The water resistant kids smart watch with GPS is a tool that helps parents stay connected to their child’s location and ensures peace of mind.
For both kids and parents, a water resistant smart watch for kids provides main features like real-time GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and communication tools, all while being durable enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
1. Are Smart Watches Water Resistant?
Water resistance is one of the most important features when choosing a smart watch, and it’s easy to get confused between the terms “water resistant” and “waterproof”.
A water resistant smart watch can handle a certain amount of water exposure, such as splashes or short periods of submersion. Waterproof suggests that the device is completely immune to water damage, but in reality, no smart watch is completely waterproof in every condition. Most brands only guarantee water resistance within specific limits, based on ratings like IP67, IP68, or ATM levels.
When shopping for a smart watch, don’t just find one labeled “waterproof.” Instead, look for a water-resistant model with a depth rating that matches how you plan to use it.
2. Features to Look for in a Water Resistant Smart Watch for Kids with GPS
There are some main features you should keep an eye on smart watch for kids:
GPS & LBS
That’s the main reason many parents are buying smart watches for their kids. A reliable smart watch should use both GPS and LBS (Location-Based Services).
In fact, GPS provides accurate location tracking outdoors, but indoors, LBS works better. LBS uses nearby cell towers to estimate location when GPS signals are weak or unavailable.
SOS Button & Parental Controls
That emergency button is really powerful. With one long press, your child can send out a distress signal, and you get an alert right on your phone. Some models send out live location data or start recording short audio clips.
And don’t get us started on parental controls. You may want to decide who your child can call, set quiet hours, and monitor contacts.
Voice Call & Video Call
Many smart watches for kids like AirVoice Miro W1 and TickTalk 5 support two-way video calls, and it’s really great. But even if a watch only offers voice calling, make sure the audio quality is decent and there’s no huge delay.
Water Resistance
As mentioned above, this is one of the most important features. When buying smart watches for kids, you’ll often see ratings like:
- IP67 means the watch is dust-tight and can protect against the effects of temporary immersion in water.
- IP68 offers better protection, often allowing deeper or longer immersion depending on the manufacturer.
These levels are usually enough for everyday situations kids often get into, such as washing hands, getting caught in the rain, or the occasional splash during water play. Since children tend to be active and curious, water resistance is a practical feature.
Note: Even if a smart watch has an IP68 rating, kids should avoid wearing it in the bath or pool unless the manufacturer specifically states it’s safe for those activities. Water, especially hot or soapy water, can still enter the charging port and temporarily affect how the watch performs or charges.
Water resistance is one of the most important features when choosing a smart watch for kids.
Battery Life
Look for watches with at least 2 days of use on a single charge. The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 lasts up to 3.7 days. Now that’s endurance you can work with.
3. Best Water Resistant Smart Watches for Kids with GPS (2025 Picks)
To help you find the best water resistant smart watches for kids with GPS, we narrowed it down to the top picks based on features, durability, GPS accuracy, and ease of use. Our guide covers the best smart watches to keep your child connected and protected.
3.1. AirVoice Miro W1
The AirVoice Miro W1 stands out as one of the most powerfully designed smart watches for younger kids. Everything you need, from GPS tracking to locking non-essential features during school hours, was clearly labeled and easy to control from your phone.
The Miro W1 has HD video and voice calling. The watch also supports encrypted group chats, giving kids a safe way to talk to family members. It does have a geo-fencing system with real-time alerts. In addition, with its IP68 water resistance and shockproof build, parents don’t have to worry about splashes, tumbles, or outdoor play.
Your child will love being able to send video messages and hop into group chats with cousins. And with triple-location tracking using GPS, LBS, and Wi-Fi, you could pinpoint a kid’s location even inside malls or school buildings.
3.2. Verizon Gizmo Watch 3
The Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 is a smart pick for younger kids, especially for families looking for a safe, controlled device. With an IP68 water resistance rating, it can withstand splashes, rain, and even short periods in water, perfect for active kids. Features like video calling and GPS tracking make it both practical and fun.
