Having kids luggage that’s the right size, easy to maneuver and fun to use can make all the difference on a family vacation. Buying kids luggage is also a fun way to get young travelers involved in the vacation planning and packing process.
Based on input from travel experts and parents, as well as consumer reviews, U.S. News has compiled a list of the best recommendations for kids luggage.
(Note: Prices were accurate at the time of publication; they may fluctuate due to demand and supply chain issues.)
Best Overall: State Bags Logan Suitcase
(Courtesy of STATE Bags)
What sets this luggage apart: Ideal for children of all ages, the State Bags Logan Suitcase is available in more than a dozen patterns including rainbow tie dye, camo, bolt and checkerboard, plus special edition designs like the American Girl Logan Suitcase. The rolling luggage has smooth spinner wheels, a mesh pocket (perfect for dirty laundry), a handy front pocket for snacks and toys, and a side strap to secure a water bottle or favorite stuffed animal to the bag.
The Logan Suitcase is ideal for children ages 6 and up, while the Mini Logan Suitcase is a great option for little kids ages 3 to 5. The latter can even attach to mom’s or dad’s luggage thanks to a trolley sleeve.
Parents appreciate: Parents say they (and their kids) love everything about this bag, from the overall quality to the stylish designs.
Best Carry-on: Rockland Jr. Kids’ My First Hardside Spinner Luggage
What sets this luggage apart: If you’re traveling with a toddler, this is a great introductory suitcase. The polycarbonate shell is lightweight and durable, and it comes in a variety of adorable animal designs, including a dinosaur, a frog and a ladybug. The 19-inch spinner suitcase also has large, rubber zipper pulls that are easy to grasp, an adjustable telescope handle for kids or parents to use, and multidirectional wheels for easy rolling.
Parents appreciate: Recent buyers say this hard-sided kids suitcase is sturdy and easy for children to pull themselves. Plus it’s just plain adorable.
Best Luggage Set: BÉIS Kids Collection
(Courtesy of BÉIS)
What set this luggage apart: Known for its bestselling weekender bag, BÉIS also makes a variety of other luggage – including options just for kids. The BÉIS Kids Collection, which debuted in 2023, features miniature rolling bags in vibrant shades of citron and berry, along with coordinating backpacks, lunch boxes and other travel accessories. The Kids Roller is especially adorable, with an exterior pocket for a tablet, book, headphones and/or other essentials, as well as interior compression and organization – including a “Stink Bag” for dirty clothing.
Parents appreciate: You can purchase each item separately to create your own luggage set.
Price: $168 for The Kids Roller; $68 for The Kids Backpack
Shop now: BÉIS
Note: The Kids Roller is currently sold out, but you can sign up to be notified when it’s back in stock.
Best Ride-on: Trunki Kids Ride-On Suitcase
(Courtesy of Trunki)
What sets this luggage apart: Designed with horn-shaped grips and carrying handles for easy maneuverability through security, this colorful carry-on suitcase is not only a ride-on, but also a sit-on. Ideal for both air travel and road trips, the award-winning case has interior elastic straps to keep clothes, toys and teddy bears in place. What’s more, the case makes a perfect spot for little travelers to sit and rest wherever they roam.
Parents appreciate: Melissa LaHann, owner and inventor of LatchPal and mother of three, likes that she can pull her kids on this suitcase. “When being ridden, the suitcase is well balanced, doesn’t tip, works on smooth airport floors and also on sidewalks,” she says.
Price: $89.99 or less
Shop now: Amazon
Best Duffel Bag: Wildkin Printed Duffel Bag
What sets this luggage apart: The patterns alone will make kids flip for this travel bag – think: horses, unicorns, trains, space, pink glitter, dinosaurs and mermaid scales. The duffel is small enough for most kids to carry, using the tote handles or shoulder strap, but large enough to fit all the essentials. It also features a small exterior zipper pocket for easy access to important items. For select designs, you can buy a matching suitcase, toiletry bag, luggage tag, sleeping bag and more.
Parents appreciate: Amanda Norcross, content and SEO strategist at U.S. News & World Report, says she loves the simplicity and durability of this bag. “I am continually impressed by how much I can fit into it,” she says. “It’s all we need to pack our toddler’s clothing and other essentials for weekend getaways and longer trips.”
Best Travel Backpack: Cotopaxi Dimi 12L Backpack
(Courtesy of Cotopaxi)
What sets this luggage apart: Earlier this year, Cotopaxi released the Dimi 12L Backpack, a pint-sized lookalike of its popular Allpa Travel Pack (named the Best Carry-on Backpack by U.S. News) and Batac Backpack. Designed for kids, this travel backpack offers a variety of pockets, including an interior sleeve and two exterior bottle holders, as well as ergonomic back straps and a breathable back panel. What’s more, the bag is a surprise – your child(ren) and you won’t know exactly what the backpack will look like until it arrives (but it will definitely feature the brand’s bold colors).
Parents appreciate: Parents say they’re impressed with the quality of this backpack, noting it’s especially ideal for toddlers and young kids. Many wish it had a chest strap to secure it in place, however.
Best Personalized Kids Luggage: Pottery Barn Kids Mackenzie Spinner Luggage
What sets this luggage apart: This rolling luggage from Pottery Barn Kids is made of water-resistant, 600-denier polyester (from recycled plastic bottles) with a sturdy metal telescope handle and durable nylon zippers. It also features an environmentally friendly interior lining made of chlorine-free vinyl. Best of all, it comes in patterns kids will love, including designs that incorporate “Star Wars,” Disney princesses and Hot Wheels Monster Trucks.
Parents appreciate: Many parents choose this Pottery Barn luggage for the option to personalize it (at an additional fee).
Why Trust U.S. News Travel
Sharael Kolberg is a U.S. News & World Report contributor with knowledge of children’s luggage. As a mom who has taken her daughter on numerous trips, she always encouraged her daughter to be independent and carry her own suitcase. Luggage such as the Trunki Kids Ride-On would’ve been a hit with her daughter when she was little. Kolberg used her interviewing and research skills to curate this list of kids luggage.