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Ride & Relax… Oh Yeah. And Then Some.

August 2, 2013 By Lena

Meet my two boys. You may know them already; they’ve been prominently featured on my site for oh, the last five years or so. On the left is Ryder, and on the right, Reid. Of course, we also have several nicknames for them. This summer, it’s “The Whiner” and “Sir Good to Go”.

“The Whiner” – my son formerly known as Ryder – is 5 years old. He likes to kick soccer balls, drink apple juice, and complain about the heat. Oh, how he complains! In fact, we cannot recall a single event or day trip this summer where he didn’t schlep around whining about how hot he is.

“I’m tired,” he says.
“It’s too hot outside. I don’t want to walk anymore,” he says.
“Can I sit in Reid’s stroller? My legs hurt,” he says.

Yes, he is a professional whiner. His little brother, “Sir Good to Go”, has no problem getting out, running around and trudging through deep vegetation… but here’s the problem. He’s 3 years old, and he’s batsh*t CRAZY. Picture the Tasmanian Devil – got it. That’s Reid. So technically, we don’t want him getting out, running around and trudging through deep vegetation – we want him securely fastened so we can keep both eyes on him. To tell the truth, if child leashes weren’t so socially unacceptable, he’d be harnessed in a heartbeat.

Here’s the dilemma. Reid is the toddler who dislikes the stroller; Ryder is the kindergarten kid who wants to crawl in. I loathe taking the double stroller to theme parks and street festivals just because The Whiner doesn’t want to walk. So what’s a girl to do?

(Cue the parting of the heavens. If I could Photoshop a ray of light shining down on the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella, I would.)

Of course a wagon is the answer! It allows both boys to be comfy and secure, with the ease of jumping in/out whenever they’d like. And, the optional harness allows us to safely restrain Reid on bumpier terrain or near roads.

Now, just as I like my vehicles souped up and with options to the nines, you can bet I wouldn’t just settle for any wagon. Nope; it had to be a wagon with ALL the bells and whistles. And trust me, the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella delivers. Here’s why we love it.

1. Special Flip Seats for Superior Back Support 

In theory, the ergonomic flip seats for superior back support provides a much more comfortable ride for kids. However, since The Whiner has long legs, it’s actually much easier to tote him around when the wagon is in storage mode, as he can simply cross his legs vs. bumping knees with his little brother. Every wagon we’ve tested has always been rejected because of the knee-bumping factor (“He’s touching me!!”), so I’m happy to report that both boys are equally content in the Deluxe Ride & Relax. And when the kids aren’t looking, my husband also uses their wagon as a wheelbarrow; removable sides enable us to cart around supplies needed for any yard project.

2. Wagon Converts to Bench for Relaxed Seating 

That’s right. It’s not called the Deluxe Ride & Relax without good reason! In one simple flip, you’ve got an authentic bench that even adults can enjoy – the maximum weight allowance is a generous 250 lbs. It’s perfect for enjoying an ice cream cone down by the lake or watching fireworks at night. Plus, it gives the boys a chance to stretch out their legs, particularly after long wagon rides.

3. Umbrella Attaches to Wagon

An optional canopy? Score! I’ve always envied those little kids who are dutifully shielded from the sun in their little wagons, and now, my boys are treated to the same feature. The umbrella can be adjusted for height or removed completely based on the weather and your preferences. As you’ll probably notice, it’s not exactly made of the sturdiest construction – hence, I’d leave it at home if the winds are gusting above 30 km/hr. But for super-hot days with a gentle breeze, it offers the perfect amount of shade. The Whiner ADORES it! (Umbrella pictured above.)

4. The Bells and Whistles

In addition to the umbrella – seat belts, drink holders, plus an attached cooler bag make this ride the perfect swagger wagon. I love that we can store up to eight drinking boxes alone in the attached cooler bag! It’s the perfect theme park, zoo, or picnic companion. And, since the storage is on the outside vs. taking up valuable space on inner compartments, the boys have tons of room to stretch out and chill. Truly, the Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella is a dream!

Since receiving the wagon for review, “The Whiner” has started to transition into “The Agreeable”. And for that, I thank Little Tikes with all my heart (and patience). The Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella retails for $139.99 and is available at most major toy retailers in Canada. Click here to visit Little Tikes.

*EDIT* The wagon is now on sale at Walmart for just $98.82! Click here for in-store availability near you!

Of course, once out of the wagon, they’re both little Sir Good to Go’s!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: chidlrens toys, Little Tikes, Little Tikes Deluxe Ride & Relax Wagon with Umbrella, review

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Flora M

    August 2, 2013 at 10:44 am

    What a fabulous idea ! It looks so versatile, only thing I am wondering about is the “seat belts” – where are they positioned (couldn’t really see them in your pictures or on the Little Tykes website either) ?
    This might be a good idea for my daughter and son-in-law (probably a Christmas present for the kids), it is pricey but looks like a good investment :o)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      Hi Flora! The restraints can be seen when the seats are flipped open – since my boys are older, I feel comfortable with them sitting cross-legged in the “storage” mode. However, for younger children, the restraints are available and perfectly safe in the “seated” mode! And it’s currently on sale for just $98.82 at Walmart – a great time to pick it up!

