Kids’ watches are more than just time-telling devices. They serve as fun accessories and practical learning tools for children.
With so many styles, functionalities, and designs on the market, choosing the right one can be a playful yet practical addition to your child’s daily routine.
We put many hours on the clock searching for the best kids’ watches. This article highlights our top 15 picks, focusing on durability, features, and child-friendly designs.
- 10-year battery life
- Water-resistant within 50 meters
- Made in the USA
- Silicone strap
- Includes protective plastic
- Splash resistant
- Earphone supported
- Versatile
- Soft and breathable silicone strap
- Easy to tell the time
- Easy to follow
- Bright & simple design
- Parent-controlled app
- Has reward system
- Goal tracker
Should Kids Wear Watches?
Most people are visual learners. Wearing a watch helps your child visualize time (1). A watch is a crucial tool to help your little one understand:
- Duration: How much time has actually passed.
- Perception: What a specific period, like 10 minutes, feels like.
- Schedules: Tracking deadlines and appointment times.
- Transitions: How to wind down an activity and prepare to stop doing something they enjoy.
Kids’ watches meet these learning needs. They show the time, are fun to wear, and usually withstand a child’s rough-and-tumble world.
Watches are also a key stepping stone to independence. When your child wears a watch, you can trust them to be home by a specific time.
What Age Should A Child Get A Watch?
There are no hard rules about when to get a child a watch. However, a 3-year-old can begin to learn the basics of time. Any time from that point on is acceptable for a child to start wearing one.
Types Of Watches For Kids
Analog Watches
Analog watches feature a traditional clock face with numbers and hands to indicate the hours and minutes.
Pros
- Educational: They are excellent for teaching a child how to read a clock face.
- Foundational: A child who learns on an analog watch will find digital displays easy to read later.
- Universal skills: Reading an analog watch allows a child to read wall clocks anywhere they go.
Cons
- Learning curve: It often takes longer to learn to tell time on an analog watch.
- Simplicity: Analog watches typically have fewer features than digital counterparts.
Digital Watches
Digital watches display the time using digits on an LED screen rather than a clock face with hands.
Pros
- Feature-rich: Digital watches usually include extras like timers, lights, and alarms.
- Durability: They tend to be more robust and less prone to breaking during play.
Cons
- Size: They can sometimes be big and bulky on small wrists.
- Skill gap: Children who rely solely on digital watches may struggle to read analog clocks later.
Sports Watches
Sports watches are rugged and built for action. They often feature timers and stopwatches, making them ideal for active kids.
Pros
- Toughness: They are specifically designed to withstand the rigors of sports and rough play.
- Tracking: Additional features allow a child to monitor their sports performance.
- Weatherproof: Kids’ sports watches are usually waterproof and suitable for all weather conditions.
Cons
- Complexity: Some programmable features can be difficult for a child to manage.
- Distraction: Younger children may be tempted to play with the buttons, potentially jamming the functions.
With a smartwatch, your child can play games, take photos, and even call home. Many smartwatches also include GPS to help you track your child’s location.
Pros
- Communication: Enables your child to call you in an emergency without needing an expensive phone.
- Fun factor: Provides entertainment through games and built-in activities.
- Safety: Allows you to track your child via GPS when they are away from home.
Cons
- Fragility: If your kid plays rough, the screen may not last long.
- Security: Some smartwatches have security weaknesses that hackers could exploit.
- Charging: Battery life is much shorter than standard watches, which can frustrate children.
What to Look For
There are several factors to consider when hunting for the perfect timepiece:
Your Child’s Age
Generally, the younger the child, the simpler the watch should be. Fewer features often mean fewer distractions.
With nothing to fiddle with, the watch is more likely to survive daily wear. A straightforward clock face on a durable strap is the best option for little ones.
As your child grows, you might consider a GPS watch, especially when they start venturing out without you.
Whether Your Child Can Tell Time Yet
If your child can already tell time, the choice depends on style and features.
However, if they are still learning, an analog watch is the better teacher. Children who only use digital displays often struggle to read traditional clocks later in life. Plenty of adults still hesitate with analog faces because they relied solely on digital watches growing up.
