Best Smartwatches for Elementary School Kids: Keeping Little Wrists Busy and Parents Sane

Remember when the coolest thing a watch could do was light up in the dark? Wow, things have really changed—and so have the gadgets kids wear.

Today’s elementary-aged kids don’t just check the time. They text, play games, and sometimes even let us know they made it home. Smartwatches for kids give us a way to check in without turning into full-blown spies, and kids love feeling a little more grown up.

But just slapping any mini-computer on a six-year-old’s arm? That’s not the best idea. We’ve got to think about safety settings, ease of use, and durability. Let’s be honest, the floor is lava more often than not.

Battery life matters too. We want something waterproof enough for juice spills, but not so loaded with features that our kids start acting like tiny secret agents.

So, we went on a hunt for smartwatches that offer fun, function, and a way for us to keep in touch—without turning kids into screen zombies. We pored over reviews, asked actual kids, and even tried on a few ourselves. We wanted smartwatches that actually work for families, not just look good in ads.

Best Smartwatches for Elementary School Kids

Kids love gadgets almost as much as they love snacks. Let’s look at some smartwatches that honestly make us wish we were back in third grade—with better tech and way fewer math tests.

TotsyFun Kids 2025 Smartwatch

If you want to keep tabs on your kids without strapping a GPS to their shoes, this smartwatch deserves a look.

Pros

• GPS tracking lets us see where our little ninjas go after school
• Video and voice calling are limited to the contacts we choose, so no random spam calls
• Tough enough to handle recess and kid chaos

Cons

• SIM card setup can be more confusing than 5th grade math
• Battery life isn’t great, especially if your kid is a chatterbox
• GPS sometimes acts up, which makes hide-and-seek a real adventure

When we opened the TotsyFun smartwatch, it immediately felt sturdy. We watched it bounce off playground equipment and survive the bottom of a backpack. It’s honestly tougher than some of our coffee mugs.

Swapping out the straps for a better fit helped our kids avoid itchy wrists. That’s a small win, but we’ll take it.

The app lets us check our child’s location any time, which is oddly comforting. Setting up speed dial for grandma and blocking unknown numbers means no random calls—unless you count grandma’s “can I talk to the dog?” moments.

Video calling quickly became a favorite. Yes, kids still make faces during math class, even from afar.

We hit a few snags with the SIM card setup, which took longer than we hoped. If your kid drains batteries fast, keep the charger nearby.

The GPS is usually accurate, but sometimes it claims our kid is two streets away, which led to some frantic, unexpected treasure hunts. Still, this smartwatch strikes a good balance of safety, fun, and just enough tech to keep everyone happy (and a bit more relaxed).

VTech KidiZoom DX4 Watch

If you want your kid to look cooler than you did at age 10 (and maybe have more features on their wrist), this watch is a blast.

Pros

• Durable design handles rough kid-play
• Dual cameras and games spark creativity
• Fun clock faces help kids practice telling time

Cons

• No GPS, so you can’t track lunchtime escapes
• Some games might distract from homework
• Needs recharging often—easy to forget

We’ve tried a bunch of kids’ watches, but the VTech KidiZoom DX4 stands out right away. The screen is bright and colorful, and the two cameras mean you’ll get plenty of blurry pet photos.

Our testers ran outside, got caught in a sprinkler, and the watch kept working. We wouldn’t toss it in the pool, though.

Changing the clock faces is a breeze, and shaking the watch to hear the time never gets old for some reason. There’s a wide range of games, plus a dance step counter that actually gets kids moving.

If you want to use the watch for tracking, you’re out of luck—there’s no GPS. But for fun selfies, making music, and sneaking in a few math skills, we kind of wish we had one ourselves.

Fitbit Ace LTE Kids Smartwatch

Active kids who want cool tech without a phone will probably love this one.

Pros

• Messaging and calling keep us connected, even during wild playground adventures
• Movement-based games actually get kids up and moving
• Durable build survives bumps, drops, and sticky hands

Cons

• Needs a data plan, so we have to pay ongoing costs
• Some features are tricky for younger kids to figure out alone
• Battery won’t last a whole weekend sleepover without charging

After testing the Fitbit Ace LTE Kids Smartwatch, we can say the movement-based games are a hit. The watch encourages our kids to rack up steps, jumps, or just stay active.

The little dance party when they hit their goal always gets big grins (and a few wild moves). We like being able to check their location or shoot a quick message when they’re out and about.

It’s nice to have that peace of mind without giving them a full-blown smartphone. Setup isn’t super fast, but once it’s running, it’s easy for us to check in—and harder for them to lose.

The downside? Remembering to charge it and deal with the data plan adds to the never-ending parenting to-do list. Some games take a bit to figure out, but the variety helps keep kids interested, especially when they unlock new rewards with different bands.

If your kids are begging for their first smartwatch, this one keeps up with their energy—and even survives the kitchen sink.

