There are some things that, no matter how much time passes or how much the world around us continues to evolve, never quite lose the magic that made them so special in the first place.
Things that, for generations, have become something of a staple of childhood, helping shape countless memories and inspiring some of the most extraordinary adventures that could only exist within the limitless possibilities of our imaginations. Whether it was spending long afternoons exploring the outdoors, turning the simplest of everyday objects into something remarkable or creating entire worlds from nothing more than an idea, there is something truly special about the ways children can find wonder in even the most ordinary of things.
And while childhood today certainly looks quite different from what it did decades ago, there are some things that have managed to remain just as beloved and recognizable as they were when they first entered the world.
Something that is especially true for one of the most iconic names in childhood play.
Radio Flyer.
For more than a century, the beloved company has been helping children and families create unforgettable memories through its iconic collection of wagons, tricycles and other outdoor toys. With its signature little red wagon becoming something of a symbol of childhood itself, Radio Flyer has spent generations encouraging children to explore the world around them and discover just how far a little creativity and imagination can take them.
And now, after more than a hundred years of helping children bring their own adventures to life, Radio Flyer is taking that same spirit of wonder into an entirely new chapter.
One that is bringing the magic of its beloved little red wagon into the world of animation.
That’s right! Radio Flyer has officially entered the world of animated storytelling with Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids, an original series from Radio Flyer Studios that is preparing to welcome young audiences back for another season of extraordinary adventures. And with ten all-new episodes beginning to arrive on YouTube on November 2, 2026, there is certainly a whole lot of excitement waiting just around the corner.
At the heart of Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids are two rather delightful siblings, Max, an adventurous young dog, and his younger sister Maple, a curious beaver who shares his love for discovering the world around them. Together, the duo spends their days exploring, inventing and finding new ways to turn even the simplest of activities into something extraordinary. And naturally, no adventure would be complete without their trusty little red wagon and its rather unusual companions, the Wheelios.
But what makes their adventures particularly charming is that they don’t necessarily have to travel very far to find something exciting.
In fact, many of their greatest journeys begin right in the backyard of their Grandpa Tony’s Fix-It Shop, where the wise squirrel has helped create the perfect place for his grandchildren to explore their curiosity and discover the wonderful possibilities that come with a little imagination. Whether they are working together to solve an unexpected problem, coming up with a new invention or finding themselves in the middle of another imaginative escapade, Max and Maple are always discovering something new about themselves and the world around them.
And when their beloved red wagon can transform into everything from a spaceship to a time machine or even an ice cream truck, there really is no telling where their imaginations might take them next.
Of course, every great adventure comes with its own share of unexpected challenges. Joining the siblings is their sometimes-nervous turtle neighbor Thelma, alongside the mischievous Wheelios, who are always finding new ways to bring a little extra comedy and excitement into the mix. Through their adventures together, the characters discover the importance of working as a team, embracing new ideas and understanding that making mistakes is simply another part of learning something new.
A message that feels particularly fitting for a series built around encouraging children to believe in themselves and the incredible things they can accomplish when they aren’t afraid to give something a try.
The upcoming second season will feature ten new seven-minute adventures, with a new episode arriving every three weeks. Each installment will also feature an original song, helping bring the stories and their messages to life through music while adding another layer of entertainment for younger audiences.
And speaking of music, there is a rather familiar name attached to this project that longtime animation fans will certainly recognize.
Daniel Ingram!
That’s right, the Emmy-nominated composer behind the music of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic is bringing his talents to Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids, creating the original songs and score for the series. And considering just how much his music helped define the heart and personality of Friendship Is Magic, it’s rather exciting to see him lending that same musical talent to another animated world filled with imagination, friendship and adventure.
But Ingram isn’t the only familiar name bringing this delightful little world to life.
In fact, the creative team behind Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids features an impressive collection of individuals whose work has helped shape some of the most recognizable children’s animated series of the past several decades. Leading the production are Executive Producer and Head of Studio Carrie Miller, whose credits include Adventure Time, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! and Bravest Warriors, alongside Executive Producer Deborah Frank, whose previous work includes Arthur and Work It Out Wombats!.
And when looking at the writing team, things become even more exciting.
Serving as Head Writer is Peter Hannan, the creator of CatDog, who is joined by Recess co-creator Joe Ansolabehere, Emmy-winning writer Liz Hara and Christie Insley. With their combined credits including productions such as Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, Sesame Street and Dinosaur Train, there is no question that Radio Flyer Studios has brought together an incredibly experienced group of storytellers to help establish this new animated property.
The series also features character designs from Annie Award-winning artist Taylor Krahenbuhl, direction from Ross Norton and animation from Brazil-based Combo Studio.
And while there is certainly plenty to be excited about when looking at the talent behind the production, there is something else about Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids that makes this particular project stand out.
Its connection to the very history of Radio Flyer itself.
When Antonio Pasin founded Radio Flyer back in 1917, he began a legacy that would eventually become synonymous with childhood play for generations of families. And more than a century later, that very same philosophy continues to guide the company under the leadership of his grandson, Robert Pasin, who serves as Radio Flyer’s CEO and Chief Wagon Officer.
“When my grandpa Antonio founded Radio Flyer in 1917, he believed childhood should be about play and making memories together that last a lifetime – and that’s what Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids is all about,” said Pasin.
And in many ways, that is what makes the premise of this animated series so fitting for the beloved brand.
After all, there is something rather extraordinary about a company that has spent more than a century helping children create their own stories now stepping into the world of storytelling itself. Taking the very ideas of imagination, exploration and childhood wonder that have helped define Radio Flyer for generations and bringing them to life through a new collection of characters and adventures.
All while encouraging young viewers to discover that the world beyond their screens can be just as exciting as the stories they enjoy watching.
And the adventures don’t stop with Max and Maple’s main series, either!
Radio Flyer Studios is also expanding the world of its animated characters through Wheelios, a collection of comedic animated shorts following the mischievous little companions on their own adventures when they aren’t helping Max and Maple. Young fans can also enjoy Max & Maple’s Big Adventure Podcast, featuring longer original audio stories with the familiar characters, with additional episodes, music videos and character shorts on the way.
With a remarkable creative team, a beloved company with more than a century of history and an animated world built around the magic of imagination, Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids is certainly bringing something rather charming to the world of children’s entertainment.
And perhaps what makes it all the more special is the reminder that some of the most wonderful childhood memories aren’t necessarily made through the grandest of experiences. Sometimes, they come from the simplest moments, the most unexpected discoveries and the adventures we create for ourselves when we allow our imaginations to take the lead.
Because after more than a hundred years, one thing remains just as true as it was when Radio Flyer’s first little red wagons began rolling into the lives of children.
There is still a whole world of adventure waiting to be discovered.
And sometimes, all it takes is a little red wagon to get things moving.
The second season of Max & Maple: The Can-Do Kids arrives on YouTube beginning November 2, 2026, with new episodes premiering every three weeks.
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