It’s never too early to start encouraging your kids to be active. That’s easier said than done though because there are probably a ton of other other things they’d rather do than sweat it out. Fortunately, there are fitness trackers for kids like the Garmin vivoactive jr. 3 and Fitbit Ace 2 that make it extra fun to stay active. Aside from monitoring sleep, steps, and movement, these trackers also have bonus features like games and rewards to keep the little ones entertained. If you need help picking one out for your child, here are the top fitness trackers for kids and their respective features.
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Best Fitness Trackers For Kids Comparison Chart
| Name | Fitbit Ace 2 | Garmin vivoactive jr. 3 | KURIO Watch 2.0 |
 |  |  | |
| Price | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
| Screen Display | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Strap | Silicone | Silicone | Silicone |
| Built-In Camera | No | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 5 days | 1 year | Not specified |
| Alarm Clock | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep Monitoring | Yes | Yes | Not specified |
| Activity Tracking | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes | Splash-proof only |
| Smartphone-Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Other Features | Has badges to encourage kids to be active | Tracks chores and gives rewards | Comes with installed games |
Fitbit Ace 2
The Fitbit Ace 2 swaps out its predecessor’s metal band for fun and colorful silicone straps.
The Fitbit Ace 2 is similar to the very first Ace although it’s a lot more kid-friendly. For staters, it has ditched the metal band for an adjustable and more comfortable silicone strap that comes in plenty of fun colors. Not to mention it’s extra durable and should be able to withstand rough play. The best thing about the Ace 2, however, is the fact that it’s $30 cheaper than its predecessor. That’s something parents can definitely appreciate.
As for features, the Ace 2 is just as capable as the other Fitbit models out there in the market. It has bedtime reminders and alarms so that your child can get enough sleep, plus it can monitor nocturnal activity and sleep patterns. It can also track their total active minutes and number of steps per day, encouraging them along the way with fun characters and badges. The Ace 2 is waterproof as well so kids can continue to wear them in the pool.
Garmin vivofit jr. 3
The Garmin vivofit jr. 3 has fitness cards that teach kids basic exercises.
Garmin is known for making some of the best fitness trackers in the industry and the vivofit jr. 3 is no exception. Not only does it track sleep, steps, and daily activity but it’s also equipped with fitness cards so that kids can learn how to do basic exercises like mountain climbers and jumping jacks with proper form. What parents will love most about this model though is its ability to make chores exciting for kids. All they have to do is assign rewards to certain chores and the vivofit jr. 3 will then gamify the experience for the little ones.
Design-wise, the vivofit jr. 3 appeals to both young boys and girls as it comes in all sorts of themes such as Marvel and Disney. There’s also no need to keep taking it off to charge it because it has an impressive battery life of up to one year. To boot, this model is sunlight-visible and waterproof so kids will have no problem wearing it outside or in the pool.
KURIO Watch 2.0
The KURIO Watch 2.0 is a fitness tracker that doubles up as a smartwatch.
To keep kids active and healthy, the KURIO Watch 2.0 has sports challenges, one of which will get them to dance and have fun. But these activity-based games aside, this fitness tracker also functions as a smartwatch for kids. They can take videos and photos with it and even apply filters to their shots. And because it has Bluetooth connectivity, parents can send messages and media to their kids and kids can communicate with their friends who have the same device. Just make sure that your child doesn’t get too distracted by these neat features.
The design of the KURIO Watch 2.0 is just as appealing. It comes with two bands, one of which is a standard strap while the other changes its color based on the wearer’s temperature. There are several colors to choose from so your child will definitely be happy about that. In terms of durability, it’s waterproof and resistant to scratches so it should hold up just fine.
Nabi Compete
The Nabi Compete doesn’t have a screen but is just as fun and interactive as other fitness trackers.
If you don’t want your child looking at another screen, the Nabi Compete is an ideal fitness tracker to purchase. It doesn’t have a display so if you want to view the data it has collected, you have to sync it with the phone app. But despite its lack of a screen, it’s just as capable as other fitness trackers for kids. It can track your child’s steps and present that number in a fun way (like comparing it the Brooklyn Bridge’s length). It can also monitor the number of calories burned and compare it to different kinds of food. To make things even more fun, the Nabi comes with a virtual pet that grows as kids continue to use the fitness tracker.
The Nabi is comfortable to wear as well, designed with a soft and flexible rubber strap. Looks-wise, it’s definitely eye-catching to children as it comes in various colors and themes such as Hot Wheels and Barbie. Every purchase will give you two trackers so your child can share the experience with a friend.
VTech KidiZoon
The VTech KidiZoom comes with entertaining games that encourage kids to get active.
If your child is into video games, they’re going to love the VTech KidiZoom. This fitness tracker comes with a bunch of games installed, including racing challenges and motion-controlled games. There’s even a monster hunter game that uses augmented reality to get kids to go outside, run around, and catch monsters. What’s great is that the VTech KidiZoom doesn’t just encourage kids to be active but also stimulates their brain with logic-based puzzles. You can also download more engaging games from the Learning Lodge.
Similar to the KURIO Watch 2.0, the VTech KidiZoom also doubles up as a smartwatch. Boasting of two cameras, kids can take selfies, photos, and videos with it. To boot, the watch face is fun, colorful, and easy to use. But again, just be sure the smartwatch aspect doesn’t hinder your child from getting active.
Verdict
Our top three picks would have to be the Garmin vivofit jr. 3, Fitbit Ace 2, and KURIO Watch 2.0.
The five mentioned fitness trackers for kids are well-thought-out. All of them sport lively and eye-catching designs and are equipped with interactive features that motivate kids to move and get their hearts pumping. Our top pick, however, would have to be the Garmin vivofit jr. 3 because it encourages kids to get active not just through exercise but by doing chores as well. Helping out around the house is definitely a great value to instill in children. Also, it’s incredible that the vivofit jr. 3 can go an entire year without needing a charge. Second and third place would have to go to the Fitbit Ace 2 and the KURIO Watch 2.0, both of which are high-quality and value-for-money picks.
FAQs
The Fitbit Ace 2 is similar to the very first Ace although it’s a lot more kid-friendly. It has swapped out the metal band for an adjustable and more comfortable silicone strap that comes in plenty of fun colors. It’s also more affordable.
The Garmin vivofit jr. 3 is designed for children who are 4 years old and above.
Yes, it is. The Garmin vivofit jr. 3 is waterproof and sunlight-visible so kids will have no problem using it outside or while they’re swimming.
Yes, it can. Because the KURIO Watch 2.0 has Bluetooth connectivity, parents can send messages and media to their kids and kids can communicate with their friends who have the same device.