Stroller for 7 year old?

[Klayfish]

It is not walking continuously. You walk for a while, sit, walk, stand, sit, etc. And if you are getting tired, then sit down and rest. No one is forcing a person to be on their feet constantly. Millions of people do this every year and are just fine. So, as I said, if you have not physical issues, walking without any kind of aid is not a problem. Kid's especially are build with more energy and stamina. It is usually the adults that start to tire out first. We have been going to WDW for over 25 years, so I know exactly how much walking there is. We started going before we had kids, then started taking them when they were 1&2 years old and every single year since. My oldest is not graduating HS. Once they hit 5, no more stroller for our trips that were 9-10 nights. My kids are not super athletes with ground breaking stamina, they are just like everyone else. If you have a child that is too tired to walk after a couple of days in the park then you need to look into what they are eating. Food is energy and if they are not getting decent food, then they will not have the energy and stamina to go on all day. Stop feeding kids mac and cheese and chicken nuggets and put some decent food in them and you will see a huge difference.

Thanks, but DW and I are into bodybuilding and nutrition (click on our avatar pic and you'll get the idea of what DW is built like), so I think we've got that part covered rather well. Physical fitness and eating are not a concern for us or the kids. But I do appreciate the suggestion.

I don't at all agree that kids, especially under 10, have more stamina than healthy full grown young to middle age adults. At least they shouldn't, IMO. All three of our kids play year round sports and only our nearly 15 year old would have close to DW and I stamina. I'd have been concerned with myself had my kids outlasted me when they were 5. However, each to their own.

 

[maxiesmom]

You can have an opinion without making it sound like it is the right and only way to do things.

 

[Lilsia]

You can have an opinion without making it sound like it is the right and only way to do things.

If you know that you are right, then it does not matter what I, or anyone else says. Ignore it. But let me put a different spin on things. Let's take Klayfish's scenario of an extended family trip. What if the kids were older and perfectly fine walking but it was Grandma that was a bit slower and needed a few extra breaks. She did not medically need to be pushed in a wheelchair, just a slower pace. Would any of you go up to her and say, "hey grandma, you are slowing the rest of us down. Get in the wheelchair." Of course you wouldn't because that would be beyond rude. Most children do not need to medically be pushed in a stroller at 6,7,8, it is more for the convenience of the adult. At that age, children definitely pick up on the fact that you want them in the stroller so it is "easier". Also (right or wrong) it is human nature that people will notice a child that is too large for a stroller being pushed in one. People will stare and they will comment. I am not saying that they should, just that it will happen and your child will notice that they are being looked at and commented upon. I am not saying this to make a rude comment, just to bring attention to it if someone has not been in this situation, that they should take that into consideration as well. I would talk to your child and ask if they would want to be in the stroller. There are many kids that age that are very much aware that they will stick out as odd in the stroller.

 

[NJlauren]

If you know that you are right, then it does not matter what I, or anyone else says. Ignore it. But let me put a different spin on things. Let's take Klayfish's scenario of an extended family trip. What if the kids were older and perfectly fine walking but it was Grandma that was a bit slower and needed a few extra breaks. She did not medically need to be pushed in a wheelchair, just a slower pace. Would any of you go up to her and say, "hey grandma, you are slowing the rest of us down. Get in the wheelchair." Of course you wouldn't because that would be beyond rude. Most children do not need to medically be pushed in a stroller at 6,7,8, it is more for the convenience of the adult. At that age, children definitely pick up on the fact that you want them in the stroller so it is "easier". Also (right or wrong) it is human nature that people will notice a child that is too large for a stroller being pushed in one. People will stare and they will comment. I am not saying that they should, just that it will happen and your child will notice that they are being looked at and commented upon. I am not saying this to make a rude comment, just to bring attention to it if someone has not been in this situation, that they should take that into consideration as well. I would talk to your child and ask if they would want to be in the stroller. There are many kids that age that are very much aware that they will stick out as odd in the stroller.