  2. michael

    August 2, 2013 at 10:57 am

    Great for trips to the park and the lake!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:23 pm

      Sure is :)

  3. Judy C

    August 2, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    Great idea! Love that it has the umbrella over it. Will share this with a friend that is having similar issues

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:24 pm

      Thanks Judy! We love the wagon!

  4. Yash

    August 2, 2013 at 2:07 pm

    This looks awesome! I have a hand-me-down wagon that my girls just love but I’m thinking I may need to purchase this one too!!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:29 pm

      I think that’s a splendid idea – especially considering the great price!

  5. AlexandraSD

    August 2, 2013 at 3:07 pm

    This!!!! This is what I’ve been looking for! Thanks so much for posting the review, I had something like this in mind but could never find it. Thanks to your tip, I now have it on hold at my local Walmart for pickup tonight!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:30 pm

      Awesome!! So happy you were able to pick it up at a great deal! Enjoy!

  6. Anne Taylor

    August 2, 2013 at 3:29 pm

    such a brilliant products and so perfect for your boys and their different personalities!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:31 pm

      Exactly! It keeps them out of trouble and suits them well!

  7. mrdisco

    August 2, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    that’s a neat wagon

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:31 pm

      Thanks Mr. Disco!

  8. Janice K.

    August 2, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    This would be the perfect wagon if it has rubber tires. I can’t tell if they are the hollow plastic ones or rubber from the photos or the LT website.

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:31 pm

      Ah, rubber tires would make it the Cadillac of wagons, but unfortunately, these ones are plastic :)

  9. Diana Khoury

    August 2, 2013 at 7:40 pm

    I can immagine next Year Sienna (My little grandauther) And My dog Rocky going for a ride….!!!!!!!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:31 pm

      Ah, so precious! You’l have to take a picture of that for sure!

  10. Debbie Bashford

    August 3, 2013 at 9:19 am

    I just bought a little tykes wagon, but didn’t see this fancy one, love the flip down side to make it a bench!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:32 pm

      It’s definitely a great feature to have, Debbie!

  11. Tenille

    August 3, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    WOW! I have a Little Tikes wagon as well but it’s the Mom Van to your Escalade there! I love that it converts to a bench – perfect for events when the kids want to sit while you actually enjoy the concert, event, etc and this way they can stretch their legs while doing so. Nice ride, Almeida boys. ;)

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:33 pm

      Hahaha Mom Van, you make me chuckle! I love that adults can sit on the bench too! Me and my boys fit perfectly three across, and like you said, great for concerts!

  12. mrdisco

    August 3, 2013 at 10:59 pm

    sure beats those old rusty metal wagons

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      No rusty metal wagons for my boys :)

  13. Marissa

    August 4, 2013 at 2:48 pm

    This wagon is perfect for your boys Lena. I love that it comes with an umbrella and converts to a bench. What more can you ask for? The boys seem thoroughly relaxed on the bench!

    • Lena

      August 4, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      Exactly! Yup, Ryder likes to stretch out the ol’ legs on his bench!

  14. francine

    August 6, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    i soooo want that wagon. my 1 year old is very fair and i dont want to use sunscreen on him yet so he is always in the shade when outside. the canopy will be very important when we get a wagon.the cooler bag is cute too. perfect or taking the kids on a picnic. and we could just make the wagon a bench or them to eat on.

    i am wondering how much storage there is though. we currently use the stroller basket to bring home groceries since we dont drive and i’m wondering i the storage on this wagon would be good for groceries and still be able to have both kids bucked in.

    • Lena

      August 9, 2013 at 10:41 pm

      Alas, francine – there is’t enough storage for groceries. While there’s ample storage for toys, snacks and other travel/play items, you’ll definitely have more storage in a stroller with both kids in.

  15. Victoria Ess

    August 7, 2013 at 9:38 am

    It looks quite sturdy and durable!

    • Lena

      August 9, 2013 at 10:41 pm

      It really is, Victoria!

  16. Julia

    August 12, 2013 at 9:12 pm

    Love the look of that wagon. We had a one similar too it and used it regularly. Wish I could get one big enough for my hubby to pull me around on.

    • Lena

      August 15, 2013 at 2:32 pm

      Ha! You and me both Julia!

  17. Brenda

    February 11, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    Could you comment on the tires? They are listed as QuietRide wheels but are they hard plastic or rubber? I have a chipped / gravel road and wondering how loud this is going to be on it.

    • Lena

      February 11, 2014 at 6:01 pm

      They’re hard plastic, Brenda. Although they’re really sturdy after multiple uses, I can’t be sure how they’d fare on a gravel road :(

  18. kathy downey

    August 23, 2017 at 11:50 am

    This is a wonderful wagon,i will be checking to see if Walmart still carries them !

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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