Trying to get your little ones to ditch the screens and embrace an active lifestyle can feel like an uphill battle, right? That’s where a great kids’ fitness tracker comes into play! These nifty gadgets make movement fun, track daily steps, and can even help establish healthy sleep habits. But with so many options out there, finding the best Fitbit for kids can be a bit of a maze.
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork for you, diving deep into the features and benefits of the top Fitbit and kid-friendly activity trackers. Whether you’re looking for a simple step counter or a feature-packed smartwatch with calling capabilities, we’ve got you covered. Let’s find the perfect companion to inspire your child’s next big adventure!
1. Fitbit Google Ace LTE – Kids Smartwatch with Call,…
The Fitbit Google Ace LTE isn’t just a fitness tracker; it’s a full-blown smartwatch experience designed specifically for the next generation of active kids and “gamers.” This device stands out by combining the fun of movement-based games with essential safety features like built-in cellular 4G LTE and GPS tracking. It’s perfect for parents who want to stay connected with their children without handing them a smartphone, all while encouraging active play. The gamified approach with the “Fitbit Arcade” and “Noodle” activity ring ensures kids are constantly motivated to reach their move goals, making it a fantastic tool for fostering healthy habits from a young age.
Key Features:
- Built-in cellular 4G LTE and GPS location for staying connected.
- In-app calls and messages with up to 20 parent-approved contacts.
- 16+ hours of battery life with fast charging capabilities.
- Fitbit Ace Pass data plan for unlimited fun and games in the Fitbit Arcade.
- School Time mode to limit gameplay during school hours.
- Movement-based games and “Noodle” activity ring for motivation.
- Bands unlock new “hauls” and activity challenges.
- Bump, scratch, and water-resistant (50 meters) with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Tap to Pay functionality for kids with supported debit cards.
Pros:
- Comprehensive safety features (GPS, calling/messaging).
- Highly engaging and gamified to keep kids active.
- Excellent battery life for a smartwatch.
- Durable and water-resistant design.
- Parental controls for screen time management.
- Innovative Tap to Pay feature for independence.
Cons:
- Requires a monthly data plan (Fitbit Ace Pass).
- Higher price point than basic activity trackers.
- May be too advanced for very young children.
User Impressions: Parents love the peace of mind offered by the GPS and communication features, finding it a great alternative to a phone. Kids are particularly drawn to the engaging games and the feeling of having their own cool gadget. The battery life is a big win, though the subscription cost is a consideration for some.
2. Fitbit Ace 3 Activity-Tracker for Kids 6+ One Size,…
The Fitbit Ace 3 is a fantastic all-around activity tracker specifically designed with kids aged 6 and up in mind. It strikes a great balance between fun, functionality, and durability. What makes this version particularly great is its focus on simplicity and long-lasting battery life, meaning less time tethered to a charger and more time for your child to explore and play. It’s the perfect entry-level device to introduce the concept of healthy habits and daily movement, all wrapped up in a kid-friendly package that can withstand spills and splashes.
Key Features:
- Up to 8 days of battery life.
- Animated clock faces that evolve with activity.
- All-day activity tracking (steps, active minutes).
- Sleep tracking, bedtime reminders, and silent alarms.
- Water resistant to 50 meters.
- Virtual badges and on-screen celebrations for reaching goals.
- Family account management for parents via the Fitbit app.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life reduces charging frequency.
- Durable and water-resistant for active play.
- Fun and motivating virtual rewards for kids.
- Helps establish healthy sleep routines.
- Easy for parents to manage multiple devices.
- Simple and intuitive for kids to use.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced smartwatch features like GPS or calling.
- No heart rate tracking (if that’s a desired feature for older kids).
- Screen is not in color.
User Impressions: Users frequently praise the Ace 3 for its robust build, impressive battery life, and how effectively it motivates children to be more active. Parents appreciate the straightforward setup and the fact that it holds up well to rough-and-tumble play. It’s often highlighted as a solid choice for a child’s first activity tracker.
