What’s a parenting win? Lessening your adult load at the same time as teaching age-appropriate responsibility to your child. That’s the idea behind shopping the best luggage for kids, since you’re sending a clear signal from an early age: If it’s yours, it’s yours to schlep. (This includes family essentials from socks to packing cubes. Maybe even travel snacks!) Ranging from tiny rolling backpacks that are suitable for kindergarten age children and culminating in a smallish case that’s a mini-me version of mom’s (ideal for teens), these duffels, rolling cases, convertible backpacks and suitcase scooters were chosen for their innovative design and durable construction. I interviewed PureWow staffers about their kids’ baggage needs whether they’re on a car trip to in-laws or to a resort with a kids’ club. Finally, I sorted through pages of online reviews. So, if you’re tired of everyone putting their stuff in your carry-on, shop now to get your kid used to keeping up with their own business, early.
The Best Luggage for Kids, Tested by All Ages
Including duffles, rolling cases and ride-on scooter luggage
PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
The 11 Best Luggage for Kids Pieces and Sets
Best Duffle
Herschel Classic Duffle Little Herschel
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Best for Younger Kids
Rockland Jr Kids' My First Hardside Spinner
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Best Older Kids Luggage
State Bags Logan Carry-on Suitcase
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Best Ride-On/Footrest
Stokke JetKids BedBox
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Best Durable Option
Away The Kids Carry-On
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“We have used the same Hershel duffle bag for nine years,” says PureWow Editor-in-Chief Jillian Quint. “I love that it's the perfect size for kids to carry themselves and that it can smush anywhere—overhead compartments, the trunk or even on the car floor below kids' feet.” The zippable fabric duffel weighs next to nothing empty, but filled with the necessary items for a sleepover, it’s still easy to tote around since there are reinforced handles to carry it with and an adjustable shoulder strap. “My daughter now packs it herself, and knows to put smaller items in the side pockets,” Quint says. Oh, and how much does every parent appreciate a name tag like this one, sewn right onto the exterior of the bag.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 9.75 inches x 18.5 inches x 9.75 inches
- Capacity: 24 L
- Material: EcoSystem™ 600D Fabric made from recycled water bottles)
- Wheels: no
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
No little traveler is going to be able to resist these adorable hard-sided cases because they’re designed to resemble cartoon dinosaurs, puppies, ladybugs and other kid favorites. As one reviewer explains, her “2.5 yr old granddaughter LOVES it. Took to bed with her for nap. It is sturdy. She has sat on it jumped on it and easily pulls it on her own,” she says. There’s an easy-to-push button that raises the handle and doesn’t pinch, although kids under three years of age may need help with it. Easy to roll and lightweight, this bright and sturdy case isn’t going to break or go missing even in the jostle of a busy airport.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 17 x 12 inches
- Capacity: 34 L
- Material: 600-dernier polyester
- Wheels: four 360-degree spinner wheels
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
Recommended for children 6 years and up, with a 38.8-liter capacity, the State Carry On is just a smidge smaller than regular carry-ons (they start at about 41 liters). “I bought 4 of these for my four kiddos to take on a trip, seven nights (carry-on only for them) They were able to manage them the entire way themselves (ages 5,6,8,9) and they actually hold SO MUCH STUFF. And there are a few compartments inside,” writes one busy mom, who says she plans to borrow her kids’ bags for two-night solo getaways. And the designs range from poppy to preppy, so there’s one for every family’s style.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 20.55 x 13.4 x 9.45 inches
- Capacity: 38.8 L
- Material: 100 percent polyester
- Wheels: four 360-Degree Spinner Wheels.
