Kids wagons have been part of my life since my oldest was a toddler and I was trying to haul a diaper bag, snacks, and a very opinionated two-year-old across a crowded park. Now, with three kids in the mix, I’ve learned there is no “one perfect wagon,” but there is a wagon that fits your season of life right now. This guide walks through the most popular types of kids wagons—and how to choose the one that actually works for your family.
Classic toy wagons (the originals)
Classic toy wagons are what most of us picture first: a simple pull handle, a roomy bed, and space for one or two kids plus their favorite stuffed animals. These are the wagons that live in the garage and magically appear for neighborhood walks, parades, and backyard adventures. They are straightforward, surprisingly versatile, and usually the most budget-friendly place to start.
You’ll see classic toy wagons in different materials—metal, plastic, and wood—and each has its own personality. Metal wagons feel nostalgic and sturdy, plastic wagons tend to be lighter and easier to hose off, and wood wagons bring that timeless, photo-worthy look while still being tough enough for everyday play. If you’re not sure where to begin, a simple toy wagon is often the best first wagon for toddlers and preschoolers. See more toy wagons on Amazon.
Metal, plastic, and wood: does it matter?
When you’re scrolling through pages of kids wagons, the material can tell you a lot about how it will feel and where it will shine. Metal wagons are durable and great for kids who are hard on their toys or for families who also want to haul gear, plants, or sports equipment. They can be a bit heavier, but they age well if you don’t mind a little patina over the years.
Plastic wagons are usually lighter and easier to clean, which is a big plus if you live where mud and snack crumbs are a way of life. They’re often molded with built-in cup holders, little storage cubbies, and contoured seats that kids love. Wood wagons bring the charm—think holiday photos, farmers’ markets, and front-porch decor—but many of them are also functional workhorses for everyday use. If looks and play value both matter to you, wood is worth a serious look.
Stroller wagons (for when a stroller isn’t enough)
There’s a moment with multiple kids where a regular stroller stops working, but you’re not quite ready to turn everyone loose on their own feet. That’s when stroller wagons step in. A stroller wagon is basically a cozy little “cabin” on wheels that you push (and sometimes pull), with harnesses for safety and plenty of room for snacks, blankets, toys, and that random collection of sticks your child insists on keeping.
Stroller wagons shine on long days: the zoo, theme parks, festivals, and long neighborhood walks where you know at least one kid will fall asleep five minutes before you get back to the car. When you compare stroller wagons, pay attention to the harness system, brake quality, canopy coverage, and wheel design. If you’re constantly choosing between pushing a stroller and pulling a wagon, a stroller wagon can give you the best of both worlds. See available stroller wagons on Amazon.
Folding and collapsible wagons (small-space heroes)
If you drive a smaller car or share a garage with bikes, scooters, and seasonal decorations, a folding or collapsible wagon might be your sanity saver. These wagons fold flat—or into a compact upright “tower”—so they slide into tight trunks, closets, and apartment corners without taking over your life. As a mom who has tried to wedge a non-folding wagon into a full trunk, I cannot recommend this category enough.
Collapsible wagons are great for park days, farmers’ markets, sports practices, and quick outings where you need to move gear more than kids. Some models still work well for hauling children, but they tend to have more open, fabric-style sides instead of molded seats. When you’re comparing folding wagons, look at how easy they are to open and close, how much they weigh, and whether they stand up on their own when folded. If you can’t lift it comfortably or fold it one-handed while wrangling a toddler, it’s going to live in the garage rather than in your actual life.
Beach wagons and beach carts (sand specialists)
If you’ve ever tried to drag a regular wagon through soft beach sand, you know it’s not pretty. That’s where beach wagons and beach carts come in. Beach wagons are designed to carry kids and gear across sand with wide, sand-friendly wheels and a more open design. Beach carts, on the other hand, are usually built to carry chairs, umbrellas, and coolers, not kiddos.
For families with kids, a beach wagon is often the better choice because you can tuck a tired child under a towel and still have room for the cooler and sand toys. Look for wagons with extra-wide wheels, a sturdy frame, and enough capacity for your usual beach load. If your main goal is hauling chairs and umbrellas from a condo or parking lot to the shore, a beach cart may be all you need. Either way, the wheels make or break your beach experience, so prioritize those over cute colors.