3. Fitbit Inspire 3 Health &-Fitness-Tracker with Stress…
While not exclusively marketed as a “kids” device, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is an excellent option for older children or teenagers who are ready for a more comprehensive health and fitness tracker. This sleek and lightweight device offers a wider range of features than typical kids’ trackers, including stress management, advanced sleep insights, and even irregular heart rhythm notifications. It’s perfect for a budding athlete or a teen who wants to dive deeper into understanding their body and developing a holistic approach to wellness. Its subtle design also makes it a stylish choice that doesn’t scream “kids’ gadget.”
Key Features:
- Daily Readiness Score and Active Zone Minutes.
- 24/7 heart rate tracking and 20+ exercise modes.
- Daily Stress Management Score and mindfulness sessions.
- Automatic sleep tracking with personalized Sleep Profile.
- Calls, texts & smartphone app notifications (when connected to a phone).
- Color touchscreen with customizable clock faces.
- Super lightweight and water resistant to 50 meters.
- Up to 10 days battery life.
- Includes a 6-month Fitbit Premium membership trial.
Pros:
- Comprehensive health and fitness tracking capabilities.
- Stress management and mindfulness features.
- Long battery life and sleek, comfortable design.
- Advanced sleep insights for better rest.
- Water-resistant for swimming and daily wear.
- Good for teens who want more detailed data.
Cons:
- May be too complex for younger children.
- Lacks kid-specific gamification or parental controls.
- Heart rate and other advanced features might be overkill for some kids.
User Impressions: Reviewers, including those with older kids or teens, appreciate the Inspire 3’s accurate tracking and comfortable wear. The extensive health insights and long battery life are frequently praised. Some mention that while it’s feature-rich, it’s still simple enough to navigate for those not looking for a full smartwatch.
4. Google Fitbit Ace 3 Activity Tracker for Kids 6+, One…
This Google Fitbit Ace 3 listing highlights specific enhancements and features that make it an even more compelling choice for families. As part of the Google family, this version of the Ace 3 emphasizes how it seamlessly integrates into the Fitbit app’s “Kid View,” giving children a personalized, safe space to see their achievements while keeping parents in control via a family account. The focus here is not just on tracking, but on building healthy habits together as a family, making fitness fun and accessible for everyone. It ensures your child stays active, engaged, and connected in a way that’s both safe and intuitive.
Key Features:
- Kid-friendly and comfy design with an easy-to-use touchscreen.
- “Kid View” for children to see their stats, badges, and clock faces.
- Family account in the Fitbit App for parental management.
- On-wrist call notifications when connected to a nearby phone.
- Wireless sync to computers and popular mobile devices.
- Water resistant to 50M for spills and splashes.
- Sleep tracking with bedtime reminders and silent alarms.
- Fun animated clock faces that develop with activity.
- Up to 8 days of battery life.
Pros:
- Dedicated “Kid View” promotes independence in a safe environment.
- Seamless family account management for parents.
- On-wrist notifications keep kids subtly connected.
- Robust water resistance and durable design.
- Motivates through animated clock faces and challenges.
- Excellent battery life.
Cons:
- Relies on a nearby phone for notifications.
- No built-in GPS or calling (unlike the Ace LTE).
- Still a black and white screen for activity tracking.
User Impressions: This iteration of the Ace 3 is highly praised for its user-friendly interface for kids and the robust parental controls offered through the Fitbit app’s family account. Parents especially appreciate “Kid View” for giving children ownership over their progress. The overall sentiment is that it’s a fantastic device for making fitness a family affair.
5. teslahero Upgraded Kids Smart Watch Fitness Tracker, 1.85″…
If you’re looking for a kid’s smartwatch that goes beyond basic fitness tracking and offers a broader range of fun features, the teslahero Upgraded Kids Smart Watch is a compelling alternative to a Fitbit. This device boasts a large, ultra-clear HD touch screen and a stylish design that kids will love. It combines comprehensive fitness monitoring with built-in puzzle games (complete with parental controls!) and can even function independently without a phone, making it a versatile gadget for various needs. It’s a great choice for parents who want a multi-functional device that offers both activity tracking and entertainment.
