If you live a very active lifestyle and have kids, its more than likely you engage in plenty of activities together revolved around fitness. Regardless of if you’re an adult or a child, a sports and fitness watch can provide plenty of benefits.
Whether your kids need it for running, cycling, swimming or simply just to count steps its really not a bad decision to invest in one for your child. They often also come with fun features such as collecting digital rewards, which can motivate your child to get out there and earn badges such as those that come with the Garmin watches.
We’ve compared some of the best fitness trackers and watches for kids so that they can also be involved in your fitness journey and compared them against various features as well as purpose, check out our below list.
Affordable
Inspiratek Kids Fitness Tracker
iOS/Android
Proyoo Fitness Tracker Watch for Kids
Good Value
CanMixs Fitness Tracker Watch for Kids
Best Tracking
Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids
Best Overall
Garmin Vivofit Jr 3
1. Inspiratek Kids Fitness Tracker
Key Features
- Water-resistant
- Comes with nine built-in functions
- Easy to read wide display
Reasons to buy
- Colorful software design
- Affordable price
- Can be linked with an app
Reasons to avoid
- Has only one size
- Short battery life
- Easily scratched screen
- The app is only available for one tracker
The Inspiratek kid’s fitness tracker comes with nine built-in functions for the wearer to enjoy and, at the same time, update their health status. The large screen feature helps the wearer determine the time and track various fitness activities easily and effectively.
This can also be linked to any kind of phone for parents to effortlessly trace their kid’s daily activities and routines. However, the application only works for one tracker. If the parent has two or more children, the tracker should be linked to another phone since all settings can be found in the app. Manual settings directly done to the tracker cannot be made.
They are one of the most affordable fitness trackers in the market and it is highly recommended for kids who are trying to stay in shape and maintain a routine.
For an affordable one-touch watch tracker, its water-resistance feature gives an advantage to starting swimmers. It allows the wearer to use the product in fast pool exercises such as snorkeling and swimming. However, it cannot last extremely long underwater making it unwearable to heavy aquatic sports like aquathlon and freediving.
The applications for this tracker are highly recommended for children who love colorful images. It is fully stacked with different icons and the colors can be customized depending on the child’s preference. The comfortability of the tracker is not that commendable. This fitness tracker comes in one size only that can either be too big or too small for the wearer.
This would not work for most children especially those who are active and do a lot of physical activity. The screen also is not durable enough to resist scratches and damages made by pollutants such as dust particles and food stains. Its battery life depends on the usage giving a disadvantage for young athletes to track their progress when it comes to heavy sports and professional exercises.
2. Proyoo Fitness Tracker Watch for Kids
Key Features
- Comfortable silicone watch-band
- Sweat-proof and swim-proof design
- Long battery life
Reasons to buy
- Easy to navigate
- Slim and fashionable
- Compatible with Android and iOS devices
- Affordable price
Reasons to avoid
- Needs internet connection to access fitness tracking features
For kids who like to do various activities daily, the Proyoo fitness tracker is worth considering. With a very colorful and entertaining interface, the watch’s software can be personalized according to the wearer’s preferences.
Without any difficult settings, the wearer does not need to worry about tedious steps to check their calories burned, distance walked, speed rate, and sleeping conditions. Moreover, the heart rate monitoring feature is presented in real-time for the wearer to know what is happening in their body and to prevent incoming discomforts.
The Proyoo fitness tracker watch, with its slim silicone wristband, is also a very fashionable accessory. It fits perfectly for children up to twelve years old. Its lightness and breathable design allow air to enter freely and prevent the wrist to sweat without feeling loose and unfastened. However, it only comes in two colors, Lilac and Teal. This is a minor inconvenience compared to the other physical features of the watch.
Parents can also track their children’s fitness reports through an application that is compatible with both Android and iOS phones.
Their easy sync feature allows parents to easily monitor their children’s physical activities. This requires a steady and consistent internet connection, thus, this is not recommended for activities that take place in remote and far away places such as camping.
The watch is also swim-proof meaning it can resist water for a short period to accompany the wearer in swimming activities. Their progress can also be tracked in the app if the phone and the watch are in between a 10-meter radius. Other professional and hardcore swimming activities are not recommended for this watch.
The USB charging feature allows the wearer to charge their watch within a maximum of two hours. The battery lasts from five to seven days depending on the activities of the wearer. Regardless of its long battery time, the watch is built only for daily activities to keep the wearer updated with their physical health.
