flyer Grandstand Wagon 3-in-1

Best Overall: Veer Cruiser XL All-Terrain Hybrid

Weight: 32 pounds | Material: Aluminum frame with fabric sidewalls | Weight capacity: 350 pounds | Can hold: 2 kids

Why we chose it: An incredibly durable and cleverly designed wagon that makes lugging kids and gear a breeze.

For Crystal Wang, a hospitality publicist based in Red Bank, New Jersey, the Veer has been a lifesaver since having her second child. “With a 2 1/2-year-old and a 4-month-old, it’s made our trips to the beach or any outdoor activity so much easier,” she says. “The accessories are thoughtfully designed—the baby car-seat adapter attachment is extremely helpful—and it’s incredibly simple to fold up and haul in and out of the car.”

The Veer wins our top prize for all of those reasons and more. First off, on a construction level, it’s as safe and easy to push as a stroller thanks to responsive wheels, a one-touch foot brake, and three-point safety harnesses. And due to its military-grade aluminum, it can handle any terrain, from sandy shores to bumpy snow piles. We also love that it comes in a range of colors—among them bright blue, white, bright red, and orange—which makes it easier to spot in crowded places. And finally, Veer makes a whole host of accessories to customize your ride, including shearling seat covers and bug shields.

Best Value: Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon

Weight: 25 pounds | Material: Steel | Weight capacity: 150 pounds | Can hold: 2 kids

Why we chose it: The most iconic wagon design ever at a budget-friendly price.

Jeanne Barber, founder and creative director of Camden Grace Interiors, loves the style of the classic Radio Flyer wagon. “It’s iconic and so old-school Americana,” she says. “Plus the metal frame doesn’t chip or rust easily, and it can do double duty: We’ve set up lemonade stands on it and used it as a flower stand and even a wheelbarrow (in a pinch).”

While this model may lack the bells and whistles of the newer brands, there is something to be said for a wagon that has remained unchanged through the decades (and can last that long as well). We like the extra-long handle and easy turning radius, as well as the real rubber tires that absorb shock. And when you’re ready to store it, cleaning it is as easy as a quick spray with a hose, followed by a wipe-down with a towel.

Best Heavy-Duty: Wonderfold Luxe Stroller Wagon

Weight: 63 pounds | Material: Metal frame with polyester fabric | Weight capacity: 300 pounds | Can hold: 4 kids

Why we chose it: A serious splurge with features to make kids as comfortable as possible.

If you’re looking for the Land Rover of stroller wagons, you can call off the search: The Wonderfold has more safety features and ways to keep your little ones cozy than most cars. Let’s start with the construction: This extra-large wagon can seat up to four kids, each in their own five-point harness and a raised seat that also reclines. The included sun canopy shields them on supersunny days and can be raised higher as your tots hit growth spurts. And with its supersize wheels, no terrain is too bumpy or sandy for this wagon. We also like that it collapses to a fairly small size and can be stored standing to save space in a closet or garage.

Design-wise, it boasts a chic vegan leather handle that can be adjusted depending on the height of the person pushing the wagon, plus mesh sides that provide tons of ventilation and lots of included pockets for snacks. There are four colorways, ranging from a classic camo to an all-black to a sleek charcoal gray. And finally, we’re big fans of the front zippered entrance, which allows kids to climb in or out without being lifted inside.

Best for Travel: Embark Collapsible Wagon

Weight: 22.6 pounds | Material: Polyester and steel | Weight capacity: 180 pounds | Can hold: 2 kids

Why we chose it: An under-$100, sturdy wagon that can be collapsed and stowed away in seconds.

If you’re planning on traveling with your wagon, it’s imperative you buy one that can easily collapse. This incredibly affordable—and top-rated—Target gem boasts a lightweight yet sturdy frame that can be folded up and stowed away in seconds. Its roomy bed is built to hold up to 180 pounds, meaning you can easily tuck two young kiddos plus a few toys inside it.

And as one reviewer points out, “The color is also so pretty.” The bright turquoise blue fabric is crafted from polyester materials that are both durable and water resistant. “This is a very sturdy and well-constructed wagon. Quite spacious and easy to maneuver,” another adds. Embark’s collapsible cart is known to go in and out of stock—so if you miss the boat wagon this time, we recommend signing up to be notified when it’s back for snatching.

Best for Toys: Olli Ella Wonder Wagon

Weight: 5 pounds | Material: Rattan and metal | Can hold: A heap of toys (no kiddos)

Why we chose it: A cute little wagon when your kid wants to tote their own stuff.

Whether they’re traveling to their own backyard or a playdate down the street, this adorable kid-size wagon is perfect for carrying everything from their favorite toys to snacks. When not in motion, the charming rattan design (crafted in London!) does not need to be hidden away out of sight. We love the idea of keeping it on display and putting it to good use as a chic storage cart.

Best for Snow: L.L.Bean Rambler Wagon XL Winter Set

Weight: 53 pounds | Material: Canadian hardwood | Weight capacity: 600 pounds | Can hold: 2 kids

Why we chose it: An ingenious wagon that can be outfitted with skis for snowy days.

Caption: While you may not think of a wagon as the best way to tow kids through snow banks, perhaps you haven’t met L.L.Bean’s clever winter accessories. Its classic wood wagon can be purchased with a “winter set,” which includes high-impact skis and a soft foam pad covered in water-repellent material. The pieces essentially turn the wagon into a sled, which means you can use it year-round.