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I really try not to engage with people on the internet who I completely disagree with, but honestly I think you’ve crossed a line. I saw the post you deleted, and read the others. People who let there kids eat Mac and cheese or who’s kids have tantrums are not bad parents. Honestly my kid eats veggies like it’s going out of style and on a recent trip to nyc was complaining about the walking... she walked 2 blocks! She wasn’t tired she just didn’t want to do it. So if I’m in wdw are you saying every time she doesn’t want to walk I should take a break instead of getting her a stroller? I would still be in Epcot from last March! Yes I agree a 6,7,8 year old might not medically need one, that doesn’t mean it’s not right for the choice for a family at wdw! I walk 5-8 miles a day and I want someone to push me in a stroller in wdw!

In addition I totally told my mom to get an ECV or I wasn’t going with her! If it’s needed its needed!

If you want to call people bad parents I’ll refer you to another board, but someone using a stroller for a 7 year old, or letting a tired kid have a meltdown doesn’t make them a bad parent.

 

[Lilsia]

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I really try not to engage with people on the internet who I completely disagree with, but honestly I think you’ve grossed a line. I saw the post you deleted, and read the others. People who let there kids eat Mac and cheese or who’s kids have tantrums are not bad parents. Honestly my kid eats veggies like it’s going out of style and on a recent trip to nyc was complaining about the walking... she walked 2 blocks! She wasn’t tired she just didn’t want to do it. So if I’m in wdw are you saying every time she doesn’t want to walk I should take a break instead of getting her a stroller? I would still be in Epcot from last March! Yes I agree a 6,7,8 year old might not medically need one, that doesn’t mean it’s not right for the choice for a family at wdw! I walk 5-8 miles a day and I want someone to push me in a stroller in wdw!

In addition I totally told my mom to get an ECV or I wasn’t going with her! If it’s needed its needed!

If you want to call people bad parents I’ll refer you to another board, but someone using a stroller for a 7 year old, or letting a tired kid have a meltdown doesn’t make them a bad parent.

I was saying pushing your kids too far to the point that they are exhausted and can't do anything but have a meltdown is bad. Especially if you are only doing it so you can fit in as much "fun" as you possibly can in a day. I am sorry that you think otherwise.

 

[katyjeka]

We have been visiting WDW for over twenty years with our four kids. If you are willing to tour the parks at a reasonable pace there is no reason to stick a healthy seven year old in a stroller. Kids at seven are perfectly capable of walking around an amusement park. They are resting their legs while on rides and there are plenty of benches if they need a little break. We've been to New York and just returned from a late February trip. It was snowy and a little cool but she understood if she wanted to visit the Disney store(she loves the upstairs)there was only one way to get there, on her two legs. I guess I seem a little mean but we spend a lot of time watching her at her swimming club and playground. I know the energy she has, as well as her friends. and can't believe that any of them would be unable to walk the park. I understand WDW is very expensive and everyone is determined to get the most for their money but when traveling with kids you see what your able to at their level. Our girls have spent entire days at the local zoo. Pittsburgh zoo is fantastic BUT full of hills and a lot of walking. At the end of the day they still somehow have the energy to walk up the steps a hundred times to go down the slide at the zoo playground. Anyone familiar with Pittsburgh Zoo knows exactly what I'm talking about. I guess I just can't understand the need or maybe I'm just jealous as our youngest is this age and would fight us to the end before she'd go in a stroller.

 

[Klayfish]

Most children do not need to medically be pushed in a stroller at 6,7,8, it is more for the convenience of the adult.

Also (right or wrong) it is human nature that people will notice a child that is too large for a stroller being pushed in one. People will stare and they will comment. I am not saying that they should, just that it will happen and your child will notice that they are being looked at and commented upon. I am not saying this to make a rude comment, just to bring attention to it if someone has not been in this situation, that they should take that into consideration as well. I would talk to your child and ask if they would want to be in the stroller. There are many kids that age that are very much aware that they will stick out as odd in the stroller.

To your first comment above, actually no it's not for the convenience of the adult...at all. At least not in our situation. It was for the kids, 100%

On the second part, who cares? I can tell you my kids didn't...and reality is we didn't get too many looks/comments, as there were plenty of older kids in strollers. The WDW rented strollers are really big and we saw plenty of much older kids in them.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

I love how people think their experience with their own couple of kids should translate equally to all several hundred million other kids on the planet, and if the several hundred million other kids do not respond identically to said sample of 2-4 children, it must be something deficient with the parents.

To the OP, I hope you find the perfect stroller. I know we used a McLaren umbrella stroller that worked well for us around that age.

