The wagon stroller has only been around for a few years, but the beloved prams keep getting better and more popular. They’re quickly becoming “the big thing,” or the white whale of registries, if you will. Wonderful for expanding families, families who love the outdoors, and especially families who have older kids in sports. Wagon strollers also make an impressive gift, not only for their size but their utility. They can be pretty spendy, though, so before you buy one of these parenting essentials for yourself or a loved one, there are things that need to be considered.

　　Stroller wagons (or wagon strollers, whichever you prefer) are a genius portmanteau of wagon and stroller. They offer comfy seating with belts and cushioning, as well as plenty of room to store your things. The great thing is that not only are they all double (or more) strollers — they’re also equipped with the ability to glide over rough terrain without any problem, thanks to the fact that they can either be pushed or pulled. Trust us, you’ll find that it’s easier to pull the wagon stroller over beach sand or up hills than it is to try and push a traditional stroller. Some wagon strollers even have footwells for your kiddos to put their legs in, adding an additional layer of comfort.

　　They’re perfect for vacations, parks, camping, and activities where you'll be hobbling over multiple types of terrains. They're also especially great for boardwalk strolling. So, while their steep price tags might freak you out, we assure you they're worth it if your family is one for adventure.

　　Best Wagon Strollers

　　Best Overall: Best Budget: Best for Resting: Evenflo Xplore DreamzFor Tall Parents: Best for Parents of Kids Close in Age:

　　What to Consider

　　Stroller wagons have evolved a lot in recent years, and according to the Evenflo project lead, Sharon Ruggieri, each new model is made with improved features, materials, accessories, and more. For example, their newest model, the Xplore Dreamz, our favorite for sleeping, has improved wheels, storage, and overall utility and maneuverability. Plus, it's safe for your child to nap in.

　　With wagon strollers, there's a pretty wide variety of choices available at a ton of price points. The main differences to consider are seat styles, canopy, wheels, handles, and weight limits. Yes, cost is a factor as well, but that's pretty straightforward.

　　Seat Styles: Are the seats cushioned with a 5-point harness? Do they have a separate footwell? Can the seats be moved so your toddler can lie down?Canopy: There are several styles ranging from what is essentially a roof to a stroller canopy style, and it's really a matter of preference which one you choose. Handle: Can you push and pull it, or is it pull- or push-only?Weight Limits: You have to consider overall weight limits as well as weight limits per seat, especially if you're carrying cargo with you.The higher-end stroller wagons generally have rubber wheels and more durable fabrics. They typically have extra storage space and tons of cup holders. Sometimes, they even have a bar across the center for your kids to stash their cups and snacks. Their canopies are UPF-rated, which indicates how much UV radiation transmits through a piece of fabric, and they're usually fairly easy to open. Many of them even have car seat adapters, so you can put your baby on one side and your toddler on the other — making them ideal for growing families. A few even have the space and capacity for 3 or more kids.

　　Less expensive stroller wagons might still have many of these features, but the materials won't be as plush, and they generally don't have the same durability or amount of storage.

　　Every stroller wagon on this list has been tested by me or a trusted parent in my roster of testers. They have been closely evaluated for ease of use, cleaning, transportation, comfort, and how well they push.

　　Still researching other types of strollers? Check out our guides to jogging strollers, double strollers, and the best strollers overall.

　　1Best Overall

　　Veer Cruiser Stroller Wagon

　　ProsCons

　　Can get crowded with cargo if two kids are ridingThis might be a pricey wagon stroller, but trust me when I say it’s built like a tank. It’s solidly designed — more like the wagons of the past — with strong sides and rugged wheels. Even the snack tray feels like it was built to take a beating. If you're buying a gift for a #boymom, you can't go wrong with the Veer. They're rough and tumble.

　　It turns or pivots just like a regular stroller, but it can be pushed or pulled like a wagon. The canopy is UPF-rated, and it too has a footwell for your children's comfort. Two seats are built-in and it has the ability to work like a pram, but you can also click in a car seat with an additional adapter.

　　This double stroller wagon is designed to withstand mud and snow, and can glide over pavement, cobblestones, and ballfields with ease. It folds nearly flat and stores in a small area easily.

　　Our executive director, Christine Anderson, has been enjoying the versatility of the Veer Cruiser with her toddler this summer. It's perfect for the zoo (the little one can crawl in and out on their own when not strapped in) and outdoor festivals (as it glides through grass with ease and holds Mom and Dad’s beverages).