When and Where Your Child Will Wear The Watch
If your child plays sports, choose a watch with a rugged strap and casing.
Sports or digital watches are excellent for active kids because they usually contain stopwatches and timers.
Also, consider the location. Smaller children might lose their watch at school or trade it with a friend. Older kids can be just as forgetful. If there is a high chance of the watch getting lost, stick to a more affordable option.
Your Child’s Personality and Preferences
Consider your child’s personal style. Do they love a specific cartoon character or superhero? Maybe they prefer something with glitter and bling.
No matter your child’s likes or dislikes, you can find a watch that matches their personality.
Product Reviews
Here are the top watches for kids:
Cofuo Kids Digital Sport Watch
Best Digital Watch For Kids
If you need an affordable watch that survives rough play, the Cofuo digital sport watch is a solid contender.
The rubberized backing on the strap prevents rubbing or chafing, making it comfortable for all-day wear.
The display clearly shows the day, date, and time. It also features a light mode, so your child can easily check the time in bright sunlight or under the covers at night.
Pros
- Waterproof: This watch is water-resistant to a depth of 50 meters.
- Tough: The shockproof design protects the watch during intense activities.
- Dual display: It has a small analog face so your child can see both time formats at once.
Cons
- Complexity: It takes some time to master the settings.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.7 ounces |
| Strap Material | PU rubber |
| Closure System | Stainless steel buckle |
| Functions | Stopwatch, alarm, calendar, chrono, dual time display |
| Other Features | Water-resistant, shockproof |
Our Ratings
Pasnew Easy Reader Girls Watch
Best Analog Watch For Kids
This lovely watch features a leather band and is designed to appeal to children as young as 3 years old.
The design is sophisticated enough for older kids, tweens, and even teens.
Delicate flowers decorate the watch face, and a trio of crystals adds a touch of sparkle where the strap meets the bezel.
Pros
- Versatile style: The design appeals to a wide age range, meaning your child can wear it for years.
- Educational: The analog display is ideal for learning to tell time properly.
Cons
- Fragility: It could be more easily damaged than rugged plastic or rubber watches.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.06 ounces |
| Strap Material | Leather |
| Closure System | Stainless steel buckle |
| Functions | Basic analog watch face only |
| Other Features | None |
Our Ratings
Casio STR300-7 Sports Watch
Best Watch For Tweens
This fun, glamorous watch is an excellent choice for the fashion-conscious tween.
It strikes a balance between cute and grown-up, making it perfect for that transitional age. Casio constructed it to be lightweight and comfortable for smaller wrists. It even includes a pacer that alerts you when you hit your target speed.
With its water-resistant casing, your tween can wear it at playtime or during sports while maintaining a stylish look.
Pros
- Comfort: The flexible strap makes the watch lightweight and easy to wear.
- Durability: The water-resistant casing stands up to splashes at school or play.
- Longevity: Built with an impressive 10-year battery life.
- Athletics: Includes a pacer, auto light, and countdown timer useful for sporty kids.
Cons
- Stiffness: The band may feel a little rigid for some users initially.
Product Specs
| Weight | 0.96 ounces |
| Strap Material | Plastic |
| Closure System | Stainless steel buckle |
| Functions | Digital watch |
| Other Features | Pacer, stopwatch, auto light |
Our Ratings
Iniupo Smartwatch for Kids
Best Kids Smartwatch
The Iniupo kids’ smartwatch lets your child play games, snap photos, and call home from one device.
It includes an SD card, so kids can download and store their favorite songs right on their wrist for impromptu dance parties.
Our testers loved the 26 built-in learning games and puzzles, which are great for long drives or waiting rooms. You can set the watch to “school mode” to prevent distractions during class.
Kids also enjoy the pedometer function, especially if they have friends to compete against in step races.
Pros
- Entertainment: The camera and games provide hours of fun.
- Storage: Comes with an SD card for keeping music files.
- Focus: “School mode” locks games to prevent classroom distractions.
Cons
- Contacts: No names for contacts, so kids must memorize which phone number belongs to whom.