Jersey Banks, cofounder of Urban Cowboy Hotels, is a huge fan of this model not only because she can use it in all weather but due of its superhigh weight capacity. “I love that this one can hold a ton of things, including the children and our Great Dane!” she says. “And even though it has a 600-pound weight capacity, it’s still light enough for my 2-year-old to pull herself. Plus the interior cushions are water repellent and removable, making them really easy to clean.”

Best for Multiple Kids: Keenz XC+ 4 Passenger Wagon

Weight: 54 pounds | Material: Aluminum frame with polyester fabric | Weight capacity: 326 pounds | Can hold: 4 kids

Why we chose it: Room for four kids and all their toys, too.

Keenz is one of the most popular stroller wagon brands for good reason: It has created a range of products that are durable and easy to maneuver and keep kids happy. The company’s largest model, the XC+, is ideal for families with multiple young children or if two families want to combine their broods for a day trip outside. The wagon fits four comfortably in seats that not only recline but are removable depending on what you’re towing. And since you’re probably pulling quite a few pounds, when the XC+ is fully loaded, the four-wheel spring suspension is a nice touch to keep the ride from getting too bumpy.

It’s also equipped with a snack tray that rests in the middle of the wagon, so everyone can reach, as well as baskets on the exterior to store juice, diapers, and anything else you might need for a day out. This is an excellent pick for a sunny day: The included blackout panels provide UV protection even during the stickiest stretch of summer.

Best Convertible Model: Radio Flyer Grandstand Wagon 3-in-1

Weight: 21 pounds | Material: Plastic | Weight capacity: 200 pounds | Can hold: 2 kids

Why we chose it: The ideal model for hauling both kids and groceries.

Caption: Barber is such a big fan of Radio Flyer wagons that she bought this one as well when her kids got a bit bigger. “We use this one annually for the local Fourth of July parade,” she says. “I love the Grandstand’s hard shell: It’s basically unbreakable, and spills wipe up easily.” 

But the main reason why she purchased this model was its shape-shifting: You can use it like a stroller wagon with seats and seat belts, but you can also fold the seats down to lug gear. The side of the wagon is removable as well, so kids can use it like bench seating when at the playground or park. Not only is the model essentially three wagons in one, its ability to convert means you can use it from the time your kids are small until they’re much older.

How We Chose These Products

To pick the best wagons for kids, we queried Domino staffers with children; reached out to design-world friends who appreciate a model that’s long-lasting but also stylish; and researched “best of” lists, best-selling models, and dozens of versions for sale online and in brick-and-mortar stores. We also tapped Andrew Bowman, chief innovation officer at Veer and former designer at Graco, for advice on how best to select, care for, and clean wagons. Our metrics included durability (we are talking about kids, after all), ease of use, and weight limits—and included extra features. Our picks scored high marks on all of these, while still being aesthetically appealing and cleverly designed.

Our Shopping Checklist

Types of Wagons

“There are two main categories but a wide range of products within those,” says Bowman. “Traditional wagons are usually a single piece with or without removable wood slat sidewalls. They are fun for kids and great for neighborhood walks to the park, but are limited in usage because they aren’t ideal for mixed terrain and don’t fold.” 

In the past five years, “the stroller-wagon has become increasingly popular,” he adds. “There is a broad range of options in this category in terms of capacity, weight, fold style, and features.” The stroller wagons are generally kitted out with features like sunshades and cup holders, as well as safety harnesses for bumpy terrain.

Material

“Traditional wagons are either nearly all blow-molded plastic or formed metal bases with removable wood sides,” says Bowman. “Stroller wagons are usually either very much like strollers (about a third fabric, a third plastic, and a third metal like aluminum and steel) or about a 50-50 split between metal (steel and aluminum) and fabric.”

Size

Bowman advises that if you plan to use your wagon often and want to take it with you for outings, it’s important to consider its size when folded and the overall weight. That’s because you’ll have to lift it in and out of your car. “Additionally, pick a wagon that is durable and can grow with your family, not just in the number of kids it holds but in the accessories and features that you might want to use for years to come,” he says.

Weight Capacity

“Kids will have fun riding in a wagon much longer than a stroller, so you want something that they can grow in,” says Bowman. Consider the weight per seat, overall weight limit (because you will likely also tote gear), and the dimensions of the seat and wagon interior (including sunshade height). “In many cases, a child’s height may impact their comfort in the wagon sooner than they will hit the weight limit,” he adds.

Ask Domino

Q: How old do kids need to be to use a wagon?

A: “Most wagons on the market will accommodate kids from ages 1 to 4, but there are great options that accommodate larger kids,” Bowman says. “There are just a few on the market that can accommodate an infant car seat and be used from birth.”

Q: How much weight can a kids’ wagon hold?

A: This depends on the wagon, but the majority can hold somewhere between 200 and 350 pounds.

Q: How do you clean a wagon?

A: “For wagons that are hard-sided and made from plastic, those can be surface washed,” says Bowman. “For stroller wagons with fabric siding, the washing instructions will vary. Before purchasing, review the product’s recommendations, because outings with kids gets messy and you will want something that is easy to clean. Most parents find that the more hard surfaces there are (versus fabric), the easier it will be to keep the wagon clean.”

The Last Word

Where you’ll be using your wagon and how many children (and how much gear) you’ll be toting will determine the best kids’ wagon for your family. But for the most versatile, durable, and easy-to-use model, we recommend the Veer Cruiser.