Getting kids to move more doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, the best fitness trackers turn physical activity into a game, motivating children to run, jump, and skip their way to better health. But with so many options, finding the right balance between fun features, durability, and battery life is tricky.
We tested top-rated devices to find the best fitness trackers for kids on the market. These picks are tough enough for playground wear, simple to use, and packed with features that parents and kids actually want.
Stop scrolling and start moving. Here are our top recommendations to get your family active.
- Waterproof
- Animated clock faces
- Includes activity challenges
- Affordable option
- Waterproof design
- Silent, vibrating alarm
- Child-friendly features
- Teaches time the fun way
- Parent-controlled reminders
- 8 days battery life
- Fun clock faces
- Includes parent app
How to Choose an Activity Tracker for Kids
Sleep Tracking Capabilities
A sleep tracker is a game-changer for understanding your child’s rest habits. Since sleep is vital for growth and focus in school-aged children, monitoring their patterns helps you spot issues early (1). Look for a device that tracks total sleep time and restlessness.
However, comfort is key here. If the watch is bulky, your child won’t wear it to bed. If they hate wearing accessories at night, skip this feature and focus on daytime activity instead.
Water Resistance vs. Waterproofing
Kids are messy, and water is inevitable. A truly waterproof watch is ideal because it survives bath time, pool days, and sudden downpours.
Check the specs carefully. “Water-resistant” might only handle hand-washing or sweat, while “swim-proof” (often rated 5ATM) means it can handle the deep end of the pool. Always verify the rating before they cannonball into the water.
Comfort and Fit
If it itches or pinches, they won’t wear it. Soft, flexible silicone bands are the gold standard for kids. One-piece bands are great for younger children as they lack buckles that can pinch skin.
For older kids, a traditional watch-style buckle offers a more secure fit as they grow. Pay attention to the module size, too; a massive screen on a tiny wrist is a recipe for bumps and scratches.
Battery Life Strategy
Decide what fits your family routine. Rechargeable trackers usually offer color screens and more features but need plugging in every few days. Coin-cell battery trackers (like some Garmins) last up to a year but have simpler displays.
Pro Tip
Parental Controls and Apps
The companion app is your command center. You want an app that allows you to view their activity data without giving them full rein over social features.
Top-tier brands like Fitbit and Garmin offer “Kid View” modes. These allow parents to manage challenges, approve friend requests, and set chore reminders while keeping the child’s data secure.
Should You Buy an Activity Tracker for Kids?
Activity trackers are tools, not magic wands. For many families, they provide the nudge needed to build healthier habits.
The pros generally outweigh the cons regarding childhood movement (2). Studies suggest that wearable tech can promote positive behavior changes by gamifying exercise (3). When movement unlocks levels in a game or earns badges, exercise stops feeling like work.
However, balance is essential. Focus on the fun of movement rather than calorie counting or weight. Use the data to celebrate agility and energy, fostering a positive body image along the way (4).
Product Reviews
We didn’t just look at spec sheets; we dove into parental feedback, safety features, and durability tests to find the trackers that actually survive childhood. From basic step counters to fully interactive smartwatches, here are our top seven picks.
Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids
Best Fitbit Activity Tracker for Kids
The Fitbit Ace 2 remains a reliable entry point into the Fitbit ecosystem for children. It focuses on the basics that matter: activity tracking and sleep monitoring, without the distraction of open social media.
Parents retain full control via the Fitbit family account. You can toggle between “Parent View” to check stats and “Kid View” for your child to see their badges.
It keeps things simple and fun. Your child gets celebrated for every step, and you get peace of mind knowing they are building healthy habits.
What We Like
Comprehensive Tracking
The Ace 2 works around the clock. By day, it logs steps and active minutes to encourage movement. By night, it tracks sleep duration and restlessness, giving you data to help adjust bedtimes for better school mornings.
Swim-Proof Design
Rated water-resistant up to 50 meters, this tracker is ready for the pool, ocean, or sprinkler. You don’t need to panic if they jump in the shower while wearing it.
The 60-Minute Goal
Aligning with CDC recommendations, the Ace 2 defaults to a 60-minute daily activity goal (5). It’s not just a number; reaching the goal triggers fun on-screen celebrations that kids love.
