Outgrown the Stroller; Now What? Recommendations?

[nothingwithoutjoy]

At the moment, all my kids are 3.5 to 8. We haven't needed a stroller (for pushing kids) for quite a while, but when I go on a long outing, I need some way to tote all the stuff (diaper bag, picnic basket, nets for the river, whatever). And, maybe, on occasion, a weary child. But I don't like bringing the stroller anymore, because then some of the kids (used to getting pushed around at home), of course want to ride, and I think it's just simpler not to have to argue about it, but rather get a more appropriate vehicle. I have a radio flyer wagon, but it's kid-sized (too short for my tall self to pull comfortably). I'd love recommendations on what you love. A bigger, better wagon? Something else? Where'd you get it? I don't have much time for comparison shopping these days, so thought I'd try your expertise!

[jojosmommy]

Bring the wagon and make the kids pull it. Choose a "helper of the day" that person gets to pull the wagon ::. At my house they all fight over who is "helper of the day" JK.

We have a step two wagon and a radio flyer one. I like both for different trips.

In other words, I have no real suggestions.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

Bring the wagon and make the kids pull it. ...
In other words, I have no real suggestions.

Thanks for the reply, anyway.

I should have said I do make them pull it, but sometimes, when we're all weary and we're going to be late for nap if we drag along any slower, it would be nice for me to take my own turn, too.

[spud912]

I saw a really cool fold-up wagon at Costco the other day. I'm not sure if the handle is longer than the wagon you have, though. I just really liked the idea that you could fold it up and tuck it away. I think my husband said it was $45.

[Solandia]

I have the kids carry their own stuff in a backpack (extra toys, water bottle/lunch). I have a probably 6+ of those drawstring ones, if the child does already have his own here. I have my own backpack as well, with a small first aid kit, my own lunch, few toys, and a flannel backed vinyl tablecloth.

[Unregistered]

I have found that one of the wagons you buy for gardening work great. They are adult size and can hold a lot of gear. Some models have removable sides, great for that tired child to sit on the edge for a ride! They also have good tires for any rough terrain. Up here in Canada you can get them at Home Depot, Lowes etc.

[Meyou]

Can you extend your wagon handle? I found mine too short too and my DH found something at the hardware store that he attached to make a longer handle for me. It's great to pull now.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

I saw a really cool fold-up wagon at Costco the other day. I'm not sure if the handle is longer than the wagon you have, though. I just really liked the idea that you could fold it up and tuck it away. I think my husband said it was $45.

Ooh, I like that, too; we have very limited storage space. Will look into it.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

Can you extend your wagon handle? I found mine too short too and my DH found something at the hardware store that he attached to make a longer handle for me. It's great to pull now.

That's a good idea. It's a too-small, beat-up wagon, though, so I think I'm ready to upgrade. Thanks!

[nothingwithoutjoy]

I have found that one of the wagons you buy for gardening work great. They are adult size and can hold a lot of gear. Some models have removable sides, great for that tired child to sit on the edge for a ride! They also have good tires for any rough terrain. Up here in Canada you can get them at Home Depot, Lowes etc.

Good idea! I'll look into these.

[nothingwithoutjoy]

I have the kids carry their own stuff in a backpack (extra toys, water bottle/lunch). I have a probably 6+ of those drawstring ones, if the child does already have his own here. I have my own backpack as well, with a small first aid kit, my own lunch, few toys, and a flannel backed vinyl tablecloth.

That's a good idea. I guess I must pack heavy!

[heyhun77]

In the summer when we walk to/from baseball and have all the stuff with to keep the rest that aren't playing happy/busy plus snacks and the rest of the stuff we need with us I use a nice sized rolling backpack plus I wear the regular field trip backpack with the basics in it. The one I found fits tons of stuff including four or five wipes containers or 3 or 4 plastic coffee cans (both of which I use to store the items I bring with like playdough, sidewalk chalk, cars, plastic animals/people, small plush animals, paper and crayons, ect).

[Meeko]

I want several of these!!!!!! (Dream on Meeko!)

[Michael]

You could put 5 on this one and its electric.

[queenbee]

I want several of these!!!!!! (Dream on Meeko!)

Meeko - I'm selling my 6-seat Bye Bye Buggy. I've upgraded to a Choo Choo Wagon. Want it?

You'd have to come to NM to get it.....::