We ditched the stroller and upgraded to a stroller wagon! We chose Radio Flyer’s Voya Extra Tall with two seats. Since so many people in the neighborhood have asked about the stroller wagon, I thought I would share my thoughts here.
This summer, we found ourselves at the point where our four-year-old had outgrown her stroller but still wasn’t ready to walk long distances. As city dwellers who refuse to buy a car, it isn’t uncommon for us to walk 15-20 minutes to a farmers market, restaurant, or park.
Beyond walking longer distances, how can we take our daughter to school in the rain or snow if we don’t want to drive? In the past, she was nice and cozy in the stroller with a rain cover. I don’t want to make her walk to school in bad weather.
My Radio Flyer Voya Stroller Wagon Review
Investing in a stroller wagon has solved all these little problems. I did lots and lots of research. I wanted something that has a comfortable seat and that puts Gwen close to eye level. I have seen families using the Veer and Evenflo style wagons with a very low profile, and I didn’t think that would be comfortable for my tall child.
Stroller wagons have become very popular, and so many options are available now. I chose the Radio Flyer Voya with the extra-tall sides. This checked all of the boxes for us. It has sturdy removable canopies (when I looked at the Wonderfold Wagon canopies, I doubted their ability to handle Chicago’s wind) and a well-designed rain cover that will keep Gwen dry even in the worst weather conditions (note: this is sold separately).
Radio Flyer Voya Stroller Wagon Features
Since this wagon is extra-tall, Gwen has plenty of room to sit comfortably. She loves that there is a snack tray with two cup holders. Speaking of cup holders! The cup holders on strollers aren’t great. The super sturdy cup holders for parents below the stroller handle on the Voya are incredible! My coffee isn’t spilling all over the place anymore! It’s great. In addition to the two parent cup holders, the snack tray has two more cupholders big enough to fit a Yeti water bottle (or, as a friend demonstrated, a bottle of wine). The storage caddy has two spots where you can store more drinks. In total, you can easily store six drinks!
You can push the stroller wagon with the stroller-style push bar or pull it with the handle. We haven’t even attached the pull handle. My husband is 6’3″, and the push bar height is a big reason why he loves this stroller wagon. The push bar is higher than the one on the Uppababy Vista; Charles doesn’t have to bend over when he pushes the wagon. While the push bar can be put in an extra-high position, I can easily lower it.
When it comes to pushing the Radio Flyer Voya stroller wagon, it turns easily and handles very well, even when my daughter is sitting in the front. I have tried out other wagons that are cumbersome to push and hard to steer. It’s obviously heavier when two children are in the wagon, but maneuvering isn’t harder.
The maximum weight capacity is 200 pounds! We can use this stroller wagon for years without worrying about our daughter outgrowing it. The high weight limit also means I can use the wagon for trips to the grocery store. I love that it offers more storage than the stroller did!
In addition to the storage space in the wagon itself, there are two storage areas for parents outside the wagon. There is a caddy that attaches to the push bar and a big removable storage bag that has enough room for a purse or backpack.
The Radio Flyer Voya stroller wagon has so many thoughtful design details. The sides of the wagon zip open so that kids can climb in—a big win for my back! The seats can be folded up or removed completely when they aren’t in use. I fold them up when I am grocery shopping or buying plants at Lowes.
Even though Gwen was too big for the stroller, I was scared to stop using it because if I timed things correctly, she would nap in it. I am thrilled to report that she can fall asleep in the wagon. Usually, she rests her head on the snack tray and falls asleep, but sometimes, she lies down in the bottom of the wagon. (Napping in her cozy bed at home is out of the question).
Radio Flyer Voya Stroller Wagon Options and Pricing
The Radio Flyer Voya stroller wagon is available in four different options. It is available with either 2 or 4 seats, and in a standard height and an extra-tall version. There are some big differences between the standard and extra-tall height wagons. The extra-tall stroller wagons have a flat bottom and more storage space. The standard height doesn’t have a flat bottom; there is a lower section where the kids’ feet go. The sides of the standard-height wagon do not zip open, which might make it harder for children to climb in on their own.
Prices range from $399.99 to $599.99 (as of September 2024). The Extra-Tall Two-Seater that we purchased was $499.99, and the rain cover was $49.99. It’s an investment, but one that makes perfect sense for a car-free family! We have already used the stroller wagon every day for over a month, and I expect to use it nearly every day for another year or two!
Why It Might Not Be For Everyone
I will say the wagon does feel long. It is about 4 inches longer than the UppaBaby Vista we used for years. Even though it is long, we can easily take it into stores like Target and the grocery store.
A big reason why this wagon might not be for everyone is that it is heavy. It folds nicely enough to be stored in a closet but weighs 45 pounds. It isn’t something you can easily throw in the back seat of your car or realistically take on public transportation.
Final Thoughts
As Chicago parents who walk almost everywhere, we love this stroller wagon. It is just what we needed for the post-toddler stage. I regularly use the wagon for reasons other than transporting my child. It’s wonderful for hauling groceries, making returns at UPS, and trips to the hardware store. My husband and I keep saying that buying the wagon has further eliminated our need for a car.
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