Kids in tow

I'm wondering about the meaning of "kids in tow."

Does it refer specifically to younger childer? Was its origin from getting goats organized? Any info on this would be appreciated. Thanks.

It's nothing to do with goats. "In tow" is a nautical metaphor; if you encounter a boat whose engines have failed, and pass a rope to tow it back to harbour, you "take it in tow", and as long as you are towing it you "have it in tow".

In a metaphorical sense, anyone or anything that you have charge of and are leading around can be said to be "in tow": children, country cousins, a party of schoolchildren, a Japanese trade delegation, anything like that.