One thing I’ve learned after years of traveling with my girls is that a good travel bag isn’t just a nice extra—it’s an absolute essential. The right bag keeps their belongings neat and manageable and even gives them a sense of responsibility during the trip.
In 2025, the best travel bags for kids have reached a whole new level. We’re talking about bags that are tough enough to survive the chaos of travel, yet practical and stylish enough to make kids excited to use them.
Let’s explore the latest trends and help you find the best travel bags for kids to make your family trips easier and more enjoyable!
Factors to Consider When Choosing Kids’ Travel Bags
Trust me, a poorly chosen bag can turn a fun family trip into a juggling act you didn’t sign up for. Here are a few key things to keep in mind when shopping for kids’ travel bags:
Size and Weight
First things first: the bag has to be a size your child can handle. A toddler shouldn’t be hauling around a suitcase bigger than they are (even if it has their favorite character on it). Lightweight options are ideal, but make sure there’s enough space to fit their essentials without cramming.
Durability
Kids are, well, kids. Their travel bags will be dropped, dragged, and stuffed to the brim. Look for materials that can take a beating—hard-shell cases are great for extra protection, while quality fabric bags with reinforced seams can handle wear and tear like a champ.
Design and Functionality
A kid-friendly design goes beyond bright colors and fun patterns (although those help!). Think compartments for easy organization, wheels for smooth rolling, and handles they can grip comfortably. Bonus points for bags that double as ride-ons or come with extras like built-in water bottle holders.
Safety Features
If you’re considering ride-on or scooter luggage, safety should be a priority. Look for stable designs with secure seating and smooth wheels. Even better, some brands now include reflective details to make kids more visible in busy airports or crowded streets.
Top Travel Bag Categories for Kids
Kids’ travel bags come in a variety of types, each offering unique benefits depending on your needs. Here are the main categories to consider:
1. Ride-On Suitcases
Ride-on suitcases are designed for younger children who might tire easily while navigating airports or stations. They’re sturdy enough to handle a child’s weight, often made from durable hard-shell materials. These bags double as a fun mode of transport and practical storage, with enough space for toys, clothes, or travel essentials.
2. Backpack-Style Bags
Backpacks are versatile and easy for kids to use. Look for backpacks made from lightweight but durable fabrics like nylon or polyester. They should have multiple compartments for organization and padded straps for comfort. Backpack-style bags work well as personal items on flights or as day bags for outings.
3. Hard-Shell Rolling Luggage
Hard-shell rolling luggage is ideal for protecting fragile items during travel. These bags are usually made of materials like ABS or polycarbonate, which are lightweight yet resistant to impacts. The rolling wheels and retractable handles allow kids to pull them easily, and their structured design keeps belongings organized and safe.
4. Soft-Sided Carry-Ons
Soft-sided carry-ons are lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for short trips or tight storage spaces. They’re typically made from fabric materials like polyester or canvas, which can withstand minor wear and tear while being easy to pack. These bags often include external pockets for quick access to small items, making them practical for both kids and parents.
Best Travel Bags for Kids – Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
Trunki Ride-On Suitcase
- Dimensions: 18 x 8 x 12 inches (45.7 x 20.3 x 30.5 cm)
- Weight: 3.8 pounds (1.7 kg)
- Capacity: 14.5 liters
- Material: Lightweight and durable plastic
- Price: Around $75
- Pros:
- Doubles as a ride-on toy, providing entertainment during travel.
- Lightweight and easy for toddlers to manage.
- Durable construction withstands rough handling.
- Cons:
- Limited storage space may not suffice for longer trips.
- Wheels may struggle on uneven surfaces.
- Older toddlers might outgrow the ride-on feature quickly.
- What Parents Say:
- “The Trunki is a fantastic invention that deserves its ubiquity in hotels, stations, and airports. It’s durable, fun, and brilliantly usable in a way that makes children much happier on long journeys.”
Expertenbewertungen - “It also allows your child to bring all their favorite belongings whilst the parents are able to keep them in check.”