On the other hand, users didn’t like that the watch had to be connected to the internet to work. This would mean that the kids needed to have a phone with data or needed their parents nearby for internet access to be able to use the watch’s fitness tracking features.
3. CanMixs Fitness Tracker Watch for Kids
Key Features
- Water resistance
- Accurate tracking results
- SMS reminder
Reasons to buy
- Stylish design
- Different themes
- Long battery life
- Lightweight
Reasons to avoid
- Does not last long
- Difficult Bluetooth pairing
- Charger easily broken
The most notable feature of the CanMixs fitness tracker watch for kids is the stylish design of the wristbands. The wearer can choose what design they want to buy to become more connected and more expressive with their accessory.
Aligned with that feature, the interface of the watch can be changed according to the preference of the wearer, giving them more creative freedom. The watch is also very lightweight which is an advantage for younger children to refrain from hurting themselves with its metallic build. This feature does not lessen the watch’s ability to hold on to the wearer’s wrists.
Its affordable price is also a commendable aspect for a parent who wants to track their child’s physical fitness without having to spend too much money. The wearer will enjoy the long battery life of the watch that can function effectively for up to six days within consistent usage from day until night.
However, the Bluetooth pairing to update a separate phone application often disconnects itself. This often annoys wearers and parents who have less time in dealing with mundane matters. The charger is also a problem since it has low durability, making the watch useless when it breaks. The wristbands also break off easily after a month or two.
Other features include an SMS reminder and chore reminder that can track the wearer’s activity for the day. Colorful and kid-friendly animations that can entertain the wearer are also a very commendable feature of the watch. The sound of the alarm is loud and volume can be controlled through the phone application. Wearers who swim can also enjoy and utilize the watch since it is water-resistant. However, extended periods of swimming like diving and athletic aquatic sports can damage the watch which makes it a snob for those who are practicing professional underwater sports.
4. Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker for Kids
Key Features
- Swimproof
- Comes with different wristband designs
Reasons to buy
- Entertaining visual animations
- Long-lasting battery life
- Kid-friendly design
Reasons to avoid
- Low durability
- Weak wristbands
- Low-resolution display
- Small screen
Compared with its predecessor, the Fitbit Ace 2 has a more kid-friendly design with a bumper surrounding the screen to protect the wearer from the metallic screen. Improvements with the interface have been added to this version as well as emoticons, animations, and icons appearing in the background to entertain the wearer.
Even its wristbands were revamped. From wristbands that are monotonous and solid-colored, the Fitbit Ace 2 introduced two new different prints to make the watch more trendy.
The software, just like its predecessor, still is very application-dependent. Which is good for parents that want to keep track of their children’s physical health. It still has the same functions just like the Fitbit Ace 1 like the alarm clock that can be set using the phone application so when the child forgets to set their alarm, their parents can set it for them.
When it comes to durability, the Fitbit Ace 2 has a low chance of lasting. Its adjustability is a commendable feature since children have different wrist sizes. However, the wristbands, although very trendy and colorful, can easily come off. This is not recommended for swimming, physical and athletic activities since it can be lost easily.
Compared with its predecessor, the Fitbit Ace 2 has a wider screen, still, it is too small compared to the screen sizes of the general fitness tracking watches for kids. Moreover, the animations, regardless of how entertaining, have low quality and are limited to several graphics.
The battery life can last up to five days upon regular use. This feature can be very appealing to children who just want to keep track of their physical activities without having to worry about technical software. The wearer can charge the watch through a USB port. It acquires energy rapidly within two hours, which is commendable since children can sometimes be very impatient.
5. Garmin Vivofit Jr 3
Key Features
- Swim-friendly
- No charge feature
- One year battery life
- Games and rewards
Reasons to buy
- Has a wide range of colors of wristbands
- Different interactive animations
- Reminder feature
- Emergency contact feature
- Interactive games
Reasons to avoid
- Costly
- Can harm skin when it overheats
- Dark display
- Additional features require additional pay
The most recognizable feature of the Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 is its no-charge battery life. The battery of the device can last up to a maximum of one year if not used daily within 365 days. This feature frees the wearer from the hassles of charge time that, compared to other fitness tracking watches, takes up two hours of charging time. This gives the wearer more time to use and enjoy the different adventures and experiences that the device offers.
The Garmin Vivofit Jr 3 has a variety of designs and colors to choose from. This allows the wearer to choose what kind of design is best suited for their personality giving them more avenues for self-expression. It also has very durable wristbands that stays the watch in place regardless of how much the wearer moves.
