Wagon Packing Hacks for the Beach, Pool or Park

If you and your crew roll with a LOT of gear, then knowing what to pack and HOW to pack it is a valuable skill. Start with a good quality collapsible cart, it has so many uses, it’s well worth the spend.

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Photo By: Tomas Espinoza

Wagon Packing Hacks

Whether you’re hitting the beach for summer vacay or heading to the park for the day, max out your wagon with all the right goodies. Even if you're staying home, you can still use your wagon in the backyard as a handy entertaining cart, we'll show you how.

Everything’s Beachy

This summer, get everyone and everything out on the beach at one time with a well-packed double-decker beach wagon. You’d be surprised at just how much gear you can transport IF you know how to pack it like a pro. If you're shopping for a new utility wagon, look for extra storage like a fold-down rear platform or a bottom shelf.

The Coolest Coolers

Thankfully clunky, hard-to-carry coolers are now a distant memory. Today you have so many options — backpacks, stylish totes, rolling carts, collapsible soft-siders — you name it, there's a cooler out there to suit your needs. And it's probably in a super-cute color or pattern as well. Take advantage of the smaller sizes and hitch a few to your wagon.

Compact Inflatables

Don’t let a lack of space hold you back from bringing everyone’s favorite inflatables to the beach or pool. Roll them up tight and store them in a soft-sided compression bag along with a rechargeable cordless inflator/air pump. This gadget is well worth the money, and your lungs will thank you too.

Rolling Towel Rack

Go "MacGyver" on that pile of beach towels by using bungee cords, hair ties, and binder clips. First, stretch a bungee cord along the length of your wagon. Then, roll up each towel, wrap it with a series of elastic hair bands, and clip the rolls onto the bungee cord.

Sand-Free SPF

Sandy sunscreen is a MAJOR buzzkill, so keep your stash safe and secure in a makeup bag or toiletry tote. Include a variety of SPFs in lotions, sprays or kid-friendly glide-on sticks. Also, annoying? Wet, tangled beach hair, so pack a good detangler spray.

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The Magic of Mesh

When it comes to cleaning and storing sandy toys, you can’t beat a mesh storage bag. Throw toys in and dunk the bag in water to rinse. Now your beach toys are sand-free, neatly stored, and ready for the next outing.

Family Outings

If your pet gets just as excited about family outings as you do, make sure to include bowls, snacks and a toy or two for them. We love collapsible silicone bowls with an oversized carabiner, they’re easy to clip onto carts and backpacks when you’re on the go.

VIP Seating

Whether you’re headed to the pool or park, don’t be caught without a chair. The lower platform of your wagon is the perfect spot to tuck a few folding lawn chairs or collapsible loungers. So, when you get where you’re going, you’ll always have VIP seating.

Fun + Games

Don’t forget to bring the fun! Frisbees, croquet, bocce ball and badminton sets are lightweight and easy to transport (and the dog's toys too). Throw in a few travel games or a deck of cards for when it’s a time to cool down in the shade.

Multi-Purpose Fanny Pack

Make sure everyone has a cute pair of shades for a long day outdoors. Keep sunnies from getting lost by storing them in a sporty sling pack. We love these multi-functional packs and how easily they clip to the wagon. They’re also the perfect accessory for storing your keys, phone and other small essentials while you're out and about or even cleaning or doing yard work.

Rolling Refreshment Center

Whether you’re heading to the neighbors for a potluck or hosting a playdate for the kids in your backyard, you can easily turn your wagon into a refreshment center. Use bungees to secure beverage dispensers filled with electrolyte-rich drinks for the kids and then load up the wagon with a cooler or two full of adult beverages. Don't forget the disposable cups, snacks, sunscreens and bug spray.

DIY Bento Boxes

Pre-made snacks served up in DIY Bento boxes are an excellent way to keep everyone's energy up. Simply fold up paper plates, secure with string or staples, then partition them with construction paper. Trail mix, fruits and kid faves like fish-shaped crackers are always a hit.

Keep It Green + Clean

Anytime you’re eating outdoors you should keep paper towels or napkins close by. Recycle plastic shopping bags to collect trash, just clip them to the frame of the wagon. Give re-useable straws and food storage bags a try too. The bags are great for storing sandwiches and left-over snacks.

Grown-Up Sips

If you’re craving some vino, look for single serving, glass-free packaging options that are easy to chill. Or just make your own portable cocktails using re-usable clear drink pouches. Designating one of your cooler bags as adults-only is always a smart move.

Wagon Packing Hacks for the Beach, Pool or Park

Related To:

Shop This Look

Wagon Packing Hacks

Everything’s Beachy

The Coolest Coolers

Compact Inflatables

Rolling Towel Rack

Sand-Free SPF

The Magic of Mesh

Family Outings

VIP Seating

Fun + Games

Multi-Purpose Fanny Pack

Rolling Refreshment Center

DIY Bento Boxes

Keep It Green + Clean

Grown-Up Sips

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