In this article we’re reviewing which are the best wagons for kids and toddlers.
Many of us remember happy hours spent riding in our favorite little red wagon when we were kids. When we got older we pulled it around the backyard ourselves, carrying our younger siblings or precious cargo of toys, pets or sports gear.
The fun factor hasn’t changed over the years, although nowadays there are more folding and ultra portable wagons that parents can throw into the trunk for trips out. There’s a wider variety of materials too, from lightweight plastic wagons to a mix of steel and wood for durability.
But there are so many different models on the market, it’s hard to find the right one for your kids. Don’t worry, we’re here to help!
We have carefully reviewed dozens of wagons to select the best 8 models in 2024. From folding portables to super rugged wooden wagons that should last for years, there’s one suitable for children of every age and size.
You’ll find our three top picks below, followed by a quick comparison table of all 8 wagons. Then we’ll review each model in more detail. Finally, our Buying Guide will help you find the best wagon for your kids.
Ultimate Choice
Berlin Flyer Sport Wagon
Best Folding Wagon
Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Ez Folding
Best Budget Wagon
Step2 Wagon for Two Plus
8 Best Kids Wagons in 2024 – Comparison Table
The selected wagons below are in ascending order of price. After the comparison table we will review model, in the same order, to make comparing them easier.
If you’re on a small screen, click on the green plus sign, or the little picture of each wagon, to see more features.
Name | Style | Weight Limit | Price | Size (H x W x D) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Step2 Wagon for Two Plus | Plastic | 75 lbs | $ | 39.5" x 42.5" x 20.3" | |
Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon | Steel | 150 lbs | $$ | 14.4" x 39.6" x 17.6" | |
Mac Sports Collapsible Wagon | Folding | 150 lbs | $$ | 20.2" x 43.7" x 22.5" | |
Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon | Plastic | 200 lbs | $$ | 17" x 39" x 19" | |
Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Ez Folding Wagon | Folding | 150 lbs | $$ | 40.7" x 39.4" x 21.3" | |
Radio Flyer All-Terrain Wagon | Wooden | 200 lbs | $$$ | 40.5" x 37.4" x 20.5" | |
Berlin Flyer Sport Wagon | Wooden | 300 lbs | $$$$ | 20" x 36" x 17.2" | |
Hauck Eco Wagon | Folding | 110 lbs | $$$$$ | 39" x 38" x 30" |
Product Reviews – 8 Best Wagons for Kids
These reviews are in the same order (price ascending) as the comparison table above.
1. Step2 Wagon for Two Plus
Best Wagon for Toddlers
- Style: Plastic
- Weight Limit: 75 lbs
- Tires: 8″ with plastic tread
- Colors: Green, Blue
The Step2 Wagon for Two Plus is a cute little plastic wagon for toddlers and is usually the cheapest here (check price at Amazon). With two contoured seats and deep leg wells (with drain holes for easy cleaning) it’s perfect for little ones to enjoy a ride around the park or backyard in comfort.
An easy-latch side door makes getting in and out a breeze while seat belts keep kids safely in their seats, even if they lean out to watch the wheels as they often do! The plastic wheels are sturdy but do make quite some noise on hard surfaces. For a quieter ride, see the reviews below for a wagon with rubber tires instead…
Although this is a budget wagon, it does have some useful storage options. A pair of cup holders are built into the sides – handy for cups of juice or water to keep kids hydrated in the hot sun. There’s also a storage compartment under the rear seat which is a great place to keep sunscreen, hats or toys.
The wagon only weighs 24 pounds and has a long handle which makes it easy for parents to pull kids along at a decent pace. Although made from plastic, it is heavy duty and can take some abuse but the maximum weight capacity of 75 pounds is by far the lowest here. It is most suitable for a couple of small toddlers.
Pros:
- Great value
- Lightweight, easy to pull
- Seat belts for safety
- Fits in most cars (the handle folds under)
- Good storage options
- Plastic is easy to clean and weatherproof
Cons:
- Only 75 pounds total weight capacity – toddlers only
- Plastic wheels can be noisy
2. Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon
The Original ‘Little Red Wagon’
- Style: Steel
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs
- Tires: 10″ with rubber tread
- Colors: Red
The Radio Flyer Classic Red Wagon is the “original little red wagon” that has been a part of childhood for many Americans over the decades. But you don’t need to pay over the odds for this classic design – it’s still one of the cheaper wagons here (check price at Amazon).