Product Specs
| Weight | 2 ounces |
| Strap Material | Plastic |
| Closure System | Plastic buckle |
| Functions | Timer, camera, calls, music, games |
| Other Features | Clock, calendar, alarms, pedometer |
Our Ratings
Venhoo 3D Cartoon Watch
Best Watch For 3-Year-Olds
Your child’s first watch is a big milestone. The Venhoo 3D cartoon watch makes them feel like a “big kid” while remaining safe for tiny wrists.
The silicone strap features cute 3D cartoon characters, and the theme continues onto the dial. The face is large, brightly colored, and easy to read, with colorful numbers that pop against the white background.
Pros
- Safety: The soft silicone strap and covered case make it comfortable and safe.
- Protection: Comes with a clear plastic covering to prevent scratches.
- Resilience: It is splash-resistant, making it fine for daily hand washing.
Cons
- Sizing: The small strap means some children might outgrow it quickly.
- Basic: It has no extra digital features.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1 ounces |
| Strap Material | Silicone |
| Closure System | Stainless steel buckle |
| Functions | Analog watch face only |
| Other Features | None |
Our Ratings
Prograce Digital Wrist Watch
Best Multifunctional Kids Watch
This high-quality smartwatch from Prograce is packed with 12 features, including games, a calendar, a flashlight, a sound recorder, and a pedometer. You can add a separate microSD card to store your child’s music library.
If they get bored or need a distraction, the four built-in games come in handy. Parents appreciate that you can connect earphones, allowing kids to listen to music quietly.
The integrated fitness tracker encourages movement by counting steps and setting activity goals.
Pros
- Audio: Supports earphones for quiet listening.
- Variety: Offers diverse entertainment options from music to games.
- Comfort: The silicone strap is soft and breathable.
- Interface: Features an easy-to-use touchscreen.
Cons
- Cost: It is a pricier item for a small child who might be rough with it.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.6 ounces |
| Strap Material | Silicone |
| Closure System | Buckle |
| Functions | Digital |
| Other Features | Camera, music, calculator, alarm clock, flashlight, sound recorder, FM, pedometer, games, calendar, stopwatch |
Our Ratings
Kidper Kids Waterproof Digital Watch
Best Waterproof Kids Watch
This lightweight, shockproof watch is designed for school kids aged 5 and up who love the water.
It is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, meaning it is safe to wear while swimming, showering, or running through the sprinklers.
Pros
- Swim-ready: Kids can leave this watch on in the pool.
- Durable: It is sturdy enough for sports and outdoor play.
Cons
- Simple: Older kids might find the lack of advanced functions boring.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.51 Ounces |
| Strap Material | Silicone rubber |
| Closure System | Stainless steel buckle |
| Functions | Time, stopwatch, alarm |
| Other Features | Waterproof, shockproof |
Our Ratings
EasyRead Time Teacher
Best Watch for Learning to Tell Time Watch
The EasyRead Time Teacher features a specialized analog face designed to demystify telling time.
The dial uses a standard 12-hour layout but adds an outer ring showing numbers 1 to 59.
Your child learns by simply saying the number at the end of the long hand, followed by the number at the end of the short hand. We also love that it includes a 24-hour clock for advanced learning.
Pros
- Effective: The design makes learning to tell time quick and intuitive.
- Tough face: The lens material is resistant to scratches.
- Visuals: The bright, clean design appeals to many children.
Cons
- Fragile case: It isn’t shatterproof and may break if dropped on concrete.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.41 ounces |
| Strap Material | Nylon |
| Closure System | Tang buckle |
| Functions | Analog clock face with a unique double ring of numbers |
| Other Features | None |
Our Ratings
Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 Kids Fitness/Activity Tracker
Best Kids Fitness Watch
One of the best things about the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 is the parental control via the app, which lets you monitor multiple children at once.
Compatible with Android and iOS, it allows you to track sleep, steps, activities, and chores from your phone. You can even set goals and reward activity.
This fitness activity tracker is packed with features. Our kids especially loved the fun graphics, allowance tracker, unique challenges, and coin rewards for completing tasks.
Pros
- Chore management: Parents can assign chores via the app that appear on the watch.