Gadsventure
- “The Trunki is a fantastic invention that deserves its ubiquity in hotels, stations, and airports. It’s durable, fun, and brilliantly usable in a way that makes children much happier on long journeys.”
Skip Hop Zoo Little Kid Suitcase
- Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 7 inches (40.6 x 30.5 x 17.8 cm)
- Weight: 2 pounds (0.9 kg)
- Capacity: 13 liters
- Material: Polyester with a reinforced base
- Price: Around $40
- Pros:
- Adorable animal designs appeal to young children.
- Lightweight and easy for kids to pull.
- Includes a detachable shoulder strap for parental carry.
- Cons:
- Smaller capacity may not hold all essentials for longer trips.
- Handle durability concerns with frequent use.
- Not suitable for rough handling or overpacking.
- What Parents Say:
- “My daughter and I love this cute little bag for my almost 2-year-old granddaughter. It’s really cute and is made very well.”
Zappos - “The design is fun & bright… There is a mesh pocket on the side to put a drink (extremely useful) and also a front zip pocket for easy access.”
Jetlag and Mayhem
- “My daughter and I love this cute little bag for my almost 2-year-old granddaughter. It’s really cute and is made very well.”
Stephen Joseph Classic Rolling Luggage
- Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 6.5 inches (45.7 x 30.5 x 16.5 cm)
- Weight: 3.4 pounds (1.5 kg)
- Material: 100% polyester with reinforced stitching
- Price: Around $45
- Pros:
- Vibrant and engaging designs.
- Multiple compartments for organized packing.
- Lightweight and easy for toddlers to maneuver.
- Cons:
- Wheels may not roll smoothly on all surfaces.
- Fabric can show wear with frequent use.
- Not water-resistant, so contents may get wet in the rain.
- What Parents Say:
- “The suitcase is pretty big, and the retractable handle is a good size for both kids and adults to pull.”
Jetlag and Mayhem
- “The suitcase is pretty big, and the retractable handle is a good size for both kids and adults to pull.”
Young Children (Ages 5-7)
Rockland Jr. My First Hardside Spinner
- Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9 inches (48.3 x 33 x 22.9 cm)
- Weight: 6 pounds (2.7 kg)
- Capacity: 20 liters
- Material: Polycarbonate with an ABS coating
- Price: Around $50
- Pros:
- Durable hard-shell design protects contents.
- Smooth 360-degree spinner wheels for easy maneuverability.
- Compact size tailored for young children.
- Cons:
- Heavier compared to soft-sided options.
- Handle may become stiff over time.
- Limited interior space for extended trips.
- What Parents Say:
- “Our favorite option for younger children is the Rockland Jr. My First Hardside Spinner. This petite yet functional suitcase has two main compartments of equal size.”
Travel + Leisure
- “Our favorite option for younger children is the Rockland Jr. My First Hardside Spinner. This petite yet functional suitcase has two main compartments of equal size.”
Boppi Tiny Trekker Kids Luggage
- Dimensions: 17 x 11 x 6.5 inches (43.2 x 27.9 x 16.5 cm)
- Weight: 3 pounds (1.4 kg)
- Capacity: 17 liters
- Material: Water-resistant polyester
- Price: Around $60
- Pros:
- Lightweight and easy for kids to handle.
- Fun and engaging designs.
- Adjustable handle accommodates growing children.
- Cons:
- Smaller capacity may not fit all travel essentials.
- Durability concerns with frequent use.
- Zippers may not withstand overpacking.
- What Parents Say:
- “Free-stand stopper allows for the case to be kept upright in a stationary position.”
Best Views Reviews
- “Free-stand stopper allows for the case to be kept upright in a stationary position.”
American Tourister Kids’ Hardside Luggage
- Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 8 inches (45.7 x 33 x 20.3 cm)
- Weight: 4.5 pounds (2 kg)
- Capacity: 21 liters
- Material: Polycarbonate shell
- Price: Around $70
- Pros:
- Sturdy construction with appealing character designs.