Collapsible beach wagons (the best of both worlds)
Collapsible beach wagons are exactly what they sound like: sand-friendly wagons that also fold down for storage and travel. If your happy place is the beach but your reality is a small car or limited storage space, these are worth a serious look. You get wide wheels for sand plus the convenience of a folding design that fits in the trunk alongside towels, snacks, and a pack-and-play.
These wagons work well beyond the beach too. Most families I know use them for park days, sports, and even hauling pumpkins in the fall. As with other folding wagons, check the weight limit, the folded size, and how easy it is to open and close. If you’re planning a beach vacation with kids, a collapsible beach wagon can move from “nice-to-have” to “how did we ever do this without one” very quickly.
Utility wagons and fishing carts (heavy-duty haulers)
Not every wagon in your life has to be cute—some just need to work hard. Utility wagons are the workhorses of the wagon world. They’re built for hauling heavy loads: gardening supplies, sports gear, camping equipment, and sometimes kids, although gear is usually the main focus. They often have higher weight limits, more rugged frames, and tires that can handle rougher terrain.
Fishing carts are like specialized utility wagons designed for anglers. Think rod holders, cooler space, and spots for tackle boxes. If your family spends a lot of time at the lake, pier, or beach, a fishing cart can take the strain off your shoulders and make it much easier to set up camp for the day. Some families use these as “gear-only” wagons while kids ride in a different wagon or stroller wagon. See more fishing carts on Amazon.
Walker wagons (for brand-new walkers)
Walker wagons are one of my favorite first “big kid” items. They’re designed for toddlers who are just learning to walk—solid, pushable wagons that give a little extra support while still encouraging independent movement. Unlike traditional activity walkers that can tip easily or roll too fast, good walker wagons are heavier, lower to the ground, and more stable.
These wagons pull double duty: they help with those wobbly first steps and then become a favorite push toy for hauling stuffed animals, blocks, and whatever else your toddler decides to collect. If you have a baby who is pulling up and cruising along the couch, a walker wagon can be a lovely next step that will still be used when they are toddling confidently around the house.
Wagon toys and mini kids wagons (small but mighty)
Not every wagon has to carry a child—some are just for play. Mini wagons and wagon toys are adorable and surprisingly useful. My kids have used them for hauling dolls, stuffed animals, Lego creations, and even as part of pretend “delivery” games around the house and yard. They also make fun props for holidays and birthday parties.
These smaller wagons can be a gentle way to introduce the idea of a wagon to younger kids without investing in a full-size model right away. They’re also great gifts when you don’t have space (or budget) for a larger wagon but still want something that fits your “we love wheels” family vibe.
Wagon accessories (make the wagon you own work harder)
If you bought a basic wagon a few years ago and it’s starting to feel limited, adding a few accessories might be all it takes to make it your go-to again. I love accessories for stretching the life of a wagon as your kids grow—what started as a simple toy wagon can become a festival-ready kid hauler with the right add-ons.
How to choose the right kids wagons for your family
With all these options, it can feel overwhelming, but a few questions make it much simpler:
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How old are your kids, and how many do you have? If you have babies or toddlers who still need harnesses and naps on the go, a stroller wagon may be your best fit. For older kids, a classic toy wagon or all-terrain kids wagon might be enough.
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Where will you use the wagon most? Sidewalks and parks? Look for classic toy wagons, folding wagons, or stroller wagons. Beach days and lakes? Focus on beach wagons and collapsible beach wagons with wide wheels. Lots of yard work or sports gear? Utility wagons and fishing carts may be your new best friends.
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How much storage space do you have? Small car or apartment? Prioritize folding and collapsible wagons. More garage space? You can consider larger, non-folding metal, wood, or utility wagons.
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Are you hauling more kids or more gear? If kids are the priority, look at stroller wagons, classic toy wagons, and beach wagons with kid-friendly seating. If gear is the main load, utility wagons, folding wagons, beach carts, and fishing carts might serve you better.
You don’t have to pick a wagon that will be perfect from babyhood through middle school. Needs change as kids grow and your activities shift. Start with the wagon type that fits your family’s life right now—whether that’s a walker wagon for a new toddler, a stroller wagon for juggling multiple little ones, or a beach wagon for sand-filled summers—and know that you can always adjust as your season of life changes.