 

[Jetta8300]

We will be visiting in August with our daughter who will have just turned 7. We don’t use a stroller anymore at home but I’m thinking with the amount of walking and the heat I’d rather play it safe than be sorry. Any stroller suggestions for a 7 year old - average size?

We just got back and our 5 year old sat in a single stroller, while my sister's 6 and 7 year olds shared a double. This was the first time we ever rented one at the parks, instead of bringing our own. And that was A SUCCESS!

I'd rent one at the parks...they are bigger than traditional baby/toddler strollers. More like a wagon. Rent one on the first day and see if you need it. But there is no way even our 5 year old would have fit in a traditional stroller. And all 3 kids needed a stroller. Would have made for a rough trip otherwise.

Personally we find the standing more of an issue than the walking. There isn't a lot of sitting at disney except for the brief time on the rides, and meal time. Yes you walk from ride to ride, and then STAND in line. And then walk again, and then STAND again in line. Standing makes our feet more tired than walking. We are all decently fit as well. But standing all day is tiring at any age and it's more tiring with whining children. We even take a lunch break at a sit down restaurant, but even still everyone's feet are aching.

 

[NYCgrrl]

According to some web sites, the distance around WS at Epcot (which seems the biggest bone of contention for many parents of LOs) is less than 1.5 miles.
I don't "fibit" so will assume they know of what they speak.

DGD and I can and do that distance at least twice a week while grocery shopping when I pick her up from school. We carry our goodies about another .25 miles to the subway to get back home. We have been doing this since she entered Pre-K (also indulgent "Ompaah" aka her grandfather) w/o stroller.
We aren't "Super Peoples", just city dwellers.

And therein might lie the difference.

Suburban and rural residents seem to be much more reliant on cars in this country and it makes sense for their life styles and access to public transport.

If your children haven't built up their endurance levels yet for whatever reason, taking the boats from one end of WS to the other is another stroller less option. One goes from the base of WS to Morocco, and the other from the base to Germany. Both do constant round trips. This option is rarely mentioned by anyone so it's good to know it exists.

 

[Hikergirl]

I love how people think their experience with their own couple of kids should translate equally to all several hundred million other kids on the planet, and if the several hundred million other kids do not respond identically to said sample of 2-4 children, it must be something deficient with the parents.

To the OP, I hope you find the perfect stroller. I know we used a McLaren umbrella stroller that worked well for us around that age.

Sorry but WDW is the only place 2nd/3rd graders are using strollers. There is a reason for that, it's because the majority of people all over the world realize that healthy 7 year olds are actually capable of walking. It's the parents who are the ones who want to push them around for their own convenience to make sure they "get their money worth".

 

[Jetta8300]

According to some web sites, the distance around WS at Epcot (which seems the biggest bone of contention for many parents of LOs) is less than 1.5 miles.
I don't "fibit" so will assume they know of what they speak.

DGD and I can and do that distance at least twice a week while grocery shopping when I pick her up from school. We carry our goodies about another .25 miles to the subway to get back home. We have been doing this since she entered Pre-K (also indulgent "Ompaah" aka her grandfather) w/o stroller.
We aren't "Super Peoples", just city dwellers.

And therein might lie the difference.

Suburban and rural residents seem to be much more reliant on cars in this country and it makes sense for their life styles and access to public transport.

If your children haven't built up their endurance levels yet for whatever reason, taking the boats from one end of WS to the other is another stroller less option. One goes from the base of WS to Morocco, and the other from the base to Germany. Both do constant round trips. This option is rarely mentioned by anyone so it's good to know it exists.

At Disney we walk an average of 9 miles per day if we do not have children with us, and 6-7 miles per day with children. It doesn't matter how far it is around the WS. Nobody does a single lap around the WS and then goes home. You have to go back and forth to get to dining reservations and fastpasses. In addition, while you are not walking, you are standing. It's not like you walk from place to place and then sit. You walk from place to place and then stand some more. There's no way MOST kids are capable of walking 6-7 miles per day, with doing nothing but standing in between.

So it's not about "endurance". It's about time spent standing. My brother in law runs 20k races regularly and has a hard time standing up all day long at disney. And we are not racing around the parks like madmen either. We always do 2 table service meals a day, and take breaks when needed and STILL walk that much.