3.3. Apple Watch SE
The Apple Watch SE gives older kids and teens the ability to text and call, plus use GPS. It connects seamlessly with the iOS ecosystem, making it an especially smart choice for families already using iPhones.
4. How to Get a Water Resistant Kids Smart Watch for Under $1.00
Thanks to the Lifeline program, this kind of deal can actually happen.
Lifeline is a federal assistance program in the U.S. that helps low-income individuals stay connected by offering monthly discounts on phone or internet bills. But many people don’t know one thing: some Lifeline service providers offer a discounted or free device, like smartphones, tablets, and even smart watches, to eligible customers as part of their plans.
And now you can see, the AirVoice Miro W1 is one of the exclusive perks when you apply for Lifeline through AirTalk Wireless, one of the well-known Lifeline-supported providers. You can get this feature-packed smart watch for kids for under $1.00, and sometimes even for free, depending on your location and eligibility.
4.1. How to qualify for Lifeline
So now that you’ve got the scoop on this awesome smart watch option available through Lifeline and AirTalk Wireless, let’s explore how you can actually qualify.
There are two main ways to qualify for Lifeline:
- Based on Your Household Income: If your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you’re likely eligible.
- Participation in Federal Assistance Programs: You can also qualify if you (or anyone in your household) already participate in certain federal benefit programs. That includes:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
In addition, if you live on Tribal lands, even more programs are accepted to help you qualify, including Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, and more.
4.2. How to get an AirVoice Miro W1 for under $1.00
Check out the Lifeline application process on AirTalk Wireless:
Step 1: Go to AirTalk Wireless’s website
Visit the website. Enter your ZIP code right on the homepage.
Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Choose one free device plan. Do note that those who choose BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) will only receive the data plan.
Step 3: Pick Your Device
Here are the options currently available for you to consider:
In addition to the AirVoice Miro W1, some discounted bundles include both a smartphone and a smartwatch, such as:
Do note that any deal may run out soom, so make sure you update regularly on AirTalk!
Step 4: Submit Your Eligibility Documents
Upload a few files, proof of income, or benefit participation. Take a few extra minutes to double-check the docs before submitting.
Step 5: Submit and Wait for Approval
After you hit that final submit button, it’s review time. AirTalk will go through your application and documents, and you’ll get an update by email or text.
5. Smart Watch Buying Tips for Parents
When you go shopping for your kid’s first smart watch, you should quickly learn that a little know-how goes a long way. Here are three useful tips you should know from the start:
Stick with Official Providers/Retailers:
No one expects a knockoff. Always buy smart watches or anything else from an authorized seller or provider, such as Samsung stores, Best Buy, or, in the case of applying for Lifeline, AirTalk Wireless.
Decide If GPS Is Non‑Negotiable:
GPS-enabled watches (like the AirVoice Miro W1) use satellites to pinpoint location within a few meters. It’s a trade-off: GPS models usually cost a bit more and eat battery faster, but to many of us, that real-time location data is priceless.
If you’re okay with a general “cell tower” or Wi‑Fi–based location, a non‑GPS watch can save money. But if accurate tracking is your top priority, GPS is worth the extra charge.
Match Parental Controls to Your Child’s Maturity:
A smartwatch can be a powerful tool when a child is ready for their responsibility. Consider what controls you actually use and which ones you’d happily turn off. For example, should a 10 year old have a smartwatch?
At this age, many kids can manage charging schedules and follow guidelines, but only if we scaffold features to their maturity level. You may enable geo‑fencing alerts, approve a tight contact list, and set up “Class Mode” so notifications stay silent during school hours. But leave out features like group chat and camera access until they prove responsible with basic calls and texts.
Conclusion
We hope our full guide on “water resistant kids smart watch” can help you find what works best for your family. If you’re working with a tight budget, don’t worry, there are affordable and discounted or free smart watch programs available through certain carriers or government-backed services like Lifeline.
NOTE: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.