Key Features:
- 1.85-inch ultra-clear HD touch screen with vibrant colors.
- All-in-one activity tracker: steps, heart rate, calories, sleep, 100+ sports modes.
- 12 built-in puzzle games with parental control options via the H Band app.
- Functions independently without a phone or app, with additional features unlocked via app.
- Long-lasting battery life (5-7 days working time).
- Stylish, child-safe materials and lightweight band.
- Intelligent reminders, music & camera control (via app), timer, stopwatch, alarm.
Pros:
- Large, clear, and colorful touch screen.
- Built-in games with parental controls for entertainment.
- Can operate without a phone/app for basic functions.
- Good battery life.
- Comprehensive activity tracking with heart rate.
- More affordable smartwatch alternative.
Cons:
- Not a Fitbit brand, so lacks ecosystem integration.
- Does not support SIM cards for standalone calling/GPS.
- App integration required for full features like music/camera control.
User Impressions: Customers love the vivid screen and the inclusion of games, which make it a hit with kids. Parents appreciate the parental control feature for the games and the fact that it can function without needing constant phone pairing. Many see it as a great value for a feature-rich kids’ smartwatch, offering a lot of bang for your buck.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kids’ Fitness Trackers
Q1: What age is appropriate for a kids’ Fitbit or fitness tracker?
Most dedicated kids’ fitness trackers, like the Fitbit Ace 3, are designed for children aged 6 and up. However, simpler trackers might be suitable for slightly younger children who are just learning about steps. For older kids or teens (12+), more advanced trackers like the Fitbit Inspire 3 or the Ace LTE might be more engaging.
Q2: Are Fitbits for kids waterproof?
Yes, most Fitbit models designed for kids, including the Ace 3 and Ace LTE, are water-resistant up to 50 meters. This means they can handle splashes, showers, and even swimming in a pool or shallow water, making them perfect for active kids. Always double-check the specific product’s water resistance rating.
Q3: Do kids’ Fitbits require a smartphone or app?
While the basic functions (like step counting and time) of some kid-friendly trackers can work independently, most Fitbits require a parent’s smartphone and the Fitbit app for setup, parental controls, syncing data, and accessing features like sleep tracking, challenges, and notifications. The Fitbit Ace LTE, being a smartwatch, requires a data plan and smartphone app for its advanced calling and GPS features.
Q4: How do parental controls work on these devices?
Parental controls are a key feature of Fitbits for kids. Parents typically create a family account through the Fitbit app, which allows them to manage their child’s device, view their activity stats, set goals, manage approved contacts (for Ace LTE), and control settings like “School Time” mode. Kids usually have a “Kid View” that only shows their stats and achievements in a safe, engaging way.
Q5: What are the main benefits of a fitness tracker for children?
Fitness trackers for kids offer numerous benefits: they encourage physical activity, help teach kids about healthy habits, motivate them with fun challenges and rewards, promote better sleep through tracking and reminders, and can even offer a sense of responsibility. Advanced models also provide safety features like GPS tracking and communication.
Q6: How long does the battery typically last on a kids’ Fitbit?
Battery life varies by model and usage. Basic activity trackers like the Fitbit Ace 3 typically offer excellent battery life, often up to 8 days on a single charge. More feature-rich smartwatches, like the Fitbit Ace LTE, might last around 16+ hours due to their advanced capabilities like GPS and cellular connectivity.
Q7: Is there a monthly fee associated with a kids’ Fitbit?
For most standard kids’ activity trackers like the Fitbit Ace 3 or Inspire 3, there is no monthly fee beyond the initial purchase. However, the Fitbit Google Ace LTE, being a smartwatch with built-in cellular and data features, requires a monthly “Fitbit Ace Pass” data plan to access calling, messaging, GPS, and the full range of games.