 

[katyjeka]

At Disney we walk an average of 9 miles per day if we do not have children with us, and 6-7 miles per day with children. It doesn't matter how far it is around the WS. Nobody does a single lap around the WS and then goes home. You have to go back and forth to get to dining reservations and fastpasses. In addition, while you are not walking, you are standing. It's not like you walk from place to place and then sit. You walk from place to place and then stand some more. There's no way MOST kids are capable of walking 6-7 miles per day, with doing nothing but standing in between.

So it's not about "endurance". It's about time spent standing. My brother in law runs 20k races regularly and has a hard time standing up all day long at disney. And we are not racing around the parks like madmen either. We always do 2 table service meals a day, and take breaks when needed and STILL walk that much.

I respect your opinion but just can't agree. Of course you stand in line a lot and the days are very long but if you are eating 2 table services a day and taking breaks you have down time. We only eat one table service a day but it takes us at least 1 or 1.5 hours to do so. We also do a counter service and relax at our table for another hour.(Funny, our girls are up and ready to go as soon as the inhale their food but we make them relax the hour)We also take a 1/2 break while eating a treat. With the above breaks, rides, and the shows we watch it isn't as if they spend hours at a time on their feet. Our youngest is a shrimp for her age and has never had an issue. We know our child(as most parents do) and will take a break if needed regardless of the time. We've used strollers for the four of them but there comes a point when the child can handle it, I don't believe a lot of parents want to take the time to slow down and face the fact that when traveling with kids you just can't see it all. Sorry but it's much easier to put them in a stroller and head off to the next thing rather than staying at the back of the crowd and walking at a slower pace. Anyone who has been to WDW as seen the crowds of people running from ride to ride and several of the people are pushing children who are old enough to walk but may not be able to keep the pace. It's just a convenience for many.

 

[maxiesmom]

So what if they are a convenience? Some families may find it convenient to use a stroller. Some may find it convenient to take breaks. Neither is wrong. And some judgy posters need to realize that.

 

[Tink_83]

So I think it’s fair to say this thread is officially . The OP wanted recommendations on strollers for older kids, not a debate on the appropriate age to stop using a stroller. For the record I’m in camp undecided but some of the strollerless posters have me feeling attacked just for considering a stroller. It’s ok to have different opinions and really, some of the strategies for going strollerless are useful. But taking the stance that somehow your a bad parent if you decide to use a stroller is not helpful nor is it a good debating strategy.

 

[Jetta8300]

We've used strollers for the four of them but there comes a point when the child can handle it, I don't believe a lot of parents want to take the time to slow down and face the fact that when traveling with kids you just can't see it all. Sorry but it's much easier to put them in a stroller and head off to the next thing rather than staying at the back of the crowd and walking at a slower pace. It's just a convenience for many.

This is my point...it is a convenience. And it's an allowed convenience. And when you can use a stroller and "see it all" as you put it, then why not? You said it yourself, it's easier to put them in a stroller and head off to the next ride. So why not? And that's what we, and many families will continue to do, until the kids are too big. And yes the kids are walking still miles a day and standing for hours. Our apple watches with GPS don't lie. lol

So what if they are a convenience? Some families may find it convenient to use a stroller. Some may find it convenient to take breaks. Neither is wrong. And some judgy posters need to realize that.

This above exactly.

As someone else said it has gotten off topic. To each their own, and if you want to make your kid walk, then make your kid walk. If you want a stroller then get a stroller. Nobody will make me feel bad for renting a stroller, and I think it's great that some families can do the walking without a stroller. But to the OP, don't let anyone's opinion influence your decision as to what is right for your family. Many families are there with strollers.

But my response was to remind people if they are first timers, that there is not just walking going on, but there is also a lot of standing in the ride lines to consider. With older children, (i'd say older than 4) Getting a stroller in the park allows you to make the decision while you are there, instead of being burdoned with carrying a stroller around ahead of time... or renting one that may be too small. And the ones available there for rent are larger, and also very convenient for larger children to get in and out of.

 

[Hikergirl]

So what if they are a convenience? Some families may find it convenient to use a stroller. Some may find it convenient to take breaks. Neither is wrong. And some judgy posters need to realize that.

You are right but I think trying to normalize using a stroller for a 7 year old, even for convenience is crazy.