The design hasn’t changed much during 97 years of production by Radio Flyer. The steel seamless body has no-scratch edges to avoid injury while the 10″ steel wheels have rubber tires for a quiet ride and a long life. The overall build quality is reassuringly solid – there’s a reason why so many have stood the test of time despite what kids (and adults) throw at them!
With a weight limit of 150 pounds, this red wagon is large enough to carry two kids and has a controlled turning radius to prevent it tipping over. When kids grow too big to ride in it they can easily pull it along themselves – in fact many adults still use their childhood little red wagon to move heavy cargo around the backyard!
Despite its sturdiness, this wagon only weighs 25 pounds so is quite easy to pull along and the extra-long handle folds under for storage.
Pros:
- Timeless classic design
- Solid steel build quality
- Good value
- Rubber tires
- 150 pounds total weight capacity
- Easily fits in a car
Cons:
- No extras e.g. storage pockets or seat belts
- Steel could rust if often left out in the rain
3. Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon
Most Portable Folding Wagon
- Style: Folding
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs
- Tires: 9″ with rubber tread
- Colors: Maroon, Blue, Gray, Light Blue, Red
The Mac Sports Collapsible Wagon is a light and very portable folding wagon. It’s a bit of a curve ball as it isn’t really designed to carry kids (but it can do) and is a great way to carry all the stuff that goes along with them! Toys, food, drinks, towels, clothes – with a 150 lbs weight limit it can carry everything for the whole family (check price at Amazon).
The wagon is made from powder-coated steel and a heavy duty fabric that is mildew and UV resistant. But it weighs less than 15 pounds and folds up within seconds into its own carrying cover – only 8″ thick as shown here.
This makes it perfect for throwing in the car and then carrying everything you need on a trip to the beach or a fairground in the park. As it is so light you could get your kids to pull it along – they’ll have fun while you relax!
The wagon has 2 cup holders in the front and there are 2 more in the rear folding table – ideal for family picnics. While it is more like a portable shopping cart than a traditional ride on wagon for kids, many buyers report that they do use it to carry one or two young toddlers, instead of a stroller.
But if you need a portable folding wagon that is especially designed for kids, check out the Radio Flyer 3-in-1 (review no. 5) instead.
Pros:
- Super portable – weighs less than 15 lbs
- Folds up into 8″ thickness
- Telescoping adjustable handle to suit most people’s height
- Rubber tires
- 150 lbs weight limit
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Designed mainly to carry cargo, not kids
4. Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon
Safest for Little Ones
- Style: Plastic
- Weight Limit: 200 lbs
- Tires: 8.5″ with rubber tread
- Colors: Red
The Radio Flyer Pathfinder Wagon is made of sturdy plastic with rubber tires for a comfortable ride. It is a similar price to the Classic Red Wagon (review no. 2 above) and looks very much like it when the seats are folded down. But, with the seats up, this wagon has seat belts so is safer for little ones (check price at Amazon).
There are no fewer than 4 molded child cup holders to hold drinks or snacks for your kids and the way that the seats can be used up or down means you get two wagons in one! Toddlers can start off with the seats up and seat belts on but as they get older you can put the seats down so they have a more exciting ride.
Two kids can fit in this wagon and the front axle features no-tip turning to prevent it tipping over. With a weight limit of 150 pounds, once kids grow too big to ride in it they could pull it along themselves and carry their toys etc around the backyard.
Although the Pathfinder is solidly built, it only weighs 23 pounds so is quite easy to pull along and the wheels are just large enough to handle low curbs. High curbs pose more of a challenge – 10″ wheels would make life easier…
Pros:
- Seat belts for safety
- 200 pounds total weight capacity
- Lightweight, easy to pull
- Rubber tires
- Fits in most cars (the extra-long handle folds under)
- Good storage options
- Plastic is easy to clean and fairly weatherproof
Cons:
- A parking brake would be useful, for safety
- Wheels are a little small for large curbs or obstructions more than a couple of inches high
5. Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Ez Folding Wagon with Canopy
Best Folding Wagon for Toddlers
- Style: Folding
- Weight Limit: 150 lbs
- Tires: Quiet ride rubber tread
- Colors: Red
The Radio Flyer 3-in-1 Ez Folding Wagon is one of only two wagons here with a (removable) UV blocking canopy to protect little ones from the sun. It folds up to just 7″ wide for storage and weighs only 21 lbs for easy portability. Even better, it costs about the same as most of the wagons above (check price at Amazon).
It is called a 3-in-1 wagon because you can use it in 3 different ways. Two kids can ride in it like a standard wagon, or just unzip one side and use it as a bench seat for 2 or 3 toddlers, or load it up with cargo for you or your kids to use as a flatbed.