Customizable Interfaces
Kids can pick from various clock faces to match their personality. Some feature animations that grow or change as the child makes progress toward their daily steps, adding a layer of visual motivation.
What We Don't Like
Band Durability
The silicone band protects the tracker well, but the loop can tear with rough play. Fortunately, the tracker module pops out, so replacing the band is cheap and easy.
Product Specs
| Suitable for ages | 6 years and up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Sleep tracker | Yes |
| Battery life | 5 days before needing charging |
| Parental control | Yes |
Our Ratings
Garmin Vívofit Jr. 3 Fitness Tracker
Best Themed Activity Tracker for Kids
The Garmin Vívofit Jr. 3 turns fitness into an adventure. Available in Star Wars, Marvel, and Disney Princess themes, this tracker uses gamification better than almost any other device. Activity isn’t just exercise; it’s the fuel that unlocks new levels in the companion app story.
Parents act as the game masters. You control the app, assign chores, and view health data. It’s a brilliant way to combine responsibility with physical health.
The square face looks like a “grown-up” watch, but the durability is 100% kid-proof. It handles mud, water, and playground impacts with ease.
What We Like
Adventure Unlock System
This is the standout feature. When your child meets their 60-minute activity goal, they unlock new segments of a story in the app. Whether they are exploring the galaxy or a magical kingdom, it gives them a tangible reason to run around.
Complete Chore Management
This isn’t just a fitness tracker; it’s a life organizer. You can assign chores (like “brush teeth” or “homework”) via your phone. When the child completes them, they earn virtual coins to redeem for agreed-upon rewards, like screen time or a toy.
Year-Long Battery
Forget the charging cable. The Vívofit Jr. 3 uses a user-replaceable coin cell battery that lasts up to one year. It’s a massive convenience for busy parents who don’t want another device to plug in every night.
In Case of Emergency (ICE) Widget
Safety is built-in. You can program an ICE screen with your child’s name and your emergency contact number. If they get lost, another adult can easily access this info by pressing the button.
What We Don't Like
Screen Brightness
The display is always on but relies on ambient light (with a backlight button). It’s not a bright OLED screen like a smartphone, which some kids might find dim indoors.
Product Specs
| Suitable for ages | 4 years and up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Sleep tracker | Yes |
| Battery life | 1 year |
| Parental control | Yes |
Our Ratings
BiggerFive Vigor 2 L Kids Fitness Tracker
Best Budget Pick
For families who want functionality without the high price tag, the BiggerFive Vigor 2 is a solid contender. Recommended for ages 5 and up, it packs essential features, step counting, sleep tracking, and multiple sport modes, into a lightweight design.
It mimics the look of adult trackers, which makes kids feel more mature wearing it. Parents can sync data to the VeryFit app to keep tabs on health trends.
It includes thoughtful additions like sedentary alerts, nudging your child to get up if they’ve been sitting on the tablet for too long. Plus, the strap is designed to handle sweat and splashes.
What We Like
Value for Money
If you are worried your child might lose an expensive gadget, start here. It delivers the core data, steps, distance, and active minutes, at a fraction of the cost of big-name brands. It’s the perfect “test run” device.
24-Hour Heart Rate Monitoring
Unlike many budget trackers, this model includes a heart rate sensor. It helps you gauge the intensity of their play and track their resting heart rate trends over time.
Waterproof Construction
Rated IP68 waterproof, it’s safe for swimming and showering. However, avoid hot showers or deep diving, as high pressure and heat can compromise the seals.
Gentle Vibrating Alarm
Waking up for school is easier with a silent wrist vibration. It’s less jarring than a noisy alarm clock and helps older kids take responsibility for their morning routine.
What We Don't Like
App Connectivity
The app experience isn’t as polished as Fitbit or Garmin. Syncing can occasionally be finicky, and you need to ensure the device is charged regularly to prevent data loss.
Product Specs
| Suitable for ages | 5 to 15 years |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Sleep tracker | Yes |
| Battery life | Up to 7 days |
| Parental control | Yes |
Our Ratings
Little Tikes Tobi 2 Robot Smartwatch
Best Interactive Fitness Tracker for Young Children
The Little Tikes Tobi 2 is pure fun on a wrist. Targeted at kids ages 4 to 8, it functions more like an interactive robot friend than a strict data tracker.