　　Plus, with zero fabric, she says, “I love that the Veer wagon can be hosed off after a day of dripping popsicles, crushed crackers, and overall childhood stickiness.”

　　Another tester has been using it for 2+ years, almost every day, even in the snow, and it still works perfectly, and looks great.

　　The bottom line: If you have the cash, it's absolutely worth the splurge.

Extra legroom

Additional seats available

Easy to foldCons

Heavy

This is one of my favorite wagon strollers. The only reason it's not the Best Overall is that it shows its wear more than the Veer after a few years. It has an adjustable, extendable handle for pushing or pulling and a sunken footbed for extra legroom — meaning no scrunched legs for your little one.

This affordable wagon shines with the available and an that frees up space below. It's made with durable, cleanable mesh that sand and dirt just fall through. (A hose and gentle soap are your friends with this one.)

It folds like a dream, has multiple cup holders with a snack bar across the center for convenience, and has a reversible cargo compartment that can be used on the outside or inside of the stroller. Not to mention, it comes with dual UPF-rated canopies and rugged rubber wheels. Simply put, this option might just replace your regular double stroller.

Key Specs

　　3Best for Resting

　　Evenflo Xplore Dreamz

　　Pros

　　Best for Pushing

　　CompactCons

　　Not as light as othersEvenflo listened to its customers and made an Xplore with a bassinet insert. Ruggieri tells Best Products that "the number one thing parents commented about the stroller was about the uneven bottom because they wanted a place for toddlers to nap." Evenflo immediately started designing a stroller wagon that had all of the utility of their original wagon, plus a bassinet insert that provides children a comfortable, safe space to sleep.

　　With that improvement came many others, including a larger double canopy with improved breathability and increased sun protection, and a larger storage basket. Buying for someone in a really sunny climate? This is a win.

　　Personally, I noticed how much easier this one was to push and pull, which Evenflo chalks up to design improvements that are made with every iteration of the wagon. It's easier to maneuver, easier to lift, and overall, it's a tighter fold and more compact so that it fits better in your trunk, or in my case, in my Brooklyn closet. It is about $70 more than the original Xplore, so that should be considered, but if you have the extra means, I prefer this model, especially for families with kids who have many places to be and a child who cannot miss their nap.

　　Additionally, for an extra cost, you can buy a toddler jump seat that attaches above the wagon, providing even more room for storage. You can also get a car seat adaptor that allows you to add on an infant car seat safely and securely.

　　Key Specs

　　4For the Tall Parents

　　WONDERFOLD W2 Elite Double Stroller Wagon

　　Pros

　　Easy to fold

　　Seats are easy to remove

　　High total weight capacity

　　Crawl-in featureCons

　　No flat-lying option

　　Pull strap feels flimsy and it's not very comfortable to useOur tester loves how this stroller is ready to go on adventures. It holds everything nearby and never gets too bumpy. She’s also a little girl, but the sentiment stands. Her mom loves that it’s not just a safe place to keep her child, but a useful accessory all on its own.

　　The Wonderfold is a bit different from other stroller wagons on this list because the seats are pretty high up, which allows for space for the riders’ feet, as well as some added storage. There's also some additional storage on all sides. The seats can handle 45 pounds each, but the whole stroller can carry a whopping 200 pounds. This is a beast you can use for the rest of your life if you take out the seats.

　　The unique crawl-in feature allows kids to get in and out without having to be lifted thanks to a zippered side panel. There’s no function for lying flat, but the seats do come out. It folds easily, and it’s pretty compact when it does. The one-foot brake is also a boon for parents, making safety easier.

　　My favorite bit of the stroller is the UPF 50+ rated canopy. It can slide up and down the bars to adjust for the sun, and it comes off for cleaning and open-air riding in a cinch.

　　Key Specs

　　5Best Gift for Parents of Kids Close in Age

　　Delta Children Deluxe Wrangler Stroller Wagon

　　Pros

　　Great cargo space

　　Remarkable sun protectionCons

　　Harder to collapseYou’ll be able to trek through the heat or the cold thanks to this wagon stroller’s fun additions. It’s a wagon in the truest sense of the word, with a deep cavity that stores both stuff and children, as well as dual handles for pushing or pulling. While it doesn’t have the leg well like the Evenflo, it’s roomy enough for a comfortable ride.