The wagon can be folded flat in seconds with just one hand which is, well, handy when your hands are full of hyperactive kids!
The canopy is held up by retractable poles and is easy to remove – there’s a handy pouch on the side of the wagon to store it too plus a couple of cup holders for refreshments.
Kids will have a comfortable ride on thick padded seat cushions and parents will appreciate that the durable fabric wipes clean. This is our top choice for a folding wagon for kids. It’s packed with features and is super portable for taking on trips in the car.
Pros:
- Folds up to just 7″ wide
- Sun canopy for UV protection
- Seat belts for safety
- Rubber tires
- 150 lbs weight limit
- Fits in most cars (the handle folds under)
- Passes ASTM F963-16 toy safety standard
Cons:
- Narrow wheels aren’t very good on sand
6. Radio Flyer 36″ All-Terrain Steel & Wood Wagon
Grown Up Little Red Wagon
- Style: Wooden
- Weight Limit: 200 lbs
- Tires: 10″ all-terrain air tires
- Colors: Red
The Radio Flyer All-Terrain Wagon is basically the Classic Red Wagon (review no. 2) but with added wooden stake sides and air tires that are suitable for all terrain use. Because it has sides, it is safer for toddlers and can carry larger loads. It costs a little more but is still great value for a wooden wagon (check price at Amazon).
Like the Classic Red, this wagon has the same steel seamless base with no-scratch edges to avoid injury. The additional wooden sides need to be screwed into place so are not quickly removable but you don’t have to fit all of them – they don’t interlock so you could just fit the sides or ends if you prefer.
The steel wheels have rugged all-terrain air tires to give a smoother ride on all surfaces and make it easier to pull kids along off-road on dirt or sand. Pneumatic tires do have the disadvantage that they can get punctures though and, like car tires, they may need re-inflating occasionally.
The wagon’s steel body is suitably sturdy and it can handle loads up to 200 lbs but some buyers complain that the wood isn’t as hard and thick as it used to be in ‘the old days’. A thorough wax and pre-treating the wood before assembly would be a good idea to extend its lifespan.
This is a cheaper alternative to the Berlin Flyer wooden wagon in our next review, and a similar size/style. But the Berlin is our top pick of wagons for big kids because it just oozes build quality and has some unique extra features.
Pros:
- Classic design but with added wooden sides
- Good value for a wooden wagon
- All terrain tires for riding off-road
- 200 pounds total weight capacity
- Large but fits in vans and some SUVs (the handle folds under)
Cons:
- Air tires can get punctures
- Heavy to transport (36 lbs)
7. Berlin Flyer Sport Wagon – Model F410
Overall Best Wagon for Kids
- Style: Wooden
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs
- Tires: 10″ foam-filled
- Colors: Red, Emerald Green, Orange, Purple, Gray, Hunter Green, Pink, Blue
The Berlin Flyer Sport is a rock solid hardwood wagon – Amish made in Ohio, it has a steel undercarriage and is built to last. You won’t find flimsy plastic or a fancy canopy here – it doesn’t fold up and it’s heavy too. But this is exactly why we love it – a classic American built wagon for kids of all ages.
While it costs more than most (check price at Amazon) we think it’s well worth the extra for a wagon that is built to last for years, not just one season… You can tell the build quality from the maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs – that’s a whopping 100 lbs more than any of its rivals!
It also weighs in at a very sturdy 42 lbs, making it the heaviest wagon here by far. But it’s still easy to pull along, with ‘No-Tip’ steering and 4″ wide rubber tires making it suitable for all terrain – the tires are foam-filled too so they are flat-free.
A lot of thought has gone into this wagon since it was first made in 1965. The all-steel frame is welded (not just screwed together) and powder-coated for better weather resistance. It is also finished with non-toxic paint and varnish for safety.
Another nice touch is that the ends of all the side rails are covered in rubber bumpers so your kids can’t get scrapes or splinters off them. Each of the 6 side rails are also easily removable – they just pull out. This means you can remove 1 or 2 of the side rails in seconds and use the wagon as a seat or bench.
With solid construction and enough weight capacity to carry almost anything, this is our top choice as the overall best wagon for kids.
