7 Unexpected Ways I Use My Stroller Wagon (That Have Nothing to Do With Strolling)

Let’s talk about parenting gear that actually earns its keep.

When I first got the Veer Cruiser XL, the four-seater stroller wagon that feels more like a mini SUV than baby gear, I figured I’d use it for the basics: walks around the neighborhood, park outings, maybe the zoo here and there.

But here’s the thing: this wagon has officially become my Mom Mobile. I bring it everywhere. For the kids, yes — but also for myself. It’s part stroller, part gear hauler, part sanity-saver. I use it at the beach, at Target, during sports practice, and even just chilling in the front yard. Honestly, I don’t know how I managed outings without it.

And while it’s great for strolling, that’s actually not even my favorite part. Here’s how this wagon has become my all-purpose parenting sidekick — in ways I never expected.

1. The Picnic Table on Wheels

There’s something so easy about impromptu picnics when the wagon comes with us. I pack it up with our snacks, drinks, a small cooler, and a blanket or two.

Once we find a shady spot, the kids sit right inside the wagon or around it while we snack — no need to lug folding chairs or search for clean picnic tables.

I’ve even used the back end of the wagon as a makeshift table surface when I needed to lay things out. It turns “just grabbing a snack” into a whole cozy moment, and the kids love it.

2. The Nap Nest

The Veer Cruiser XL has become our official mobile nap zone. There’s something about the soft breeze, the slight motion, and the cozy setup that knocks my toddler out every time.

I throw in a travel pillow, a muslin blanket, and a favorite stuffed animal, and it turns into a mini nap pod. On long zoo days, festivals, or outdoor playdates that stretch into naptime, it’s a total lifesaver. Instead of rushing home, we just roll into the shade, and my little one gets a proper rest while I sip coffee or catch a break.

3. The Grocery Hauler

I didn’t expect to bring my stroller wagon to the grocery store, but now I do it all the time — especially for markets, quick trips, or any store that doesn’t have carts with kid seats. I can load the kids in with snacks and roll right through the aisles.

The wagon holds groceries in one half, and kids in the other. No meltdowns, no juggling a cart and a stroller, and bonus: no grabbing random candy from the checkout lane. It’s organized, roomy, and way easier than trying to wrangle toddlers in a store.

4. The Rolling Toy Chest

Outdoor play always comes with “stuff” — water bottles, toys, chalk, jump ropes, balls, bubbles… and somehow it all ends up scattered across the yard. Now I just load everything into the wagon before we even leave the house. It acts like a mobile toy chest.

The kids know the rule: what goes out comes back in. We bring it to the driveway, the park, even grandma’s house. It keeps our gear contained and gives the kids a sense of ownership in cleaning up after themselves, which, let’s be honest, is a win for everyone.

5. The VIP Lounge at Sports Practice

If you’ve ever been stuck on the sidelines of a soccer game with a cranky toddler and no shade, this one’s for you. The wagon has become our VIP chill zone at every sports practice or big sibling event.

I stock it with snacks, a couple of books, water bottles, and even a small tablet on desperate days. My toddler lounges in it while the big kid does their thing.

It’s cozy, it keeps them happy and contained, and it makes me feel like I actually planned ahead (even when I didn’t). Plus, it saves me from chasing a bored toddler across an open field.

6. The Diaper Changing Command Center

You know those moments when there’s no bathroom in sight and a diaper change can’t wait? The stroller wagon has become my go-to changing station on the go. I keep a changing pad and backup supplies in the under-seat storage.

When the moment hits, I just lay the pad across the wagon seat, grab what I need, and get it done — no wrestling on grass, no awkward trunk changes. It’s cleaner, quicker, and way more convenient. Bonus: it doubles as a changing station at the beach or park when the nearest restroom is a five-minute walk away.

7. The Mom Survival Kit on Wheels

For family outings that involve more than one kid, more than one hour, and more than one snack, I treat the wagon like a rolling command center. I pack sunscreen, bug spray, hats, extra clothes, towels, sippy cups, my iced coffee, and even my fold-up picnic blanket. It all fits.

When we roll into a birthday party, community event, or block party, I’m that mom who’s weirdly prepared for everything — because I have the wagon doing all the heavy lifting. And when the kids are done running around? They hop back in and ride out in style.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Wagon, It’s a Way of Life

I bought the Veer Cruiser XL thinking I’d use it occasionally for walks. I had no idea it would become my go-to tool for basically every part of mom life. It’s not just a stroller wagon — it’s my portable office, nap station, snack bar, gear locker, and lifeline.

If you’re on the fence about getting one, here’s your sign: do it. You won’t believe how many ways you’ll end up using it. And once it’s in your trunk, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.