10 Best Kids Watches 2026 in the United States

The Garmin Bounce 2 is a solid choice for a kids’ smartwatch, especially for parents who want to stay connected with their child. Its key strength lies in real-time GPS tracking and geofencing, giving parents peace of mind by knowing their child’s location and receiving alerts if they leave safe zones. The watch supports two-way calling and messaging, which is handy for quick check-ins. Battery life lasts about two days, which is reasonable but may require more frequent charging if connected features are used heavily.

The 1.2-inch round touchscreen is easy to navigate for kids, and the Garmin OS is designed to be user-friendly. It also includes built-in sports apps for tracking running, biking, and swimming, making it suitable for active children. The water resistance supports pool swimming. The lightweight design (1.4 ounces) and comfortable strap suit small wrists, helping with daily wearability.

Additional features like voice commands, task reminders, a school mode to limit distractions, and parental controls on the companion app add good value. Many features require an active subscription with LTE connectivity, which adds ongoing costs and dependency on cellular coverage. The memory and storage (4GB each) are adequate but not exceptional. While durable enough for everyday use, the watch may not withstand very rough play. The Garmin Bounce 2 suits parents seeking a reliable way to monitor and communicate with their kids while offering fitness and music features, though it may feel complex and pricier compared to simpler, basic watches.

The Fitbit Ace LTE is a solid choice for a kids’ smartwatch, especially for parents wanting a reliable way to stay connected with their children. It offers built-in 4G LTE and GPS, so you can easily locate your child and communicate through calls and messages without needing a separate phone. The watch is durable with Corning Gorilla Glass 3, a protective bumper, and water resistance up to 50 meters, making it tough enough to handle everyday play and splashes. Its 1.6-inch touchscreen is clear and responsive, designed with kids in mind, while the strap is comfortable for small wrists, though only one size is included, which might not fit all kids perfectly. Battery life is good, lasting over 16 hours and charging quickly, so it can keep up with active days. The built-in activity games encourage movement, helping kids stay active in a fun way. School Time mode helps limit distractions during class while still allowing important contact.

Additional features like Tap to Pay add modern convenience, though it requires setup with a supported kids' debit card. On the downside, messaging is limited to approved contacts aged 13 and up, which might restrict social use, and the watch requires a data plan (Ace Pass) for full LTE functionality, adding ongoing costs. This watch effectively blends safety, fitness, and connectivity for kids, but parents should consider the extra data plan expense and ensure the strap fits their child comfortably.

The BIGGERFIVE Smart Watch for Kids is a versatile and appealing option for children aged 5 to 16. Its standout feature is its all-day activity tracking, which includes steps, distance, calories burned, and active minutes across 80 sports modes, such as walking, running, and swimming, thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating. This makes it highly durable and suitable for various activities, even water-based ones.

The 1.8-inch HD touch screen is sizable and user-friendly, and the customizable watch face adds a touch of personalization that kids will enjoy. The watch also includes built-in puzzle games to enhance cognitive skills, with parental controls to manage playtime effectively. Health monitoring features like heart rate and sleep tracking are beneficial for promoting wellness among children.

The device's ability to function without an app or phone is convenient, though pairing it with an app can unlock further functionality. The strap material is not specified, but its design is casual and kid-friendly. One potential drawback is the reliance on Bluetooth connectivity, which may limit some features if the phone is not nearby. Additionally, while it offers comprehensive features, the absence of a built-in GPS might be a downside for parents seeking precise location tracking. The watch's stylish design and various functionalities make it a great gift choice for special occasions.