The watch does not only track the physical activities of the wearer, it also gives them interactive games that can accompany them during their free time. Aside from the wide variety of games, the watch also has a chore reminder to keep the wearer updated on what they need to accomplish and how.
The wearer can also install emergency contact information for various reasons. Although some of these additional features come with a price separate from the cost of the watch alone, it does not make the wearer less fulfilled if they do not buy these added applications.
The software and the interface of the watch are very kid-friendly and offer different variety of themes. However, the screen is too dark and sometimes cannot withstand strong light conditions, giving the wearer minimal tracking data of their physical fitness, especially in broad daylight and outdoor activities.
Sometimes, when it gets too hot, the watch overheats and can burn the wearer’s skin. This is not advisable to wear during the summer and to use in open-air arenas.
6. CatShin Smart Watch for Kids
Key Features
- Water-resistant
- Stylish design
- Water and medicine reminder
Reasons to buy
- Very lightweight
- Colorful graphics
- Wide variety of wristband colors
Reasons to avoid
- One size fits all
What children love about the CatShin smartwatch is its lightweight design. Wearers can do a variety of work and not feel any discomfort when wearing the watch. While other fitness tracker watches can easily irritate the skin, the Catshin smartwatch with its silicone and breathable wristband design can make wearers feel they are not wearing a watch.
Furthermore, with its stylish wristbands, the wearer can pair the watch with most kinds of clothing and can be used in casual meet-ups like birthday celebrations and vacations.
With the CatShin smart watch’s medicine and drink water reminders, wearers do not need to worry about forgetting to take their daily prescriptions and being dehydrated.
The smartwatch can easily be connected to a smartphone so that the wearer can easily navigate the watch and set up all their preferred ways on how to be reminded. The watch also has a body temperature and environment temperature monitoring feature that lets the wearer know their body heat index and how their surroundings are affecting their health.
Wearers who love to swim are also recommended to use the CatSHin smartwatch. Since its water-resistant feature gives information on how much the wearer is performing underwater. It also signals an alarm to the smartphone if the body is not receiving enough oxygen.
However, the smartwatch only comes in one size. The wristband might be adjustable but it is still not enough to become tightly secure on every kind of wrist. This is not recommended for physical activities and athletic swimming competitions since it can get loose and fall off from the wearer’s wrist.
Other commendable features include colorful and entertaining graphics that can be customized according to the wearer’s personal preferences. It has a one-touch button for easy direct navigation. However, setting up the time can confuse the wearer since it has a lot of reminder features that can be found only in one application.
7. K-berho Kids Fitness Tracker
Key Features
- IP68 Waterproof
- SMS reminder
- Comes with a replaceable wristband
Reasons to buy
- Clear LED screen
- Straightforward interface
- Comfortable design
- Long Battery life
Reasons to avoid
- Cannot be turned off
- USB Charger
- Low durability
When it comes to having a long battery life, the K-berho kids fitness tracker deserves recognition. With a battery life that can last up to seven days, the wearer can constantly use the watch without having to worry about the daily routines of charging.
However, wearers cannot save more battery life than they want to since the watch cannot be turned off. Once open, the watch will run consistently until it needs to be charged through a USB charger. Although some wearers love this feature, others prefer that the watch should be charged through a USB cable to avoid overheating.
K-berho kids fitness tracker gives a clear LED screen that can withstand high light conditions meaning that graphics can still be seen clearly under the sun. So beach days and hiking days with this watch are no problem and can still update the wearer with its reminders.
The watch is also built with an IP68 waterproof design that can accompany the wearer to a 30-minute swim under 1.5 meters of water. This is best for kids who enjoy casual swimming in a pool.
For physical activities and active team sports such as soccer or baseball, the watch can have mixed benefits. For one, its comfortable design can give the wearer’s wrist freedom. On the other hand, it can also be broken easily because its durability is very low and can malfunction when it falls off and hits hard surfaces. This is not recommended for team sports like basketball, hockey or rugby.
Other features include an SMS reminder that updates both the wearer and the phone every time there is an upcoming event. An application provided by the seller is also available for easier navigation of the settings of the watch. An extra wristband is available in case the primary one breaks.
The watch also has a straightforward interface meaning every setting can be changed in a one-click mode without having to worry about tedious step-by-step processes.
8. YEGKGO Kids Fitness Tracker
Key Features
- Social media reminder
- Long battery life
- Fashionable pattern designs
Reasons to buy
- Easy to charge
- Stylish
- Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- Very poor phone application
- Hard to sync with a phone
For kids who care more about what they wear rather than anything else, the YEGKO fitness tracker can satisfy their wants and needs. With its lavish and stylish patterns, the YEGKO fitness tracker can express the wearer’s artistic side and make them feel creative.
