Kids’ activity trackers to help inspire kids to get outside and get moving
WE’RE living in an age where the activity tracker has replaced the wristwatch, so it’s no surprise that brands are now catering to the next generation with kids’ activity trackers designed especially for little ones.
Kids’ activity trackers are designed for kids of all ages, from toddler to teen. We’ve used our own expertise and found the best-reviewed trackers so you know all about the different kinds of activity trackers for kids available.
Nowadays, an activity tracker is a fun gadget for a really active child, as well as a great motivator for the kid who’s less keen on getting outside and moving.
According to the World Health Organisation, children five and up should be exercising for at least an hour a day. In a world with increasing screen time preoccupations, that can get harder and harder.
That’s where kids’ activity trackers come in: they are a gamified way of getting kids to enjoy getting outdoors and moving around, even in the rain, when they’re grumpy and when they’re exhausted.
Some trackers offer added incentives, like the Garmin vivofit jr 2 tracker, which rewards kids for doing homework and chores, or the LeapFrog LeapBand, which gives children a virtual pet to expend their energy on.
Whatever your budget, style and needs, there’s a kids’ activity tracker that’s right for your little one. And just think how much fun you’ll soon be having jogging around the park together.
1. Best all rounder kids’ fitness tracker
- GARMIN vivofit jr 2 Kids’ Activity Tracker, £67.89 at Amazon – buy here
This tracker really has it all: colourful bands featuring all of your child’s favourite characters, from Marvel superheroes to Star Wars to Disney princesses (among others), it tracks steps and activity as well as sleep and it even encourages children to help out around the house and do chores with in-app rewards.
Once children have done their 60 minutes of daily activity, they get to unlock a new adventure, which particularly cool in the Marvel edition, where kids get to hang out with the Iron Man and go on top-secret missions with Black Widow.
You can also help your child get themselves organised with this activity tracker by setting alerts for things like getting dressed, putting shoes on and finishing up homework. It’s also waterproof and syncs with a parent-controlled app.
2. Best activity tracker for older kids
- Fitbit Ace, from £62.97 at Amazon – buy here
If you’re already a Fitbit-devoted household, then you’re likely to want to get your 8+ year old in on the action with the Fitbit Ace, which is a grown-up looking band that tracks active minutes and sleep and motivates kids to keep moving with reminders and virtual badges.
It’s water-resistant and has battery power for up to five days. You can also challenge family and friends to get some friendly competition going.
The design is also great and comes with unisex purple or blue (or both) straps and 10 clock faces to choose from.
3. Best waterproof activity tracker
- Fitbit Flex 2, from £125.11 at Amazon – buy here
Not a kids’ activity tracker specifically, but a great waterproof design for kids who are keen swimmers, want to paddle in the ocean or won’t remember to take a tracker off in the shower.
The ultra-slim fit design is also well-suited to a child’s wrists. For older kids, this can sync with their phones so they can get call and text notifications on the device.
4. Best activity tracker for younger kids
- LeapFrog LeapBand, £30 at Amazon – buy here
This gamified tracker gets kids moving in a novel way: it encourages them to jump, run and dance to earn points to help out a virtual pet, who can be anyone from a dog or cat to a dragon or unicorn.
Fun instructions that tell kids to “walk like a crab” get them active without them realising it. The accompanying app also helps to teach kids about healthy eating habits.
5. Best tracker that you don’t realise is a tracker
- VTech Kidizoom Smart Watch, £42 at Argos – buy here
Your kids will want this watch for a lot of reasons: it takes photos and videos, has a built-in microphone, lets them try out new games and learning apps, and it can also help teach kids how to tell the time.
Bonus: it’s also got a pedometer feature and action challenges to encourage ksmythstoys.com/…t-watch-dx2-blue/p/167114ids to get moving.
6. Best budget activity tracker
- Nuband Activ Fitness Tracker, £24 at Halfords – buy here
Coming in at under £20, this Nuband tracker might be pared-back and bells-and-whistles free, but it tracks activity and sleep, has a time and date display and alarm and snooze functions to cover all the essential bases.
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