Smartwatches for Kids: Top Picks and Key Features

Smartwatches aren’t just for adults—they can be a practical way to stay connected with your child. Kids’ smartwatches offer essential features that let parents check in, track location, and communicate easily, all from a device that’s safe and simple for children to use.

These watches typically include call and messaging functions, GPS tracking, and sometimes even SOS alerts, giving you peace of mind while your child has some independence. We’ll cover the key features to consider when choosing a smartwatch for kids and highlight some of the top models of 2025, so your child can stay connected safely and conveniently.

Key Considerations When Buying a Smartwatch for Your Child

Durability

It’s crucial to ensure any smartwatch you get for your child has a durable build that can take a beating.

The casing should be made of a rigid polymer or plastic for superior resistance to cracks, drops, and shocks. The straps should be made of silicone, which provides flexibility and comfort while still being tear-resistant. There are also smartwatches with rubberized edges for additional impact protection.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is closely tied to a smartwatch’s durability. While most models for kids and adults can handle some exposure to water, the level of protection varies between devices. Checking the water-resistance rating in the specifications can help you understand what your smartwatch can safely handle.

Most smartwatches include an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which indicates resistance to dust and water. Common ratings for wearables are IP67, IP68, and IPX4:

• IP67: Dust-tight and safe for handwashing, splashes, or brief dips in water.
• IP68: Dust-tight and suitable for swimming or longer exposure to water.
• IPX4: Splash- and sweat-resistant but not rated for dust.

When reviewing specs, pay attention not just to the IP rating but also to any manufacturer notes about submersion limits (e.g., maximum depth or time). This can prevent accidental damage during swimming, showers, or outdoor activities.

Battery Life

Kids’ smartwatches generally have smaller batteries than adult models, but most still provide at least 1–2 days of use on a full charge. Some models can last 3–5 days in standby mode, depending on usage.

Battery life in the specifications is often listed as typical usage versus standby time, which helps you estimate real-world performance. Features like GPS tracking, Wi-Fi, messaging, and games will drain the battery faster, so it’s worth looking for models with energy-efficient processors or power-saving modes.

If possible, check whether the watch supports fast charging or has a removable charger, which can make it easier to keep the device ready for daily use.

Connectivity

Staying connected with your child is a top priority, so understanding the connectivity options of kids’ smartwatches is essential. Most models include a mix of the following:

• Cellular (4G/LTE): Allows your child to make and receive calls or messages without needing a paired smartphone. Check which carriers are supported and whether the watch requires a separate data plan. Some models also include emergency calling features that can reach preset contacts even if the main plan is inactive.
• GPS: Built-in GPS enables real-time location tracking, letting you see where your child is at all times. Many watches include geofencing, which alerts you if your child leaves a designated “safe area.” In the specifications, look for accuracy ratings or updates per second, as more frequent updates can improve safety during outdoor activities.
• Wi-Fi: Supports app updates, messaging, and media use without consuming cellular data. Some models can automatically switch between Wi-Fi and cellular to optimize battery life and connectivity.
• Bluetooth: Lets your child connect to wireless headphones, tablets, or compatible smartphones. Check the Bluetooth version in the specs—newer versions (e.g., 5.0 or higher) offer faster pairing, longer range, and better energy efficiency.

When comparing models, consider which combination of these features fits your child’s needs. For example, if your child spends a lot of time outdoors, GPS with geofencing and reliable cellular coverage is critical, while occasional indoor use might only require Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Health & Activity Tracking

Smartwatches for kids offer a terrific way for kids to track their daily activity. It also helps parents stay on top of their health and fitness. At the very least, a kids’ smartwatch has a sensor for step tracking. However, there are models with sensors that can track heart rate, sleep patterns and calories burned.

Design & Style

Kids can pick watches featuring designs inspired by their favorite TV shows, movies, or characters, adding a fun, personalized touch that reflects their personality.