The silicone wristbands coated with colorful designs can also give the maximum amount of comfort for any outdoor and indoor activity, physical or not, to make the wearer productive and efficient at what they are doing.
Wearers do not have to worry about charging their watches daily. The battery life of YEGKGO fitness tracker lasts up to five days maximum and four days minimum, with consistent twenty-four-hour use.
It can also be charged easily through USB charging and acquires energy faster than the average USB charging fitness tracker watch. With a battery life like this, this is highly recommended for wearers who want to save electricity and at the same time keep track of their physical fitness.
For wearers who enjoy going to the beach and pool parties, the YEGKGO fitness tracker is also advisable. With its IP68 waterproof feature, the watch can be worn by the wearer for over thirty minutes under 1.5 meters of water.
However, if the watch is used as a monitoring device by a parent, this is not highly recommended because of the poor performance of the application that comes with it. The watch can easily be disconnected, without any warning, if not in range.
Reconnecting the watch and the phone will take a long time, irritating wearers who want to keep track of their physical activities and of course worrying parents who are keeping track of their children.
Other special features include social media reminders like Facebook and Twitter notifications to keep the wearer up to date with the latest news and events that are currently taking place.
The wristbands are durable enough to last for a month or two and the interface can easily be understood as long as the wearer is connected with the phone application. The alarm gives a loud sound that can wake anyone in time.
How to Choose the Best Fitness Tracker Watch for Kids
Not all fitness trackers can be worn by children. Some fitness trackers might be too big or too tight. Some might even give inaccurate data of their physical fitness resulting in anxiety or mistreatment on their body. The best fitness tracker watch for kids should have these four characteristics:
Comfortable tight design
Comfortable tight design, long battery life, Water-resistance and high durability. To assure maximum performance in a physical activity where kids spend their time running and often engaging with other children, their fitness trackers should stay in place in their wrists without the discomforts of being too tight or too loose, meaning it should have a breathable design.
This aspect also can reduce the risk of fungal infections in the wrist area where sweat might bulk up due to the silicone wristbands.
Long battery life
Long battery life should also be prioritized since to give more accurate physical fitness data, the watch should be worn as much as possible.
Long battery life can also keep the child up to date with their to-do list and remind them of their schedule. Furthermore, the parents monitoring their child through the watch can secure and monitor their children accurately with long battery life.
Water-resistant and High durability
The watch should also be water-resistant to give more freedom to the child to enjoy places like pool resorts and beaches without having to worry about damaging their fitness trackers.
And if the child participates in team sports and other activities that involve physical exertion, the watch should be very durable to keep them safe from accessory-related accidents.
Overall: Comfort and Efficiency
Overall, the best fitness tracker watch should give comfort and at the same time give the wearer the data they need to keep track of their physical fitness.
These two goals should always be the priority of anyone who wants to buy a fitness tracker watch for kids. If a fitness tracker watch fails to provide one of the characteristics above or even one of the two goals mentioned, buyers should reconsider. Design and animation can be sacrificed for a better and more efficient fitness tracker watch for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the growing popularity of video games and online games among children and young adults, parents find it hard to make their kids do more physical activities to keep them healthy.
Most parents believe that fitness trackers can motivate their kids to do several activities from chores to doing sports.
These activities can keep them off the couch and make them very efficient throughout the day. And of course, monitoring their child’s health gives them an idea of their current status that can prevent various illnesses.
The size of an adult fitness tracker will not hold on to the kid’s small wrist. The risk of the tracker falling off the child’s wrist is a sure one-hundred-percent.
Other reasons include non-kid-friendly designs such as exposed metals that can harm the kid. Leather wristbands can cause discomfort on their wrist area which can eventually cause rashes especially to kids with sensitive skin.
Besides these reasons, if the fitness tracker is not tightly fixed on a wearer’s wrist, the accuracy of results cannot be guaranteed since the mechanisms of the watch should touch the skin to do their job.
Comfort and durability should be the top priority in choosing a kid’s fitness tracker. However, considering an interactive and kid-friendly interface can also be added to the list.
This is to entertain children and motivate them to move more and interact more.
With these colorful and creative animations, their mental well-being can also be exercised. Since children are playful, it is a plus to them if they see small icons and emoticons on their watch that can give them happiness and moments of joy,
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.