- Incentives: You can award virtual coins redeemable for real-life rewards.
- Gamification: Meeting activity goals unlocks steps on an electronic adventure trail.
- Battery: No charging required; the battery lasts at least a year.
Cons
- Visibility: The dark display can be hard to read in bright light.
Product Specs
| Weight | 0.88 ounces |
| Strap Material | Silicone |
| Closure System | Plastic buckle |
| Functions | Step, sleep, swim, activity time tracker, games, challenges, and watch |
| Other Features | Can assign chores, award coins, and set activity goals |
Our Ratings
Venhoo Kids Watches
Best Kids First Watch
The Venhoo silicone strap analog watch defines simplicity.
It features an analog face with bright primary-colored numbers, held by a fun silicone band decorated with math symbols. It even arrives in a coordinating gift box.
A Japanese quartz movement keeps the time, powered by a standard battery that lasts about a year and is easy to replace at home.
Pros
- Starter watch: The simple design is perfect for the youngest wearers.
- Comfort: The silicone band is soft and unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
Cons
- Durability: The face is shatterproof but can crack under heavy impact.
- Skill requirement: Your child must learn to read an analog face.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.6 ounce |
| Strap Material | Leather |
| Closure System | Stainless steel buckle |
| Functions | Analog watch face only |
| Other Features | None |
Our Ratings
Disney Mickey Mouse Time Teacher
Best Time Teller
If you have a Disney fan at home, this Mickey Mouse watch is a sure hit.
The face is designed to be easy for children to read, featuring labeled hour and minute hands and clear markings around the case.
With a variety of style options available, you can find the perfect look for your little one.
Pros
- Official: It is an affordable, officially licensed product.
- Instructional: The time-learning features provide structure for teaching at home.
Cons
- Features: It has limited functions compared to digital options.
Product Specs
| Weight | 2.26 ounces |
| Strap Material | Fabric |
| Closure System | Hook-and-loop |
| Functions | Basic analog watch with a labeled minute and hour hand for time teaching |
| Other Features | None |
Our Ratings
CakCity Military Child Wrist Watch
Best Kids Military Style Watch
Built for the rugged outdoor enthusiast, the CakCity military-style watch is available in several cool colors.
The digital display features two modes: regular and EL. Regular shows dark numbers on a light background, while EL lights up the numbers, making it perfect for camping trips or night hikes.
Pros
- Style: The camo design is a popular choice for kids who like military looks.
- Robust: Built to survive rough outdoor play.
- Versatile: Displays 12-hour or 24-hour time and includes an alarm and stopwatch.
Cons
- Size: It might be too bulky for smaller wrists.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.13 ounces |
| Strap Material | Plastic |
| Closure System | Stainless Steel Buckle |
| Functions | Time, date, alarm, stopwatch |
| Other Features | Shock-resistant, water-resistant, 24-hour clock option |
Our Ratings
Viposoon Kids Watch
Best Colorful Kids Watch
The Viposoon kids’ watch offers twelve cute design options, featuring 3D cartoon figures on adjustable straps.
Every model has a digital face with fun designs, and most include brightly colored LED backlights.
Plus, this waterproof watch doubles as a stopwatch, alarm, and calendar.
Pros
- Appeal: The fun designs are a hit with younger children.
- Price: An affordable option for kids who want a watch but aren’t ready to tell time independently.
Cons
- Age limit: The designs are likely too “young” for older children or tweens.
Product Specs
| Weight | 1.41 ounces |
| Strap Material | Silicone |
| Closure System | Steel buckle |
| Functions | Digital watch, calendar, stopwatch, alarm clock |
| Other Features | 3ATM waterproof |
Our Ratings
Timex Analog Easy Reader Watch
Best Watch for Girls
This waterproof quartz analog watch features a baby pink leather strap, making it a cute fit for little wrists. While it’s an analog clock, the markings are clear and easy to read to help your child master time-telling.
Suitable for kids five and up, this is a fantastic first watch. It is stylish, durable, and educational, having earned several awards over the years.
Pros
- Clarity: Easy-to-read markings simplify the learning process.
- Protection: It is water-resistant.
