If you spend any amount of time adventuring with kids in tow, you know that a traditional stroller isn’t always super helpful. If you’re hitting the beach, the zoo or even the farmer’s market, a single storage basket isn’t going to cut it. Our gear of choice? The stroller wagon.

As the SUV of strollers, stroller wagons offer the best of both worlds–a safe place for your little ones to ride and plenty of storage space for all the essentials (and then some.) They’re ideal for parents with multiple kiddos with most models seating two and some seating four. Depending on the circumstance, they can be pushed stroller-style or pulled behind you like a wagon. Better yet, you can load them up and roll over everything from grassy fields to sandy beaches.

Related: 10 lightweight strollers that will change the way you travel with kids

They’re also a fabulous option for curious kids who just can’t stand the confinement of a stroller. There’s a lot to see out there and the 360 degree views of a wagon can help them feel like part of the action as they roll about as the star in their own personal parade. Many models make a great place to nap on the go and best of all, they offer a contained place to chill whether you’re rolling or parked.

Worried you’ll feel like you’re rolling the circus into town? Well, you might be. But not because stroller wagons are behemoths. Most models are surprisingly compact and handle just as nimbly as a standard stroller, if not better.

What should you look for in a stroller wagon?

Most models are equipped with three-point harnesses, so for babies you’ll want to find a model that can support a car seat with an adapter. Another detail to check out is the weight limit. Too much weight could cause it to collapse, so be sure to know the limits.

Ready to hit the road? We’ve tested and researched some of the best stroller wagons out there to save you some time. Here are our favorites!

Best stroller wagons

Veer Cruiser

Veer

$699

All Terrain Cruiser

Let’s get the obvious out of the way first. Yes, the Veer All Terrain Cruiser is pricey. But if you’re in the market for a stroller wagon that can literally go anywhere, it’s worth every penny. As basically the Land Rover of wagons, this sturdy beauty is made for adventures like trail walks and beach hangs but looks just as sleek cruising the streets.

The cargo area has contoured and breathable seats for two kiddos (or four if you opt for the XL style) that can be secured with three-point harnesses, and thanks to an expandable footwell, they aren’t cramped as they grow. There’s a removable tray across the middle for snacks and sippy cups and a front suspension to keep bumps to a minimum. It comes equipped with two cup holders which can be fixed to six different attachment points–points which can also be used for add ons like an extra cargo basket!

Rocking a real size differential between parents? No problem. The ergonomic handle is attached to an adjustable telescopic bar that allows all sizes of driver to do so comfortably and in control. Ready to park? The one touch foot brake does the job without smashing your toes. When it’s time to pack it up, it folds super flat and best of all, can be hosed down when it needs a good cleaning.

There’s also a host of rad accessories to customize it to your family’s style. From custom colorful sidewalls to bug shields, travel bags and even a nap system that turns it into a JPMA safety certified bassinet, you can trick this bad boy out to be the most comfortable place to hang no matter where you push, pull or drag it. It’s also compatible with their super-innovative Switchback seat–one seat that attaches to everything from a stroller frame to your bike!

Age: 6 months and older

Weight limit: 55 pounds per seat

Car seat compatible: Yes, with purchase of adapter

Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 25 inches; 37 x 20 x 14 when folded (standard size), 37 x 24 x 23 inches; 37 x 24 x 14 when folded (XL size)

Weight: 32.5 pounds (standard size), 36.7 pounds (XL size)

Graco Modes Adventure Stroller Wagon

Graco

$449.99

Modes Adventure Stroller Wagon

Designed to be pushed, pulled or even strolled beside suitcase-style, the Graco Modes Adventure Stroller Wagon is up for anything. It’s equipped with heavy-duty all-terrain rubber tires and suspension to keep the ride nice and smooth whether you’re on trails or sidewalks. Two kiddos can comfortably be seated inside and buckled in via three point harnesses. A deep footwell and a snack tray with cupholders keeps them riding like royalty while plenty of storage (including exterior zipper pockets) allows you to stash everyone’s necessities.

And while there’s a lot to love about this adaptable ride, we have to highlight our two favorite details. First, the generous double canopies. They’re breathable but still provide UPF 50 protection no matter the angle of the sun. When pulled all the way up they provide a cozy and private space for naps on the go or simply a spot to hide away. The other? The super compact fold! When collapsed, this model folds up into an impressively small package–even smaller than some double strollers we’ve seen. The only thing our reviewer noted was that assembly is a two person affair. Motherly’s Editorial Operations Coordinator Hayli Craig says, “I definitely recommend having an extra hand when putting this together and making sure you’re not trying to do it un a rush before the next nap (I might be speaking from experience.)”

Age: 6 months and older

Weight limit: 50 pounds per seat

Car seat compatible: Yes, with purchase of adapter

Dimensions: 40.16 x 24.8 x 39.76 inches

Weight: 30.5 pounds

Evenflo Pivot Xplore All Terrain Stroller Wagon

Evenflo

$399.99

Pivot Xplore All Terrain Stroller Wagon

A top-rated favorite, the Evenflo Pivot Xplore All Terrain Stroller Wagon isn’t just Amazon’s pick for stroller wagon, it also boasts a near perfect 4.8 star rating. Like the Veer, it’s rugged and ready for both urban and off-road adventures. All-terrain wheels that never go flat can conquer everything from wooded trails to packed sand while two generous UPF 50+ canopies offer shade at any angle. (We took it for a real test at the beach and it never once got stuck in the sand, even loaded with kids and towels!) But don’t worry that shade=stuffiness. The design incorporates a ton of breathable mesh which keeps air flowing while keeping harmful rays out. A shareable snack tray with two cup holders and a deep, roomy footwell keep littles happy and comfortable.