　　The outside of the wagon has a wonderful cooler that does a solid job of keeping your food warm or cold, which is great for parents who are pumping or have bottles in tow. The addition of a car seat adapter makes this a fab choice for parents of toddlers and newborns alike. If you're buying for a family with kids close in age, this feature really helps.

　　Last but not least, this stroller wagon's unique roll-down shade feature is perfect for keeping cool on hot days, thanks to its UPF-rated shades.

　　Key Specs

　　6Best Accessories

　　Joey The Wagon Stroller

　　Pros

　　Great ride

　　Easy to use

　　Tons of accessoriesCons

　　Only one canopyOur tester had a ton of good things to say about the Joey. He tells Best Products that “pulling or pushing two kids in the wagon is a breeze, with the sleek wheels and easily positioned handle. It handles the bumps of an uneven sidewalk, or curb with ease. Though, not so well-suited for the beach, as I learned!” And to be fair, there isn't a wagon or stroller on Earth that does the beach well unless it has ski rails (which).

　　The Joey is a direct-to-consumer product that has all the bells and whistles of any major-brand wagon stroller. The difference is that you are getting super luxe fittings and fantastic one-on-one customer care included in the price. They’ve thought of everything. There’s additional storage on the bottom, a great snack tray with extra cup holders, and easy-to-remove canopies.

　　Our tester did say that he wished it came with two canopies so that it’s ready for two kids out of the box, and frankly, I agree. He also wants to note that while this is one of the more compact wagons, it’s not great for smaller trunk spaces, because the wheels do stick out a bit, even when folded.

　　Those drawbacks are small when you compare how delighted his child is to ride in it, and how much his kid adores taking her cousin cruising in her cool wagon with all of her stuff in tow.

　　Key Specs

　　7Best Single to Double

　　Larktale Sprout Single-to-Double Stroller/Wagon

　　Credit: Cat BowenPros

　　Very easy to operate

　　Easy to fold

　　Extra storageCons

　　Heavy and not easy to carry

　　Only 1 canopy even in 2-person modeI was able to test the Sprout and I was hugely impressed with the single-to-double stroller wagon. It's wild. It is both a compact wagon for one or a two-person stroller wagon. The two seats are removable and the front part extends by several inches to accommodate either more cargo or a second kid.

　　I had the joy of testing this wagon in all kinds of weather, and I can tell you that it holds up. Not only is the canopy huge, but it comes with a weather shield that covers the entire stroller, keeping baby way more comfortable than you ever had a chance of being.

　　Yes, it’s a push-only stroller wagon, but the handlebar is so luxe, and so easy to adjust, you won’t care at all. The Sprout also has extra storage in the back and at the handlebar, which is really convenient for parents. I like the cup holder’s placement as well, as it’s not at an awkward-for-parent spot like some can be.

　　My favorite part about the Larktale Sprout stroller wagon was the ease of assembly (my 11-year-old put it together), and how it seamlessly transitions from a one-kid to a two-kid stroller, back again, and then folds quickly.

　　It’s a lot more compact than other wagon strollers, both folded and unfolded. The one drawback it has is that it’s a 41-pound stroller, and there’s no great way to carry it. A handle on the side would have rocked.

　　Key Specs

　　8Best for Large Families

　　Wonderfold 4-Seater Stroller Wagon

　　Pros

　　Rugged

　　Maximum storage

　　Comfortably seats 4Cons

　　Heavy when fullIf you have three or four kids — or are planning on it — this is the stroller wagon for you. It’s spacious, has a high weight limit, and is rugged enough that even the most active children will have a hard time destroying it.

　　It features a one-step fold-flat design that is just as simple as a traditional stroller. Plus, it has an accessible front zipper door, meshed panels, deep storage pockets, and a removable canopy. It's a bit bulkier and heavier than the two-seater, but I had no problems collapsing it or stowing it away. Less rugged than some of the other stroller wagons on this list, this model might not be the one for you if you're doing a lot of off-roading.

　　Each seat has a five-point safety harness. The push handle operates like a dream, and the sturdy tires make easy work of the beach, ball field, or suburban sidewalk. You’re able to wipe clean the entire thing — or in most cases, hose it all down.

　　Key Specs