The “Tobi” personality wakes up and interacts with the child, offering giggles and animations. While it tracks steps, the focus is heavily on augmented reality games, dance activities, and creativity.
It features dual cameras for selfies and videos, allowing kids to be the creators. If you want to motivate a preschooler to jump around without getting bogged down in charts and graphs, this is the pick.
What We Like
Helpful Reminders
It’s not just a toy; it’s a helper. Parents can set reminders for potty breaks, chores, or homework. The watch alerts the child, taking the nagging out of your hands.
Learning to Tell Time
With over 50 analog and digital watch faces, it’s a great tool for teaching time. The interface allows kids to switch designs easily, keeping the look fresh and engaging.
Creative Play Features
The dual cameras are a huge hit. Kids can snap photos, record videos, and then use the touchscreen to add stickers and effects. It encourages creativity alongside physical movement like the “Freeze Dance” game.
Kid-Friendly Durability
The design is chunky and splash-resistant, perfect for younger kids who are still developing motor skills. The wristband is soft and easy for small hands to adjust.
What We Don't Like
Limited Health Metrics
This is primarily a smart toy. It includes a pedometer for steps but lacks advanced health sensors like heart rate monitoring or detailed sleep analysis.
Product Specs
| Suitable for ages | 4 to 8 years |
| Waterproof | No |
| Sleep tracker | No |
| Battery life | Up to five days |
| Parental control | Yes |
Our Ratings
DoSmarter Kids Fitness Tracker Watch
Best Classic Design Kids Fitness Tracker
The DoSmarter fitness tracker is designed for kids 6 and older who want a straightforward, sporty watch. It strikes a good balance between affordability and feature set.
It covers all the bases: heart rate, steps, calories burned, and sleep tracking. It even incorporates specific sport modes to track different activities accurately.
One standout feature is the mindfulness aspect. The watch includes built-in breathing guides, helping kids learn to self-regulate and calm down, a feature usually found in premium adult watches.
What We Like
Insightful Sleep Data
Good days start with good nights. This tracker breaks down sleep patterns, helping you understand if your child is getting enough deep rest. It’s a helpful tool for troubleshooting grumpy mornings.
Guided Breathing
Emotional regulation is a skill. The “Relax” feature guides children through breathing exercises, which is excellent for cooling down after sports or managing anxiety before a test.
Activity Monitoring
The heart rate monitor adds context to their movement. You can see when they were pushing hard during soccer practice versus when they were just walking. It helps teach kids about effort levels.
What We Don't Like
Water Resistance Limits
While it claims water resistance, user feedback suggests it’s best for splashes rather than submersion. We recommend taking it off for swimming or bathing to be safe.
Product Specs
| Suitable for ages | 6 years and up |
| Waterproof | No |
| Sleep tracker | Yes |
| Battery life | 7 days |
| Parental control | Yes |
Our Ratings
Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker for Kids
Best Fitness Tracker for Ages 6 Years and Up
The Fitbit Ace 3 takes everything great about the Ace 2 and refines it. With a curvier design, better battery life, and a brighter screen, it is the premier choice for school-aged kids.
It integrates seamlessly into the Fitbit app. You manage the privacy settings while your child enjoys the fun stats. It’s designed to motivate the whole family, you can set up competitions to see who can get the most steps on the weekend.
The “bumper” design protects the screen from scratches, and the silicone band is comfortable enough for 24/7 wear.
What We Like
Top-Tier Accuracy
When it comes to counting steps and active minutes, Fitbit is the industry leader. The tracking is consistent and reliable, ensuring your child’s effort is rewarded accurately.
8-Day Battery Life
The battery efficiency is impressive. You can get over a week of usage on a single charge. This means you can pack it for a vacation without worrying about bringing the charger cable.
Motivating Ecosystem
The Ace 3 offers new animated clock faces (including Minions themes) that delight kids. The real magic, however, is the virtual badges. Earning a “rocket ship” or “unicorn” badge for hitting step goals gives kids a genuine sense of accomplishment.
Family Challenges
If you have a Fitbit, you can challenge your kid to a “Family Face-Off.” It’s a fun, healthy way to bond and ensures everyone gets off the couch.