It’s also super easy to switch from stroller to wagon mode. Just a press of the button adjusts the handle and parents note that in both configurations, it’s easy for tall parents to captain. It consistently gets high marks for its steering and maneuverability, even when pushing or pulling one-handed. Speaking of one-handed, the exterior storage basket offers plenty of space to stash your extra diapers, snacks or toys and if you’d rather keep things more streamlined, it can rotate into the wagon if you’ve only got one kiddo in tow.

Overall, this one makes a great case for skipping the double stroller. It’s more versatile, easier to navigate, and takes up the same amount of space. Add an additional toddler seat for the ultimate dual ride!

Deal alert! At the time of publish, Amazon is currently offering up to 36% off specific colorways.

Age: 6 months and older

Weight limit: 55 pounds per seat

Car seat compatible: Yes, with purchase of adapter

Dimensions: 27.0 x 39.0 x 45.0 inches; 27.5 x 23 x 37.5 when folded

Weight: 34.7 pounds

Joey The Wagon

Joey

$685

The Wagon

Baby gear newcomer Joey, has designed a stylish stroller wagon that’s super adaptable and impressively packable. Their adventure-ready wagon features a long handle that can lock into place allowing you to push or pull as you ramble along city streets, country roads or even the farmer’s market.

The sleek construction makes it feel particularly nimble while also providing plenty of space for kiddos and their gear. There’s a storage basket that’s smartly tucked under the back and large enough to hold your diaper bag, a cup holder that attaches to the handle, and a UPF 50+ canopy (a second can be purchased separately) to keep them out of the sun. A removable snack tray keeps riders happy and everything (including the polyester side walls and canopy) can be wiped down after they inevitably coat it in mud and goldfish crumbs.

And while it’s the see-everything ride that made that it an instant hit with our toddler tester, it really won our hearts in the folding process. According to our editor, it’s “easier and is more compact than our jogger stroller, which is great for packing it in the car or storing it in the garage!”

Deal alert! At the time of publish, Amazon is offering a $100 off coupon toward your purchase!

Age: 6 months and older

Weight limit: 55 pounds per seat

Car seat compatible: Yes, with purchase of adapter

Dimensions: 59.3 x 34.9 x 25 inches; 38.2 x 25 x 18.1 inches when folded

Weight: 34.7 pounds

Wonderfold W4 Elite Quad Stroller Wagon

Wonderfold

$699

W4 Elite Quad Stroller Wagon

Stroller wagons are awesome, but as soon as you have more than two kiddos, they’re often not all that helpful. That’s where this bad boy shines. The Wonderfold W4 Elite Quad Stroller Wagon can accommodate four (!) kiddos so you can safely roll your entire crew here, there and everywhere.

Parents of multiples absolutely rave about this model stating that it’s “worth every penny”, “the world’s greatest wagon”, and a “game-changer”. Each of the four seats is equipped with a five-point harness (a feature which isn’t found on many models) and despite its impressive capacity it’s not unwieldy or too big to fit through doorways. Additionally, the seats can be removed to haul gear or transform it to a playpen on wheels. A wide turning radius makes it easy to maneuver even when piled with kids and gear and one reviewer notes it does so better than their jogging stroller!

And because getting them in and out can be a chiropractor appointment waiting to happen, this one has a hidden doggie-door style flap hidden under the storage pocket for them to crawl inside. Mesh side walls keep the air flowing while never-flat soft wheels manage sidewalks like a dream. Granted it’s not great at sand or off-roading, but for urban exploration with multiple kiddos, you can’t do better!

Age: 6 months and older

Weight limit: 99 pounds per bench

Car seat compatible: Yes, with seats removed.

Dimensions: 49 x 29 x 51.5 inches; 29 x 18.5 x 42 inches when folded

Weight: 53 pounds

 

Radio Flyer Discovery Stroll 'N Wagon With Canopies

Radio Flyer

$199.99

Discovery Stroll 'N Wagon With Canopies

For a budget friendly option that checks all the boxes, the Radio Flyer Discovery Stroll ‘N Wagon With Canopies can do the job for less than $200 bucks. Of course there are some minor concessions, but at less than a third the price of our top pick, that shouldn’t be a shocker.

The versatile and compact design can be pushed or pulled with an adjustable handle bar on each side while dual UV canopies keep the rays at bay. Inside, there’s plenty of space for two kids or a load of cargo and two convenient drink holders perched on the outside. Taking a nap on the go? No problem! One of the seats can recline to make them as comfy as can be. (None of the lower priced models offer this feature, so it’s much appreciated.) It’s also the only model on our list that features a roll down side to make loading and unloading easier on everyone. (As any parent who has thrown their back out just looking the wrong direction can tell you, this is a game-changer!)

The small puncture-proof wheels aren’t designed for rugged terrain, but if you’re sticking to pavement and sidewalks, it’s not an issue. It gets high marks for an easy assembly as well as its packability too!

Age: 12 months and older

Weight limit: 120 pounds

Car seat compatible: No

Dimensions: 33 x 19 x 11 inches

Weight: 31.97 pounds

Whether you’re expecting in months or mere days, let Motherly guide you with our registry featuring curated collections of essentials for you and baby. Click here to check out Motherly’s essential registry guide.