Best kids smartwatch with calling and GPS only
Standard smartwatches like the Apple Watch are too fragile for playground use and pack distracting features that parents cannot easily restrict. This leaves parents searching for a durable, streamlined device that handles reliable GPS tracking and calling without the extra complications.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
Found another way around this?
Share your steps and trade-offs so fellow engineers don't have to reinvent the wheel. No account required.
- 1Buying standard smartwatches and manually deleting or hiding unwanted appsDid this help you?
- 2Switching to simple analog watches when smartwatches break during playDid this help you?
- 3Using alternative brands like Garmin or Verizon Gizmo watchesDid this help you?
- 4Looking for specific devices with minimal featuresDid this help you?
- 5Using full smartwatches like Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch set up in kids/parental control mode with family cell plansDid this help you?
- 6Using simple devices or dedicated kids watches like Gizmo or AnioDid this help you?
- 7Consulting AI tools and reddit recommendation threadsDid this help you?
In their words
Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Hello! I am looking to get my son a watch for safety reasons. He is 9 and rides his bike to school. He recently had an encounter with a very immature adult neighbor and I wished he had a way to call me during the incident.”source ↗
“I had the same question and I came to conclusion that only 2 watches are worth it, Apple and Samsung, both have independent sim mode and parental controls.”source ↗
“I have an Apple Watch myself. It has too many things on it. Are you able to control the features for only calling and gps? Please educate me on this.”source ↗
“My son went through two (used) Apple Watches in less than a year with routine play at recess. He now has an analog Timex.”source ↗
“My almost 5 year old will be starting at the local elementary school soon. I worry about him riding the bus to school and would like to get him a watch with a GPS tracker to wear in case of emergencies.”source ↗
“Looking to get my 9 year old a GPS watch. We like to give him a fair amount of freedom of going to a friend's house one street away, when we're camping, etc. but want to also keep tabs on him. Looked at AI for top rated watches but would like personal feedback on what's good, why you chose one over the others, the monthly service plans, etc.”source ↗
Where this came up
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