BIGGERFIVE Kids Smartwatch

If you want your kids to stay active while pretending they’re mini secret agents, this watch totally fits the bill.

Pros

• Gets kids moving without us nagging
• Handles water fights and rainy recesses like a champ
• Works without a phone or app

Cons

• The band might not survive wild playground action
• Built-in games can distract kids
• Too many customization choices can feel overwhelming

We love that our kids can use the BIGGERFIVE Kids Smartwatch without needing a phone. That’s a huge relief when you want to avoid tech battles at breakfast.

The step counter has turned our kids into little pacing machines, and honestly, we’re not complaining. Thanks to IP68 waterproofing, the watch has survived accidental dips in the sink and even cannonballs at the pool.

It tracks steps, heart rate, and sleep, so we get a peek at how energetic (or tired) our kids really are. Custom watch faces are fun, though after the fifth photo of our cat, the novelty wears off for us faster than for them.

The puzzle games are a nice feature, but if we forget to set school time controls, they can turn into a distraction. We’ve seen a few bands snap after some rough play, so check those straps now and then.

This smartwatch makes a great gift, gets kids moving, and brings more laughs than complaints to our house.

Phyulls Kids Smart Watch

This one packs in enough features to make kids feel like secret agents—just missing the laser beams.

Pros

• Tons of games, music, and a selfie cam for fun
• Easy menus make it simple for kids—no adult tech support required
• Battery life outlasts most car rides

Cons

• No calling or texting, so it’s not a phone replacement
• Camera isn’t the sharpest (expect lots of blurry grins)
• Some games might get old after a while

We tried out the Phyulls smartwatch and, honestly, we had to stop ourselves from playing with it. The built-in games and endless (and often silly) selfies were a big hit with our kids.

Navigation is super simple—our youngest testers flipped through features and changed watch faces with just a few taps. Charging is quick, and the battery lasts a couple of days, even with kids treating the pedometer like a step-counting contest and the torch button like a disco light.

The band feels soft and comfortable, and we didn’t see any wrist complaints or red marks. Downsides? It’s not a smartphone replacement, and the camera isn’t going to win awards, but for younger kids who just want to play and explore, it’s a great pick.

For the price, it’s a sturdy, fun option to keep little hands busy—without any surprise calls to grandma.

MOKAST Kids Smart Watch

Looking to impress elementary kids and maybe get your phone back for once? This smartwatch might just save your sanity (and your data plan).

Pros

• Tons of games and activities—boredom doesn’t stand a chance
• Fun camera features for the budding photographer
• Super simple interface (even grown-ups can figure it out without a manual)

Cons

• No GPS, so you’ll still need to remember where your kid wandered off
• Battery gives up quickly after marathon gaming sessions
• Strap feels pretty plasticky and gets sweaty on active days

The MOKAST Kids Smart Watch brings kids into the tech fun without breaking the bank. Our kid testers ditched their fidget cubes and pop-its, glued to the screen for hours with all the games and puzzles.

The photo and video camera brought out their silly sides. We ended up with way more goofy face stickers than actual reminders about homework.

Setting up routines felt easier than expected. We programmed “walk the dog” before “homework,” and shockingly, it worked for three whole days.

Watching them set alarms for brushing teeth and bedtime felt surreal. Maybe there’s hope for less nagging in the future?

We did hit a few snags. Without GPS, the watch sometimes vanished during hide-and-seek.

After too many puzzle tournaments, we had to recharge sooner than we’d hoped. The strap, while comfy, left our more active kids with sweaty wrists.

But for fun and learning in one small gadget, we’re keeping this on our “great gift” list for every birthday that pops up.

4G Kids Smart Watch by tykjszgs

Want peace of mind and fewer distractions during study time? This watch covers tracking, calling, and enough games to keep a car full of kids busy.

Pros

• Built-in GPS lets us keep an eye on adventurous kids
• Video and voice calling—no more searching for lost phones
• School mode cuts out distractions during class

Cons

• GPS sometimes gets a bit lost, just like us on Monday mornings
• You’ll need to buy a SIM card separately
• Changing date and time can be tricky if tech isn’t your thing

When we unboxed this watch, the friendly look and comfy fit stood out—great for younger kids. The pink color popped, and the display felt easy enough for kids to use on their own.

The GPS tracker and geo-fencing actually gave us some relief. Our little one wandered to the neighbor’s, and the app let us know before she could even ask for a popsicle.

Sometimes, though, the GPS thinks our kid’s halfway down the street when she’s just in the backyard. We always double-check before panicking.

School mode is a game changer for cutting distractions. The calling feature worked whenever we needed a quick check-in.

Setup took longer than we’d hoped, and the SIM card thing is a hassle. Still, for the price and what you get, the 4G Kids Smart Watch by tykjszgs stands out for kids starting with smart devices.

Sootingot Kids’ Smart Watch

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that keeps kids busy and gives you a breather, this one feels like a solid choice.

