Kid isn’t ready for a phone? This $250 smartwatch has safety features ‘worth every penny’

iPad Kids? Flip-phone phanantics? Not anymore. The new trending tech gadget for kiddos is a wearable, and we’re not at all suprised.

Dozens of new kids’ smartwatch designs are entering the retail arena — which could, in part, be fueled by rising demand for kid-friendly tech with built-in safety features. The global kids’ smartwatch market was valued at $11.2 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow almost 9% annually from 2025 to 2034.

Many parents are turning to popular designs like the Garmin Bounce 2, which is currently on sale for $250 on Amazon, and reviewers argue it’s well worth the investment. Some note that it’s a “great alternative to a cellphone,” while others say the safety features alone make it “worth every penny.”

Parents are turning to the Bounce 2 for key tools like location tracking, instant messaging and safety alerts — as well as extra features like chore reminders, goal-setting and activity monitoring.

Garmin Bounce 2

The Garmin Bounce 2 essentially acts as a digital extension of parenting — giving kids more independence while helping parents stay connected throughout the day.

Through its companion smartphone app, the smartwatch provides real-time location tracking, allowing parents to check in on their child’s whereabouts and receive alerts when they enter or leave parent-defined boundaries. It also keeps families connected with two-way calling and voice messaging.

Beyond safety features, the Bounce 2 offers built-in GPS-powered sports apps that track activities like running and biking. Kids can even connect to Amazon Music to jam out to their favorite songs. And, parents can also set reminders, assign chores and create rewards to help motivate healthy habits.

Reviewers say the watch is easy to set up and typically lasts two to three days on a single charge.

“It has made staying in contact with my daughter amazing, and I love the to-do tracker,” one reviewer wrote. “It has motivated my daughter to get her steps in and earn her stars for rewards. While it is a little on the pricey side, the peace of mind knowing my daughter is safe is worth every penny!”

The Bounce 2 is currently on sale for $50 off and comes in three sleek shades. According to Garmin, it features a durable design built to handle everyday kid adventures — including the occasional drop.

BUY NOW $299.99 $249.99

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Journalist. As a Gen Z first-time mother of one, Miska tests baby, maternity and postpartum products ranging from stylish new kids clothes to long-trusted diaper brands with her daughter. She evaluates baby- and mom-approved products for practicality and quality, and consults medical and parenting experts to weigh in on safe ingredients, usage and more. Before arriving at the Post, she covered the lifestyle and consumer verticals for the U.S. Sun.

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