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My younger daughter just turned 3, and she really wanted a watch like her bigger sister for her birthday. So, I started searching online, reading reviews, and watching videos about the best watch for a 3-year-old.
As I was researching, I put together this list of best watches for 3-year-old boys and girls if you, too, are searching for the perfect watch for your preschooler!
What to Look For In a Watch for 3-Year-Olds
There were certain criteria that were important to consider when searching for the perfect watch.
- Not analog. My 3-year-old cannot tell time by reading it, but she does understand the concept of time when it’s spoken to her or when she sees the numbers.
- Battery Life. I can’t even remember to charge my watch every night, so a toddler watch with a long battery is a must-have for me!
- Exciting but not distracting. I don’t want my daughter glued to her wrist all day, but I do want her to learn and enjoy using her watch.
- Waterproof or water-resistant. A toddler watch that won’t end up broken and water-logged after its first accidental day at the splash pad or in the sink is important!
Best Watch for a 3-Year-Old – Top 5 Reviewed
Now, let’s get into the best watches for your preschooler.
1. VTech Paw Patrol Learning Watch
Intended Age: 3-6 years
Water Resistant: Do not submerge for long periods.
Battery: You will need to replace the demo battery with a CR2450 battery once it dies.
The Paw Patrol VTech Learning Watch comes in blue (featuring Chase) or pink (featuring Skye) so will be perfect for 3-year-old girls or boys. It has a black-and-white screen rather than a colored touchscreen like some of the more advanced kids’ smartwatches. However, it features everything you want in a BASIC toddler watch.
Here are some of the main features:
- Digital clock
- Stopwatch
- Alarm
- Timer
- Speaks phrases from the Paw Patrol show
- 12 different watch faces for practicing telling time
There are also 4 interactive learning games on this learning watch. Depending on the character you choose, you’ll find games tailored around that Paw Patrol friend. For a 3-year-old, these games will be educational and entertaining.
There is no GPS tracking feature, no messaging or calling features, and no fitness features on this watch, though. It’s a simple toddler wristwatch rather than a toddler smartwatch. Fun enough to entertain and teach a 3-year-old, but not too advanced as to overwhelm!
2. VTech Kidizoom Smartwatch DX2
Intended Age: 4-12 years
Water Resistant: Splashproof, but not good for submersion
Battery: Charge with micro-USB, can last up to 2 weeks before recharging
If you’re looking for a smartwatch for a 3-year-old, I’d recommend the VTech Kidizoom DX2 smartwatch. While its intended age is 4+, this just means your 3-year-old might not be able to interact with all its many features quite yet. However, it’s a great watch to grow with a toddler and is the most feature-filled of all the watches here. It has a touchscreen and SO many cool features.
Features
- “Speak time” function and Time Master activity to help children learn to tell time
- 2 cameras to take selfies and pictures of the environment (plus a “Silly Yourself” app to edit pictures)
- Record sound and videos and transfer to a computer
- 3 built-in entertainment games plus two interactive, educational games
- Pedometer and 3 fun built-in fitness activities
- Timer, alarm, stopwatch, and calendar
It comes in 8 different colors to appeal to almost all wearers! Read my Kidizoom DX2 review for more information to see if you think your tech-savvy 3-year-old would enjoy wearing this watch.
3. VTech PJ Masks Learning Watch
Intended Age: 3-6 years
Water Resistant: Do not submerge for long periods.
Battery: Replace the included demo battery with a CR2450 battery once it dies.
You can choose from a green Super Gekko, a blue Super Catboy, and a red Super Owlette PJ Masks learning watch.
The PJ Masks Learning Watch is very similar to the Paw Patrol learning watch. In terms of differences, it only has 9 different watch faces, though, and its 4 learning games are themed around PJ Masks characters. With these games, your 3-year-old will learn shapes, numbers, counting, and basic addition. The characters’ real voices also speak through the watch.
As with the Paw Patrol learning watch, the battery is for demo purposes and will likely need to be replaced soon.
If you prefer Peppa Pig, there is also a VTech Peppa Pig Learning Watch available in both blue and purple.
4. Kidnovations Potty Training Watch
Intended Age: 2+
Battery life: Rechargeable batteries requiring micro-USB
Water Resistant: Yes, but not for long submersions
When we were potty training my daughter, I put together a list of the best potty training watches for toddlers. If your 3-year-old is still working on toilet training, watches like the Kidnovations Potty Watch work as potty watches first and then later convert to a regular, functioning watch. So, don’t forget about this option when looking for a watch for your 3-year-old!
In terms of potty features, the Kidnovations potty watch plays a musical alarm to remind your child to go try to use the bathroom. These timers can be set for every 30, 45, 60, 90, or 120 minutes and automatically reset. If you don’t like the sound, you can set it to a more discreet vibration reminder as well. Once your child is potty trained, you can turn off the alarms, and the watch functions as a normal, digital watch.
Featuring an adjustable band and a sporty design, the Kidnovations watch will fit small toddlers’ wrists and grow with them through their teen years. You don’t have to worry about replacing the battery frequently like with some of the other preschool watches featured here. Since the battery is recharged with a micro-USB, it will have a longer life.
It comes in 4 different colors.
5. Marvel Boys’ Touch-Screen Watch
Water Resistant: Not water resistant
Battery: Lithium-ion battery, recharge with micro-USB
If you have a more responsible toddler, the Marvel Touch-Screen Watch is a great watch for 3-year-old boys who love Spiderman! Its one drawback is it is NOT water-resistant. As such, you’ll need to watch your preschooler to make sure the watch is removed before water exposure.
Depending on how tech-savvy your child is, parts of this watch may be more advanced. It’s more than just a wristwatch as it features a touchscreen, though!
Features:
- Selfie-cam and video recorder – you can later download these to a computer
- Voice recorder
- Pedometer
- Alarm
- Calculator
- Stopwatch
- Fun games
- 10 changeable clock faces featuring analog or digital options
With these fun features, it’s a watch that will definitely grow with your preschooler!
Best Watch for a 3-Year-Old: Conclusion
I hope this helps you make the decision about which watch is best for your 3-year-old. There are so many great, educational watches available that educate young children but also entertain them for those times we parents just need a few minutes of peace and quiet!