Let's go for a ride, Mommy! In my wagon! - (Today's Kids Expedition Wagon)
Written: Aug 02 '02
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Pros: Easy to clean, easy to maneuver and pull, two seats and cup holders even!
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: A great wagon for kids to enjoy a nice ride, even if it is at the expense of the arm of a parent!
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| ariel10575's Full Review: Today's Kids Expedition Wagon |
I wish I knew why they made wagons for kid's to ride in and parent's pull, but not wagons for kid's to pull and parent's ride in! Wait, maybe because we do not have hover wagons yet - that must be why!
At least these wagons are small enough so that the child will not be really heavy and hard to pull if you take him for a drag...er...ride!
So why did I purchase something like this for my son? First, I knew he would enjoy it. Second, his legs were not long enough to ride on a tricycle yet, so if I wanted to do something fun with him around the neighborhood besides a stroller ride, this would be a good idea!
So while I was 7 months pregnant with my second child, I started shopping around for a wagon. There were big ones, tall ones, short ones, green ones, red ones, and even purple ones! Some had Pooh Bear, some didn't. Some had rubber tires, and some had plastic wheels. In the end, I settled on the Today's Kids Expedition Wagon.
Why did I pick this one?
I picked this one for many reasons. First, because with a second child on the way, I knew that in the coming years that they would like to ride together. So two seats was a must.
With two seats comes the need for two cup holders. Ok, so cup holders do seem a bit extraneous, but not so much if you are taking this wagon for a longer haul. I've seen wagons like this used at the Zoo, and even Disneyland. Cup holders are good with youngsters and sippy cups to keep them happy and hydrated.
This one also had a swing open door. While it is not the easiest to open, at least you can teach your 'Dukes of Hazzard' wannabe to start using doors rather than climbing over or through to get in! My son loved this feature actually!
As an added feature, one of the seats lifted up to expose a cubbyhole! Yes, you can store some snacks for a trip to the local playground, or to make it even easier on mom, a few diapers and travel pack of wipes! Yay!
The body of this little red wagon measures 33.5" x 18". This whole thing, without children in it, weighs about 70 lbs. That isn't so bad for heavy durable plastic, and wheels and everything!
For the parents, this wagon has large 8" rubber wheels that turn easily one way or another. The handle is 30" in length, and is very durable and slightly textured. The handhold is large and fits two adult hands easily, making it easy to move and steer. It is not hard to hold and pull (or even push if need be!). After taking it for a couple of test spins, I knew this would be a good purchase.
As my son liked bright colors, the bright red of the body of the wagon was just perfect. Since it was made of durable heavy plastic, and has a drain hole in the bottom of it, it also looked like it could withstand being kept outside.
...And the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down...
And it did through an El Niño season, and as Christmas came, the wagon appeared from Santa Claus, and almost 4 weeks early our second son arrived, our thoughts turned to the health of the youngest member of the family after his birth, skull surgery, and both of our recoveries from both of our surgeries. And the poor wagon sat out through it all. Then summer and winter and summer and winter came again. The wagon got lots of use, but we were negligent to put it away somewhere to protect it. What would become of it?
The answer to that question is nothing. It still sits wherever it is left, with no sun damage, and all it needs is a cloth and some cleaner taken to it, and voilá! Like magic it is back to the original state nearly! Woohoo!
What does my son's think about it?
Now my kids like to ride together, or separately in this wagon. We take it for trips around the neighborhood sometimes, usually with my older one on his tricycle, and my younger one (aka: he who is too short for any tricycle I can find!) will sit in the wagon. When friends come over, they will even take turns taking each other around in the backyard sitting in this wagon. Or they have been known to pick lemons and bring them to me in the wagon. All in all, it is still a hit, and vital member of our outdoor team of toys!
But what about Mommy?
If I can recommend one thing to you, let it be this: Save yourself some trouble by having the place that sells it to you assemble it for you. I know I could have probably done it myself, but after putting together a slightly defective stroller, I'd rather spend the money and have someone else that puts things together professionally than do it myself.
I do not think I could be prouder of a purchase I've made for my son. This was a great gift at the time, and is still a great toy to play on. I'm glad I got this one over the others, and hope that we will continue to use and enjoy it for many years to come! Maybe I'll take it to the zoo one of these days!
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For more information, check out:
http://www.todayskids.com
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 45.00
Age Range of Child: 12 to 36 Months
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Epinions.com ID:
ariel10575
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Member: Rebecca Murphy
Location: Granada Hills, Ca, USA
Reviews written: 117
Trusted by: 62 members
About Me:
I'm back, and getting ready to write again. :)
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