Cons
- Scratching: The watch face is prone to scratches during rough play.
Product Specs
| Weight | 0.6 ounces |
| Strap Material | Faux leather |
| Closure System | Buckle |
| Functions | Included numbers and labeled hands |
| Other Features | Water-resistant |
Our Ratings
Lacoste Kids TR90 Quartz Watch
Best High-End Kids Watch
If you have a miniature designer-label fan, the Lacoste watch is a great pick.
Kids love the signature crocodile at the 3 o’clock mark. This stylish timepiece is timeless enough that your child could wear it for years.
The mineral face resists scratches, and the entire watch is water-resistant.
Pros
- Classy: The clean design will remain stylish as your child grows.
- Options: Available in various colors.
- Maintenance: The rubber strap is comfortable and easy to wipe clean.
Cons
- Delicate: Not suitable for extreme roughhousing.
Product Specs
| Weight | 0.8 ounces |
| Strap Material | Rubber |
| Closure System | Stainless steel buckle |
| Functions | Analog watch face only |
| Other Features | None |
Our Ratings
FAQs
Is A Smartwatch Safe For A Child?
Most kids’ smartwatches have safety features like GPS tracking and SOS buttons, which actually increase safety. However, some cheap models have had security vulnerabilities in the past. To keep your child safe, buy from reputable brands, use strong passwords for the companion app, and supervise how they use the device.
How Tight Should A Child’s Watch Be?
A watch should be snug enough so it doesn’t rotate around the wrist, but loose enough to not leave a deep imprint on the skin. You should be able to slide one finger comfortably between the strap and your child’s wrist. If it leaves red marks or your child complains of tingling, it is too tight.
Do Kids Need Waterproof Watches?
While not strictly necessary, water resistance is highly recommended for kids. Children often forget to take off watches when washing hands, playing in sprinklers, or jumping in puddles. A rating of 30M or 50M (meters) usually protects against splashes and brief immersion, saving you from buying a replacement after a wet afternoon.
| Product | Best | Weight | Strap Material | Closure System | Functions |
| Cofuo Kids Digital Sport Watch | Digital | 1.7 oz | Rubber | Stainless Steel buckle | Stopwatch, alarm, calendar, chrono |
| Pasnew Easy Reader | Analog | 1.06 oz | Leather | Stainless steel buckle | Basic analog watch face only |
| Casio Sports Watch | Tweens | 0.96 oz | Plastic | Stainless steel buckle | Pacer, stopwatch, auto light |
| Iniupo Smartwatch for Kids | Smartwatch | 2 oz | Plastic | Plastic buckle | Timer, camera, calls, music, pedometer |
| Venhoo 3D Cartoon Watch | 3-Year-Olds | 1 oz | Silicone | Stainless steel buckle | Analog watch face only |
| Prograce Kids Smartwatch | Multifunctional | 1.6 oz | Silicone | Buckle | Digital clock, camera, pedometer |
| Kidper Kids Digital Watch | Waterproof | 1.51 oz | Silicone rubber | Stainless steel buckle | Time, stopwatch, alarm |
| EasyRead Time Teacher | Learning Time | 1.41 oz | Nylon | Tang buckle | Analog clock face |
| Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 | Fitness Watch | 0.88 oz | Silicone | Buckle | Step, swim, sleep, & activity time tracker |
| Venhoo Kids Watches | First Watch | 1.6 oz | Leather | Stainless steel buckle | Analog watch face only |
| Disney Mickey Mouse Time Teacher | Time Teller | 2.26 oz | Fabric | Hook-and-loop | Analog watch |
| CakCity Military Child Wrist Watch | Military Style | 1.13 oz | Plastic | Stainless steel buckle | Time, date, alarm, stopwatch |
| Viposoon Kids Watch | Colorful | 1.41 oz | Silicone | Steel buckle | Time, date, alarm, stopwatch |
| Timex Analog Watch | Best Watch for Girls | 0.6 oz | Faux leather | Buckle | Numbers and labeled hands |
| Lacoste Kids TR90 Quartz Watch | High-End | 0.8 oz | Rubber | Stainless steel buckle | Analog watch face only |