 

[Jetta8300]

You are right but I think trying to normalize using a stroller for a 7 year old, even for convenience is crazy.

nobody is normalizing a stroller for a 7 year old at the mall. We haven't used a stroller since our son was 3 years old, in fact we sold it years ago. But when I'm paying $5000 for 5 days to see something, and my kid can hop in and out of a wagon so we can see more, and be more comfortable all day, especially in the heat, i'm going to take advantage.

 

[Lilsia]

nobody is normalizing a stroller for a 7 year old at the mall. We haven't used a stroller since our son was 3 years old, in fact we sold it years ago. But when I'm paying $5000 for 5 days to see something, and my kid can hop in and out of a wagon so we can see more, i'm going to take advantage.

Let me give you the benefit of my hindsight. My kids are almost out of the house so I am looking back on their life. Kids ages 6,7,8,9 are amazing. They still look at you like you are their world and are more then willing to share their life with you. Which does not last long. Looking back on our trips when they were that age, the best things that we experienced was walking with them, holding their hands and listening to whatever they wanted to say. They would comment on what rides we went on, the flowers, the next ride we are going on, the food, etc. Every day life is very hectic and we don't always get a lot of time to just talk to our kids. For us, that is what vacation is for, to connect and spend time together. I don't care if we went on a couple of rides less that day, or left the park an hour early because I loved hanging out with my girls. If I would have just pushed them around in the stroller to get from ride to ride, I would have missed all of those moments. Maybe you home school your kids and have plenty of daily time with them so your trips do not have the same vibe as ours. But for us, that is our time to have undivided attention with our kids. This is just my experience and reasoning. Take it as you will.

 

[NYCgrrl]

At Disney we walk an average of 9 miles per day if we do not have children with us, and 6-7 miles per day with children. It doesn't matter how far it is around the WS. Nobody does a single lap around the WS and then goes home. You have to go back and forth to get to dining reservations and fastpasses. In addition, while you are not walking, you are standing. It's not like you walk from place to place and then sit. You walk from place to place and then stand some more. There's no way MOST kids are capable of walking 6-7 miles per day, with doing nothing but standing in between.

So it's not about "endurance". It's about time spent standing. My brother in law runs 20k races regularly and has a hard time standing up all day long at disney. And we are not racing around the parks like madmen either. We always do 2 table service meals a day, and take breaks when needed and STILL walk that much.

Guess it points out differences in touring styles.
Neither I, DGD, or the man recall much standing around to the point that it was tiring.
I take full advantage of our FPs, try to group them together by time and distance and if I can get another fast pass or two via the app after the first 3 are done I will, otherwise the chances of us waiting on standby for any ride listed for more than 30 minutes are pretty low. I guess we function w/ the maxim that tomorrow is another day and there is sure to be a show on the streets or w/i an auditorium that we can visit. I try to avoid criss-crossing parks as much as possible whether eating or riding.

None of us have any interest in running although I swim laps regularly and DGD is into gymnastics. The man is on the dark side of his '70's, DGD is now 13, and I am as old as I am . Now you may say but she's a teenager so how can you compare her to 5,6, or 7 year olders? Easy, she grew up with us and started camping and hiking at the age of 2.5 (we used a child carrier then). We do wear good walking shoes and travel with 2 pairs - maybe that's the cause of the standing problem your family is faced with?

We also eat at between 1 and 2 TS eateries daily and when someone feels the need to sit down there are benches and seat height street furniture in every single park. Also great "out of the way" places like Tom Sawyer's Island @ MK, Katsuri Grill @ Epcot, Maharaja Trail @ AK, and HBD Lounge @ HS (good view of the March of the First Order from there). We also camp and Disney with my grand nephew who started out with us when he was 6 years old; he'll be either 10 or 11 sometime this spring.

The only other possible reason I can think of for your specific fatigue is a backpack/tote bag that's too heavy. We only take the bare necessities with us: AP cards, a c/c and some cash; phones and that's about it. Even gave up on water bottles (unless it's really hot) since you can get cold water at any QS for free. All my belongings fit in a wristlet and the others store their phones in their pockets. When we do souvenir shopping in the world we generally send the bags back to the hotel; great free service that Disney thought up. Saved the element of surprise when we purchased a Christmas gift for DGD and she was with us. We were able to present it to her on Christmas Day and then off to the park we went.

I hope you find a solution to the problem; not much fun feeling constantly tired at WDW.