Pros:
- Classic Amish made hardwood wagon
- 300 pounds total weight capacity
- Solid steel frame and 36″ long wooden bed
- All terrain flat-free tires for exploring off-road
- Mostly assembled (less than 10 minutes needed)
- Easy to convert to a seat or bench
Cons:
- Reassuringly expensive…
- Heavy to transport (42 lbs)
8. Hauck Eco Wagon
Luxury Wagon
- Style: Folding
- Weight Limit: 110 lbs
- Tires: Full Rubber Cased Wheels
- Colors: Forest Green
The Hauck Eco Wagon is the second wagon here to feature a (removable) weather shade to protect your kiddos from the sun or rain. The wagon folds down to about 13″ high for easy storage in a car trunk but weighs 36 lbs so it isn’t the most portable. It benefits from German engineering and luxury features but has a price to match (check price at Amazon).
An example of its precision engineering is that the wheels have two sets of bearings which make it almost effortless to pull the wagon along – it is an awesome wagon for longer journeys. Wide rubber tires also provide good traction on sand and dirt.
The Hauck can carry 2 toddlers comfortably in its cushioned seats and parents will be grateful that the durable fabric is hand washable. There are no cup holders or storage areas but this is the only wagon to feature a hand locking brake – a great safety feature to prevent it rolling away on hills.
Note that the hand brake is more essential on this model though as the wheels roll so smoothly that it doesn’t take much of a slope for it to roll off into the distance…
We love the build quality and features of this wagon but it’s an unusual mix. For a folding wagon, it’s not actually very small or very light. For a regular full size wagon it has a relatively low maximum weight capacity. But it could be ideal if you want a wagon that is super smooth and easy to pull along – great for long walks.
Pros:
- Folds down to 13″ high
- Canopy for sun and rain protection
- Double wheel bearings for effortless pulling
- Hand locking brake for safety
- Wide rubber tires
- Fits in most cars
Cons:
- Only 120 pounds total weight capacity
- No seat belts or storage options
- Expensive
What You Need to Look For in a Wagon for Kids
Some of the most important things to think about if you want to buy one of the best wagons for toddlers include:
Style
Perhaps the most crucial decision of all is whether you need a folding or regular wagon. Folding wagons are usually made with a steel frame and sides of washable fabric, for lightness. This is great for portability and easy storage in the trunk of a car but fabric is not as durable as sides made from solid plastic, steel or wood.
If you plan to frequently transport the wagon by car then choose one that folds – while you can fit a standard wagon in the trunk of a van or large SUV, it will leave very little room for anything else…
On the other hand, if you’re buying an outdoors wagon for the backyard and nearby parks or streets, a heavier duty non-folding model should be tougher and more durable.
Wheels and Tires
Plastic tires are noisier than rubber tires on hard surfaces. If you’re buying a wagon that will spend most of its life on concrete or paving then, for your own (and neighbors) sanity, choose one with rubber tires instead…
Not all rubber tires are the same though – pneumatic tires offer the greatest ride comfort but can get punctures or leak air. Solid or foam-filled rubber tires are the most common and provide a good compromise between comfort and durability.
Note that the wider the tire, the better it should handle soft surfaces like sand or dirt. The larger the tire in height (e.g. on 10″ wheels), the better it should handle bumps and uneven terrain.
How Big Is It and How Many Kids Can It Carry?
Toy wagons for toddlers will carry at least two small toddlers in comfort but, for larger kids, the size of the wagon’s flat bed matters – the biggest models here have a floor area about 3 foot long. They also have very different maximum weight limits, ranging from just 75 lbs to an enormous 300 lbs.
Buying a wagon that is a bit larger than your kids need right now is a sensible idea as they will grow into it all too soon. And when they get too big to fit in it they can enjoy pulling their siblings, toys or cargo around. You could use it yourself for carrying stuff at festivals or camping trips too.
Buying a wagon that is only just big enough for the age/weight of your kids right now is likely to be a false economy.
If your kids are a little older or more adventurous, check out our article on the best go karts for kids with our top picks, reviews, buying guide and FAQs. It covers a wide range of karts – pedal powered for toddlers up to electric or gas karts for a variety of ages.
Safety
Wagons are generally quite safe as a parent is often on hand, pulling them along. But some models have more safety features than others which can be important when carrying small toddlers. For example, wagons with seat belts or high sides are much better at keeping little ones safely inside the wagon.
A hand brake, like on the Hauck Eco, is also a good way to stop the wagon from rolling off down a hill. This is a safety feature that is common on strollers but surprisingly rare on even the best wagons for kids.
An overhead canopy is a great idea to protect your kids from the sun in hot weather and cup holders are useful to help keep kids well hydrated. Little things make a difference too – we really like how the Berlin Flyer covers the ends of its wooden side rails in rubber bumpers so there are no rough edges for kids to scrape against.