Pros

• Loads of kid-friendly features—games, music, even a camera
• Durable and waterproof, perfect for wild playground days
• No phone needed, but easy to connect if you want more features

Cons

• No GPS tracking, so you can’t play spy
• The app has more options, but setup gets fiddly
• Not every kid uses the health features (ours ignored the heart monitor)

Right out of the box, the bright screen grabbed our attention. Our kids obsessed over changing the watch face—honestly, they spent forever picking just the right picture.

The reward coins nudged them to move more, and that meant less arguing about going outside.

We put this watch through the wringer: water fights, dirt, and a few drops (okay, more than a few). It handled the chaos like a champ.

While the games and stories were a hit, some of the deeper settings needed a grown-up to help out.

If you care about health stats, the sleep and heart monitoring are genuinely useful—at least when the kids remember to wear the watch to bed.

For daily stuff, it managed alarms, timers, and music without a meltdown (from the watch, at least). We wish it had GPS, but for elementary kids, this tough little gadget covers the basics and more.

TickTalk 5 Kids Smart Watch

Want to keep tabs on your adventurous kid without giving them total internet freedom? This smartwatch is a clever solution.

Pros

• Super clear calls and video chats keep us connected—sometimes just to see a bug they found
• GPS is so accurate it almost ruins hide-and-seek
• Parental controls feel straight out of a spy movie

Cons

• It’s pretty chunky, so it looks big on tiny wrists
• No games—bad news for the little gamers
• Battery sometimes needs a nap before the day’s over

Setting up the TickTalk 5 made us feel weirdly tech-savvy. The guided steps got it paired with our phone in minutes, and soon we were dialing up our mini-me for a quick “where are you?” check.

Our kids think the video calling is magic, and honestly, we kind of agree—especially when they’re waving from the backyard.

We love how customizable the safety features are. Managing contacts, checking location updates, and locking the watch during school hours all happens from our phones.

The GPS tracking gave us extra peace of mind when our wild ones roamed the park.

It’s not perfect. The watch is chunky, and our youngest looks like a tiny secret agent.

Not having games means fewer distractions, which is great—though it did get a few groans. If you want a watch that calls, tracks, and keeps your kid secure without turning them into a screen zombie, this one stands out.

Nyonio Kids Smartwatch

Trying to keep your tech-hungry kid busy, on time, and moving without spending a fortune? This watch pretty much covers it—except for calling home to ask for dessert.

Pros

• Handles spills and puddles like a champ
• Tons of sports modes for every little athlete
• Customizable backgrounds that kids change nonstop

Cons

• Screen scratches if your kid thinks they’re Indiana Jones
• No GPS, so you’re still playing “Where’s my child?”
• Step tracking isn’t always accurate (especially on trampolines)

The Nyonio Kids Smartwatch gave us a gadget kids actually use (and enjoy). Our bunch loved picking wallpapers—pets, broccoli, dinosaurs, you name it.

The adjustable strap fits skinny wrists and stays put at lunch.

It handles rough play, but let’s be honest: if your kid wrestles the family dog, the screen might not come out unscathed.

Step tracking felt a bit optimistic (or pessimistic), especially with wild running or Olympic-level jump-roping.

Reminders to stand, drink water, and get moving help keep kids on track. The vibrating alarm is way gentler than an air horn for school mornings.

Not having a call feature isn’t a big deal—it avoids prank calls to Grandma.

If your kid needs a way to track their activities (and you want a break from being the human alarm clock), this watch nails it. It’s colorful, fun, and the battery actually lasts—sometimes half the week goes by before we remember to charge it!

Buying Guide

Let’s be honest, not every smartwatch deserves a spot on your kid’s wrist. We’re sifting through a sea of beeping, flashing rectangles—some of them barely smarter than a rock. So, how do you find the good ones? Here’s what I look for when I’m shopping, and maybe you should too.

1. Safety First!
We want GPS tracking and SOS buttons, no question. If your kid somehow wanders off into a unicorn parade three blocks away, you’ll at least have a clue where to start looking. Parental controls? Absolute must.

2. Toughness Counts
Kids drop stuff. All the time. Pick smartwatches with water resistance and tough materials, just in case the thing takes a swim in the lunchroom’s pudding. You know it’ll happen.

3. Battery Life
If the battery dies before the last bell rings, what’s the point? Make sure the watch can handle a full school day, maybe even more if your kid’s into after-school adventures.

4. Age-Appropriate Features
Nobody needs a tax calculator on a kid’s watch. Stick to calling, messaging, step tracking, and maybe a couple of fun games—nothing too wild. Sorry, disco strobe lights are probably a no.

Smartwatch Features Cheat Sheet

Must-Have	Nice-to-Have	Maybe Skip
GPS Tracking	Camera	Social Media Apps
SOS/Emergency	Simple Games	Complicated Settings
Water Resistance	Fitness Tracker	App Store Access

Before you get too excited, double-check if the watch actually works with your phone. Nobody wants to spend Saturday wrestling with Bluetooth.