The Best Wagons

Wagons are a classic staple of childhood. You can load your children onto the contraption to give them a ride a bumpy ride around the neighborhood and hear their joyful shrieks of delight as you pull them down the sidewalk. Then, as your children get older, they can use wagons for their adventures – whether it's transporting rocks and sticks to build a fort, or dragging their toys from place to place. Able to spark creative play, wagons are great for children to have around during an afternoon of fun. They really are a great addition to any family's play-at-home arsenal. There are several different types of wagons available, so you're sure to find one to meet your needs. To help you sort through them all, here are reviews of some of the best wagons on the market today. You won't regret purchasing any of them.

Radio Flyer Folding Wagon for Kids and Cargo

Seat Belts for Safety

You won't have to worry about your kids' safety when you take them for a ride in this wagon.
Best Overall

Find on Amazon

If you’re looking for a multi-purpose wagon, this is a winner. You can use it in three different ways: 1) in hauling mode, you can easily transport all of your things; 2) You can also use this wagon to take your kids for a ride (there are two padded seats, each with included seat belts for safety. The kids will sit facing each other, on opposite ends of the wagon); 3) Finally, you can unzip one side and use it as a bench seat. This gives you a clean place to sit and rest.

This wagon collapses for storage, too. You can fold it with one hand, and then put it in the trunk of your car. When open, it can carry up to 150 pounds, which is pretty impressive. The wheels glide nicely, and the handle is comfortable to hold. There are two pockets up by the handle that are perfect for water bottles. On the back, there are a series of loops. With the use of carabiners, you can hang things on these. Be aware that you will need to assemble this wagon, which requires a few basic tools like a hammer and a screwdriver.

Pros

  • Three different modes so this one wagon will meet all your needs
  • Folds for easy storage, and you can fold with one hand for simplicity
  • 150-pound capacity to hold all your things

Cons

  • You can’t turn this wagon on a dime – it doesn’t do tight turns well

Radio Flyer 36″ All-Terrain Steel & Wood Wagon

Extra Long Handle

No more having to stay hunched over to reach the handle with this classic wagon.
Best Classic Design

Find on Amazon

Your kids will love going for a ride in this classic wagon, and you won’t get a backache from pulling them. The handle is long, so you won’t have to hunch over to pull; rather, you can pull it with a healthier posture, bearing the weight load with your entire body’s power. The bottom portion of the wagon is steel, and there are wooden rails around the top. It’s very durable and easy to clean. At 10 inches in diameter, the wheels are sturdy enough to handle bumpy paths with ease. The inside bottom is flat and smooth, so kids can pile in and enjoy a fun trip.

The handle folds under the wagon to make it easier to store. It has a controlled turn radius that helps prevent the wagon from tipping over while you’re turning. This wagon needs to be assembled, and the manufacture recommends using a sealer to seal the wood rails. You will also need machine oil to apply to the pivot points.

Pros

  • Long handle so you won’t hurt your back hunching over to pull it
  • Large, sturdy wheels that can handle bumpy terrain with ease
  • Controlled turn radius so you won’t have to worry about tipping your kids out while you turn

Cons

  • The wheels have a really strong smell when they first arrive, so it’s advisable to keep it outside to air out for a few days

Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon

Compact Storage

You can fold this wagon up when you're not using it.
Best Collapsible

Find on Amazon

If you’re looking for a cargo wagon that can carry a hefty load, this is a great option as it can hold up to 15o pounds. It’s perfect for holding your picnic supplies, sporting goods, gardening tools, and more. When you’re done using it, you can fold this wagon up for storage. It collapses easily and comes with a storage case, too, should you want to keep it protected from the elements while it’s in storage.

There are several different color options available. The fabric on the sides is easy to clean, and mildew resistant. There are two mesh cup holders in front, so you can bring along your coffee or other favorite beverage. The handle adjusts, so you can find the best length for you.

Pros

  • Comes with a storage bag and collapses so it won’t take up a lot of space while it’s not in use
  • Several colors available so you can pick one that makes you smile
  • Mildew resistant fabric that’s easy to clean so you can keep it looking nice

Cons

  • Not meant for hauling kids, so you’ll have to use this one only for cargo

Berlin Flyer Sport Wagon – Model F410

Go Off-Roading

Thanks to the large, flat-free tires on this wagon, you can take your kids for a ride off the beaten path.
Best Tires

Find on Amazon

Are you hoping to take your kids off-roading in their wagon? Not all wagon wheels will handle uneven terrain, but these ones will. They are 1o-inch in diameter and are flat-free tires so you won’t have to worry about that dreaded flat tire occurring when you least expect it. The undercarriage is steel, so it’ll hold up to a lot of use, and thanks to its sturdy construction, you can haul up to 300 pounds in the wagon. The bed is made of wood and is 36-inches long. There are hardwood side rails, that you can take off if you want. The rails are painted with non-toxic paint, and there are several colors to choose from.

This wagon is handmade by an Amish and Mennonite company in Ohio. It’s very well made and will last you for years. It comes mostly assembled, though you will need to do a few things when it arrives. What’s more, assembly only takes 5-10 minutes.

Pros

  • Good quality materials so this wagon will last you for a long time
  • Removable side rails so you can use this for many different purposes
  • Flat-free tires that are filled with foam, so you won’t have to deal with putting air in them

Cons

  • This wagon costs more than many others on the market, but it is handmade in Ohio using quality parts

Step2 All Around Wagon For Kids

Stow Your Stuff

This cute red wagon features a rear storage area so you can easily bring things along for the adventure.
Most Storage Room

Find on Amazon

If you prefer a plastic wagon, here’s one your kids will love. It has two seats, so your kids can sit comfortably. There are seat belts for added safety. You can also flip the seats into a flatbed or use it as a table, so it’s very versatile. Your kids can open the door and step inside, which means you won’t be lifting your kids up and putting them in.

This wagon has many storage options. When the seats are folded down, you can store stuff in the bottom of the wagon, where your kids’ feet would normally rest. There’s also a storage area in the back of the wagon, a compartment opens and you can keep some toys, diapers, and snacks inside. The inside of the wagon features six cup or snack holders, so your kids have easy access to what they need. When you’re done for the day, you can flip the handle underneath for easy storage.

Pros

  • Versatile seats so you can have sit on them or fold them down into a flatbed
  • Storage space gives you room for all the essentials and frees up your hands
  • Door opens so your kids can get inside by themselves

Cons

  • Weight limit is only 75 pounds, so it won’t work for larger children

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I give my kids a ride in any type of wagon?

There are different types of wagons you can buy. Some are meant for transporting kids, while others are designed for cargo. Kids shouldn’t ride in wagons designed for cargo. These don’t have the safety features that will keep your kids safe while they’re inside.

How old should my child be before they ride in a wagon?

Wagons aren’t a good fit for young babies. Before you give your little one a ride, they need to be able to sit steadily and maintain their balance on a bumpy ride. Most wagons recommend not giving kids a ride until they are 18 months old.