As with regular smartwatches, those designed for kids are available in varying case shapes and display sizes. There are models with round, square, rectangular, or wrist-band style cases, and display sizes ranging from 28 to 34 mm for younger children (5-8 years old) and 35 to 40mm for older kids (9-12 years old).

Case thickness isn’t as crucial a consideration as it is with a regular smartwatch because kids’ smartwatches are lightweight. However, for reference, they’re typically anywhere from 8 to 14mm.

User Interface & Apps

One crucial difference between kids’ and regular smartwatches is the operating system. Most smartwatches for adults run either Wear OS or watchOS, both of which can be challenging for kids to navigate. Kids’ smartwatches often have proprietary operating systems with interfaces that are super user-friendly for children.

Many kids’ smartwatches offer access to a variety of recreational, educational, and communication apps. Here are some of the most common apps you can expect to find on a kids’ smartwatch:

• Educational: Problem-solving and learning games
• Entertainment: Kid-friendly music and podcasts
• Communication: Calling or messaging
• Activity: Step counters and movement challenges

Parental Controls

Parental controls can give parents peace of mind knowing that their child is using a smartwatch safely. There are a few key parental controls to look for, but there are three essential features you’ll want to make sure your child’s smartwatch has.

• Contact management allows your child to reach only approved family and friends, keeping them safe from unwanted contacts.
• Location tracking shows your child’s real-time location, and some models even send alerts if your child enters or leaves designated safe areas.
• Usage restrictions allow you to set screen time limits and control app access, ensuring your child isn’t distracted at school, stays up late, or accesses content that isn’t suitable for kids.
• Emergency buttons or quick location sharing allow your child to call for help if needed, instantly alerting you to their location and status.

Top 3 Smartwatches for Kids

Fitbit Google Ace LTE

The Fitbit Ace LTE is designed for kids, but it offers a handful of neat features you’d typically find in a regular smartwatch. It features a square case with rounded edges, allowing kids to make and receive calls and messages without a phone number.

It features built-in 4G LTE and GPS location capabilities, allowing you to check in on your child at any time. Family Group and Siblings chat lets kids stay connected with family members and stay in the loop about pickup times and more. Kids can enjoy entertainment such as the Fitbit Arcade and track their fitness with the Noodle Activity Rings. Plus, you can schedule a designated “School Time” when kids have limited access to entertainment apps.

It’s a terrific smartwatch that gets as close to a standard model as possible while prioritizing parental controls, effective communication and kids’ entertainment. Additionally, the monthly LTE plan is very affordable at just $10 per month.

Garmin Bounce 2

Have a pre-teen who needs a way to stay in touch with you while they’re out with friends? If so, the Garmin Bounce 2 is a premium smartwatch for kids that offers a range of entertaining and communication features.

For starters, the Garmin Bounce 2 features a rugged build, making it suitable for active kids, and boasts a bright, colorful display that resembles a standard smartwatch. It features built-in activity modes, including running, biking, and swimming, and offers a battery life that lasts up to 2 days.

The Garmin Bounce 2 is an excellent bridge between your child and their first smartphone, as it allows them to send and receive voice messages from approved contacts. Kids can track sports, sleep and daily activity, and you can choose a data plan from Garmin that works best for your budget or needs.

TickTalk5

The TickTalk5 is a terrific starter smartwatch for younger children. It features a user-friendly interface, making it easy for kids to navigate menus and contact you if necessary. It also features a modern design and provides superior signal coverage across 4G LTE networks worldwide.

It lacks internet, games and social media, but that’s not a bad thing. It allows kids to stay connected without parents having to worry about what they’re exposed to online or who they’re communicating with. It enables voice and video calls over Wi-Fi or data, and offers access to helpful apps such as a calculator, stopwatch, calendar or timer.

It doesn’t offer activity tracking features like some other smartwatches for kids, but this model is a barebones option with a durable build that’s excellent for children aged 3-12. It’s lightweight, water-resistant and equipped with a 5MP selfie camera.

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