- Easy-pull handle suitable for kids.
- Interior straps and pockets for organized packing.
- Cons:
- Themed designs may not appeal to all children.
- Higher price point compared to similar models.
- Less flexibility for packing irregularly shaped items.
- What Parents Say:
- “This little suitcase has so much space for toys and clothes, and kids will love the various Disney-themed print.”
Pilot Plans - “Overall, I’d definitely rate the quality of American Tourister higher than its price would seem to indicate.”
- “This little suitcase has so much space for toys and clothes, and kids will love the various Disney-themed print.”
👉 Check out the whole Amazon Product List here.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Travel Bag for Your Kids
Here’s what works for me when it comes to choosing and using kids’ luggage:
1. Let Your Kids Choose
Get your kids involved when picking their luggage. Show them a few options, explain what makes a good bag, and let them pick their favorite. When they love their bag, they’re more likely to take care of it and actually enjoy carrying it.
2. Pack Smart
Stick to the essentials and keep things organized. For my girls, I always include:
- A comfort item (like their favorite stuffed animal).
- Snacks they can grab easily.
- A change of clothes—spills happen!
- Something to keep them entertained: books, crayons, or a small tablet.
Use compartments or packing cubes to keep things neat and easy to find.
3. Keep It Safe
Choose a bag that’s light enough for your child to handle. Add a luggage tag with your contact info, just in case. For extra safety, I love bags with reflective details—perfect for busy airports or evening arrivals. And teach your kids a simple rule: always keep an eye on their bag.
Final Thoughts on the Best Travel Bags for Kids in 2025
The best travel bags for kids keep your kid’s stuff organized, give them a bit of independence, and spare you from being their personal pack mule.
From fun ride-ons for toddlers to sleek rollers for older kids, there’s something for every little traveler in 2025. Let them pick a bag they love, pack the essentials (snacks, always snacks), and teach them to keep an eye on their stuff.
I hope this helped you narrow down your search for the perfect travel bag! What’s the number one feature you look for in kids’ luggage? Do you have a favorite model? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let me know in the comments!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu
FAQs about Choosing the Best Travel Bags for Kids
Should little kids have their own luggage or share with a sibling?
Younger kids often enjoy having their own bag because it gives them a sense of independence. However, for very young children or shorter trips, sharing a bag with a sibling might be more practical. Look for small bags with a lightweight design that’s easy for little hands to carry.
What is the best luggage option for international trips with small children?
For international trips, consider a rolling backpack or a hard-shell carry-on suitcase. These are durable, easy to maneuver in crowded airport terminals, and fit well into overhead bins. Bags with a built-in TSA lock can add extra security during long journeys.
What features should I prioritize in kids’ luggage for a road trip?
For road trips, duffel bags or soft-sided carry-ons with plenty of room and exterior pockets are a great option. They’re flexible for tight storage spaces and make it easy to access essential items like snacks, toys, or a toiletry bag during quick stops.
What is the best luggage size for kids’ carry-on bags?
A carry-on suitcase or rolling backpack with a capacity of 15–21 liters is ideal for kids. It provides enough space for a change of clothes, snacks, and entertainment while fitting under airplane seats or in overhead bins.
Are matching luggage sets for the whole family worth it?
Matching luggage sets can be a great deal if you’re looking for a cohesive look and superior construction. They’re especially useful when you want to easily identify your bags during an overnight layover or at a train station. Some sets even include a matching backpack for younger kids.
How can I ensure a bag is safe for small children to use?
Safety features like a luggage strap, reflective details, and smooth-rolling wheels are important for small children. Bags with padded shoulder straps and a stable base help prevent tipping, while TSA officers can inspect built-in TSA locks for added security.
Just a heads up: some links in the article “Luggage Trends: The 6 Best Travel Bags for Kids in 2025” on Nomadmum.com are affiliate links. This means if you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help keep the site running smoothly and my matcha cups full. Thanks for your support, and happy travels!
