10 Best Smart Watch For Kids 2026 in the United States

The TickTalk 5 is a strong choice for a kids' smartwatch, especially for children aged 3 to 12. Its GPS tracking is highly accurate thanks to AI-powered SmartPin technology, giving parents peace of mind by providing precise real-time location updates even indoors. Communication features are very solid, with support for HD voice and video calls, real SMS texting, and secure group chats—all controlled to block unknown contacts, which adds safety. The watch also includes an SOS button for emergencies that instantly alerts parents with location details.

Battery life is impressive, offering over 100 hours of standby time, so it can comfortably last throughout the day without frequent recharging. Durability-wise, it’s designed for active kids with IP67 water resistance and shockproof, dustproof construction, meaning it can handle typical playtime bumps and splashes. For entertainment and education, TickTalk 5 offers kid-friendly music streaming, an activity tracker with step goals, and practical apps like a calculator and calendar. It avoids distracting games and social media, focusing on useful and safe features. The parental controls are comprehensive and user-friendly, letting parents manage contacts, monitor usage, set reminders, and control the watch’s functions easily from a smartphone app.

The watch supports 4G LTE with wide signal coverage, making it reliable for calls and messages both in the US and in many other countries. The screen size is modest at 1.52 inches, which is appropriate for kids but may feel small for some. While the watch has many features, younger kids might need some initial help from parents to learn how to use it. TickTalk 5 is well suited for families seeking a secure, communicative, and durable smartwatch for young children, with excellent GPS tracking and parental controls that balance safety with engaging features without overwhelming kids.

The Fitbit Google Ace LTE is a smart choice for kids, combining safety, fun, and fitness in one device. Thanks to built-in GPS and 4G LTE, parents can easily track their child's location and keep in touch through calls and messages without needing a separate phone. It supports up to 20 contacts, which helps maintain a secure and controlled communication circle. The watch’s battery lasts over 16 hours and charges quickly, so it can keep up with an active kid’s day. Durability is a strong point here—Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and a protective bumper make it resistant to bumps, scratches, and water up to 50 meters, so it handles rough play well.

The Fitbit Arcade offers a variety of movement-based games that encourage kids to stay active, while the School Time feature helps parents limit distractions during class. Parental controls through the app ensure safety and control over gameplay and contacts, but setup requires a Google account and compatible Android or iOS devices, which might be tricky for some. One unique addition is the Tap to Pay feature, letting kids make small purchases with a linked debit card, which can teach money management. The screen is bright and easy to use with a touchscreen interface, and the watch is lightweight and comfortable for kids to wear.

This watch needs the Fitbit Ace Pass data plan to access its full range of features, which adds ongoing cost. Additionally, kids under 13 cannot message each other, limiting direct social interaction. The Fitbit Ace LTE is well suited as a kids' smartwatch focused on safety, fitness, and controlled communication, especially for families already comfortable with Fitbit or Google products.

The Garmin Bounce™ 2 is designed with kids and parents in mind, offering solid GPS tracking that lets parents monitor their child's location in real-time and set safe zones with alerts. Communication is straightforward, supporting two-way calls and messaging through the Garmin Jr. app, which helps keep families connected easily. Battery life can last up to 2 days, which is decent for daily use, but heavy use of connected features like calling and GPS will drain it faster. The watch is lightweight and features a 1.2-inch touchscreen that’s easy for kids to use. It also includes fun and educational elements, such as built-in sports apps for tracking activities and music playback with subscriptions, which can help engage children in healthy habits.

Parents have good control through the app: they can assign tasks, monitor steps and sleep, and even lock distracting features during school time to encourage focus. The LTE subscription for connectivity is managed by Garmin, so no extra phone provider is needed, simplifying setup. Some features require an active subscription and reliable LTE coverage, which might be a limitation depending on your area. The watch is suitable for everyday kid use rather than rough outdoor play. The Garmin Bounce™ 2 balances safety, communication, and fun, making it a dependable tracking and communication tool with added healthy activity incentives, though families should consider the ongoing subscription and coverage needs.