- Warranty: 1-year limited manufacturer warranty
You have seen happy preschoolers scooting atop these at airports, and yes, they are as fun as they look. The Stokke Bedbox is a little wheeled case that, while it only weighs 6.6 pounds, is sturdy enough to have a 2- to 7-year-old up to 77 pounds ride astride it and push themselves along or have a parent pull them along by the attached strap. Inside, there is 18-liter capacity to store items, as well as a thin folding mattress that turns any airplane seat in to a little cot (especially when you use the BedBox as a little footrest). And each BedBox comes with sticker sheets, so your little traveler can personalize their case while you’re waiting for your flight to be called.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 18.1 x 7.9 x 14.2 inches
- Capacity: 20 L
- Material: ABS plastic hardshell, nylon straps
- Wheels: front swivel wheels, back in-line wheels
- Warranty: 2-year warranty
Thoughtfully designed with interior compression and smooth spinner wheels, this child’s version of the popular Away adult carry-on is great for a kid who wants to be a mini-me of mom. “I bought this for my 3 year old for her first Disney trip,” writes one reviewer. “It held so much, and we loved that it was a carry-on size! The color is adorable and our daughter loved rolling it around too!” It comes with thoughtful little extras, like a coordinating removable laundry bag and a silicone name tag. (Like monograms? For a $50 fee, you can add up to eight letters on the bag.) However, this bag’s most exceptional draw is the lightweight but super-strong quality polycarbonate body that won’t crack like those cheap discount plastic cases.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 19.1 x 12.8 x 8.9 inches
- Capacity: 26 L
- Material: polycarbonate hardshell
- Wheels: 4 360-degree spinner wheels
- Warranty: limited lifetime warranty
For $16, you can have up to eight letters emblazoned on the side of this happy case, which excels not only in its customization but also in its interior organization. It has one half with compression straps, a second half that zips closed. There’s a retractable two-pronged handle that makes for balanced handling, as well as a top handle for when mom or dad needs to boost this into the overhead compartment. What’s more, it’s only 5 pounds empty so your little one won’t be pulling too much extra weight.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 13 x 8.5 x 19 inches
- Capacity: 20 to 22 L
- Material: ABS plastic, 150 Dernier polyester yarn lining
- Wheels: four 360-degree spinner wheels
- Warranty: 30-day return window
Does your little guy or girl like to arrange and rearrange in a manner that endlessly engages them? Great! Then they will delight in this five-piece set which not only has an 18-inch carry-on spinner case but also a 15-inch Backpack, 10-inch Lunch Bag, neck pillow and luggage tag. So you’re getting all these pieces for less than $50 and they’re lightweight, value with a matching carry-on, backpack, and accessories.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 9 inches
- Capacity: 25 to 30 L
- Material: ABS Plastic with Polycarbonate Coating, 600 dernier polyester
- Wheels: spinner wheels on largest bag
- Warranty: one-year limited warranty
Trunki claims to be the original ride-on suitcase, and it retains a charming vibe that makes sense, since it’s designed in the UK. Ladybugs, llamas and even Peppa Pig-shaped hardside cases get high marks for their large capacity (they hold up to 18 liters) in a lightweight, 3.8-pound frame. Trunki comes with a hauling and crossbody straps, and you can buy coordinating travel pillows and backpacks. “A large zippered cube fits on one side to hold nicely organized clothes and the other side can easily be stuffed with baby dolls and beloved stuffed friends,” writes one reviewer. “The lock works well to keep kids from getting into it when you don’t want them too. My daughter (almost 30lbs and 38”) could easily sit on this and ride around with my pulling by the included string. It turns surprisingly well. I liked that once you are done dragging it (or if your kid gets sick of dragging along their pet) you can switch the pull tether into a shoulder strap and easily carry it yourself.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 18.1 x 8.1 x 12.2
- Capacity: 18 Liters
- Material: hardside plastic
- Wheels: 4 in-line sturdy wheels
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
I like the Younglingz model for its toughness—the ABS/PC hardshell exterior holds up to an 80-pound child, and I can see it surviving airport concourse games of chicken if you’ve got spunky twins. Even better, the case has easily removable wheels to pop off right before boarding so that it will fit into overhead storage. Removable wheels mean more hauling room, which is why this case carries a whopping 47 liters of stuff, more than I usually get in my grownup’s carry-on. “This worked out amazingly well. I used it as a carry-on in Emirates, Singapore and Indigo (domestic) airlines, which made long waits at immigration counters, security lines and long walks at transit airports so easy and manageable,” says one reviewer. “My son has rejected a traditional stroller from age 1 and since he is heavier now, I knew I couldn't carry him for long, if he got tired. But this luggage made it so hassle and stress free.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 21 x 13 x 9 inches including wheels
- Capacity: 47 L
- Material: Durable ABS/PC Hardshell
- Wheels: removable360-Degree Ruggedized Spinner Wheels
- Warranty: 90-day limited warranty
This rolling backpack is only 2-5 pounds but sturdy since it’s made of strong polyester. Thanks to the external pockets encircling it, you can teach your child that socks and undies go in one pocket, toothbrush and comb go in a separate pocket, and the spare T-shirt and shorts in case of a travel spill goes in a third. there is so much room Made from easily cleanable polyester with many popular designs and organizational pockets. One reviewer writes of the pink unicorn design they use: “I have had this for well over a year now and it has gone on MANY trips (flights and just local ones too). It has held up so far without any rips or tears. Surprisingly can fit a decent amount in it. I got it for my then-3-year-old.”
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 18 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches
- Capacity 23 L
- Material 600D polyester
- Wheels: 2 in-line wheels
- Warranty: limited 30-day warranty
Does your tween depend on their tablet or laptop for entertainment on the go? If so, this cute little package has the protected, since the padded front zip compartment fits up to a 13-inch laptop. It’s chic, only 7 pounds empty and glides along on top-of-the-line Himomoto wheels. Added bonus—since it’s so small, this can be stowed in-flight under the seat in front of your child, so they can help themselves to anything they’re looking for without an adult getting their case out of the overhead.
Fast Facts
- Dimensions: 17 x 16.5 x 9 inches (with wheels and handle)
- Capacity: 39 L
- Material: polycarbonate hard shell
- Wheels? 360° spinner wheels
- Warranty? Limited Lifetime Luggage Warranty