What We Don't Like
Band Sensitivities
Some parents report the silicone band can cause skin irritation if worn too tight or if water gets trapped underneath. Ensure you clean and dry the band and wrist regularly.
Product Specs
| Suitable for ages | 6 years and up |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Sleep tracker | Yes |
| Battery life | Eight days |
| Parental control | Yes |
Our Ratings
Garmin Vívofit Jr. Kids Fitness Tracker
Best Designed Fitness Tracker for Kids
The original Garmin Vívofit Jr. paved the way for kid-friendly tracking. While it’s an older model, its unique band designs, like Real Flower, Digi Camo, and Broken Lava, still appeal to kids who want style.
It features the classic Garmin benefits: a one-year battery life, chore management, and the adventure game app. It’s a durable, “set it and forget it” device that doesn’t require constant attention.
If you want the core Garmin experience at a potentially lower price point or prefer the specific aesthetic of these bands, it remains a solid choice.
What We Like
Slip-On Convenience
The one-piece stretchy band is perfect for kids who struggle with buckles. It slides on and off easily but stays secure during play.
Parental Command Center
Like the newer models, this syncs with the Garmin Jr. app. You can manage multiple kids’ devices from one phone, assigning tasks and checking sleep data effortlessly.
Coin Reward System
The built-in reward economy is brilliant. Kids earn virtual coins for completing chores or hitting activity goals. You decide what the coins are worth in the real world, giving you a custom leverage tool for good behavior.
What We Don't Like
Non-Backlit Screen
The display on this original model is quite dark and lacks a backlight, making it difficult to read in dim lighting or at night.
Product Specs
| Suitable for ages | 4 to 9 years |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Sleep tracker | Yes |
| Battery life | One year |
| Parental control | Yes |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Suitable for ages | Waterproof | Sleep tracker | Battery life | Parental control |
| Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker | Fitbit Tracker | < 6 yrs | Yes | Yes | 5 days | Yes |
| Garmin Vívofit Jr. 3 | Themed Tracker | < 4 yrs | Yes | Yes | 1 year | Yes |
| BiggerFive Vigor Kids Tracker | Budget Pick | <5 yrs | Yes | Yes | 7 days | Yes |
| Little Tikes Tobi 2 Robot | Interactive Tracker | 4 – 8 yrs | No | No | 5 days | Yes |
| Do Smarter Fitness Tracker | Older Kids | < 6 yrs | No | Yes | 7 days | Yes |
| Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker | Ages 6 Years and Up | < 6 yrs | Yes | Yes | 8 days | Yes |
| Garmin Vívofit Jr. Tracker | Design | 4 – 9 yrs | Yes | Yes | 1 year | Yes |
Kids Fitness Tracker FAQs
What is the Best Fitness Tracker for Kids?
The best fitness tracker combines durability, ease of use, and fun motivation. We recommend the Fitbit Ace 2 or Ace 3 for their robust ecosystem, or the Garmin Vivofit Jr. 3 for its gamified app experience.
Is a Fitbit or Garmin Better for Kids?
It depends on your priorities. Fitbit excels in sleep tracking and family challenges within a polished app. Garmin wins on battery life (1 year vs. 1 week) and offers better game-based motivation for younger kids.
Do Kids Need a Phone for a Fitness Tracker?
No, most kids’ trackers sync to the parent’s smartphone. The child can view their stats on the watch face, while the parent views the detailed data and manages settings from their own device.
What Age Should a Child Have a Smartwatch?
Simple fitness trackers are suitable for children as young as 4 or 5. Smartwatches with calling or texting features are generally better suited for children aged 10 and up, depending on maturity levels.
Are Fitness Trackers Healthy for Kids?
Yes, when used positively. They encourage movement and can highlight sleep issues. Focus on “activity points” and “energy” rather than weight or calories to maintain a healthy relationship with exercise.
Can You Track a Kid’s Location with a Fitbit?
No, standard Fitbits (Ace series) do not have GPS location tracking. To track a child’s physical location, you need a dedicated GPS smartwatch like the GizmoWatch or Garmin Bounce.
How Do I Clean My Child’s Fitness Tracker Band?
Rinse silicone bands with water and a soap-free cleanser like Cetaphil; wipe dry with a lint-free cloth. Regularly cleaning the band and your child’s wrist prevents skin irritation and rashes.
