Best fitness trackers for tracking kids’ locations: Keep Tabs Without a Detective License

Trying to keep up with kids these days? It sometimes feels like juggling water balloons—messy, unpredictable, and a bit stressful. Fitness trackers for kids promise a little peace of mind, offering not just step counts and heart rates but also location tracking. That means we can figure out if our kids are actually at soccer practice or sneaking off to the corner store for candy. (No judgment, sugar fiends—we totally get it.)

These gadgets have a ton of features, but when we’re picking one for our kids, we care about more than just step counts or flashy colors. Battery life matters, and we want to know the location data stays safe. If the app is confusing, our brains might just melt. Plus, the thing needs to survive playground chaos, slime attacks, and whatever else kids can dream up.

We’ve run into trackers that are a nightmare to set up—don’t get us started on weird update errors. It’s crucial to find one that works with our devices and actually sends alerts when we need them. So, we dug into the latest models and tested them to find the fitness trackers that help us track our kids’ locations and keep our parental nerves (mostly) under control.

Best Fitness Trackers for Tracking Kids’ Locations

Kids have a knack for vanishing at the worst possible times. So, we rounded up the best fitness trackers to help us keep tabs on our little escape artists. Check out our top picks below—before they plan their next great adventure.

BIGGERFIVE Kids Smart Watch

If you want your kid to stay active and you want to know where they’re wandering—but without turning them into a tiny James Bond—this watch is honestly a solid pick for peace of mind.

Pros

• Works even without a phone or app if you’re going low-tech
• Counts steps, heart rate, and even sleep so you can check if bedtime actually happened
• Waterproof enough to survive rogue sprinklers and surprise dives

Cons

• GPS only works when you pair it with a parent’s smartphone
• The band sometimes gives up before your patience does
• Games might distract from homework (and, let’s be honest, maybe distract us too during dull meetings)

Setting up the BIGGERFIVE Smart Watch felt a bit like unboxing a toy—for us as much as for the kids. The bright 1.8-inch touchscreen makes everything easy, even for those of us who still squint at tiny text. Kids can swap watch faces with their own photos, which somehow makes it cooler than our grown-up smartwatches.

This watch doesn’t need a smartphone for the basics, so no worries about sneaky texting. Activity tracking works by itself, nudging kids to move instead of just lounging. If you want to track them more closely (hello, GPS dot), you’ll need to download the app and pair it with your phone.

Puzzle games come built-in, and our kids love them (sometimes a little too much). Thankfully, the parental settings let you control what’s available. The waterproof design survived both a surprise rainstorm and one “accidental” belly flop. For families who want a little tech without a lot of hassle, this watch nails it.

JrTrack 4 Kids GPS Watch

If you want to keep tabs on your pint-sized escape artist without handing over a smartphone, this watch is a fantastic choice.

Pros

• Checking your kid’s location is super easy
• You get to approve contacts, so no random weirdos can call
• SOS button actually works for emergencies

Cons

• Needs a separate monthly service fee
• Won’t work with non-COSMO carriers, so don’t even try
• Battery would last longer if kids ever sat still

The JrTrack 4 delivers peace of mind right away—location tracking is straightforward, and safe zones are simple to set up. We handed this to our youngest testers and found ourselves checking the app more than we’d like to admit, just to see if everyone’s still at the park and not chasing the ice cream truck (again).

Calling and texting is easy, but don’t expect lightning-fast replies. The security is a big win—no TikTok, no spam calls, just parent-approved contacts. That means everyone sleeps a little easier.

We do wish the battery lasted longer on wild days—it sometimes feels like herding cats and charging gadgets at the same time. Don’t bother trying to use your own SIM card; this watch sticks with its COSMO service, for better or worse. Still, if you want to track your kid’s location and keep a bit of control (plus the occasional “stop texting your sibling across the room” moment), this watch is a winner.

Garmin Bounce Kids Smartwatch

If you want to keep an eye on your kid without giving them a phone, this little gadget works like your secret parenting sidekick.

Pros

• You can send texts or voice messages straight to the watch (so you can pester your kids from anywhere)
• Tracks locations in real-time, which really helps when someone “disappears” at the park
• Feels sturdy enough to survive swim meets, playground tumbles, and whatever else kids dish out

Cons

• Needs an active subscription and a good network connection, or it’s just a fancy wristband
• Battery life sometimes gives up before you’re ready (especially if your kid keeps tapping the screen)
• Only works in the USA, so family trips abroad mean you’re back to “just trust me, Mom”

Setting up the Garmin Bounce was pretty painless, even for those of us who always forget our Wi-Fi passwords. The kiddo sent us quick texts, and we checked their location right from our phones—no need for awkward public headcounts.

The best part? That peace of mind when your little explorer decides to “check out” the neighbor’s backyard. If our kid hits the assistance button, we get their location instantly, and honestly, it feels pretty heroic.

We can’t say the battery is impressive, and the subscription fee is a bit of a pain. But watching kids get excited about tracking their steps (and not just YouTube shorts) is a win. Just remember, if you’re not in the US, this watch won’t help you much.

Sootingot Kids Fitness Watch

If you want a fun and busy smartwatch to distract your kids while you try to sneak a nap, this one’s a solid pick (but don’t count on GPS tracking).

Pros

• Packed with health tools—actually shows how little sleep our kids get
• Water-resistant enough for even the wildest sibling bath wars
• Entertaining games and camera—they might ignore you for hours

Cons

• No live GPS tracking, so if they “hide” in the pantry, you’re on your own
• More features than a spaceship, so there’s a learning curve for everyone
• Customizing faces can be tricky—our family photos ended up sideways

When we unboxed the Sootingot Kids Fitness Watch, the bright screen and comfy band stood out right away. Setup took less time than it takes the kids to clean their room (which is saying something). The menu is colorful and simple enough for most ages, whether your test subject is five or ten.

The health features felt more legit than we expected. The sleep monitor revealed our kids aren’t exactly getting perfect rest (who knew 20 minutes of deep sleep was “normal” for a six-year-old?). We loved being able to lock apps with “class mode,” so nobody tries to calculate Pi on their wrist during math class.

But there’s no GPS. So, if a kid sneaks off for extra cereal in the basement, you’re still playing old-school detective. The waterproof build survived splashes, and our kids loved customizing the faces—though our dog might not forgive us for his close-up as a watch dial.

For parents who don’t need location tracking but want everything else (and then some), this is a durable, playful choice. Just plan to spend a few nights figuring out all the buttons.

Garmin vivofit jr. 3

If you want your kids to move more and you want to know where they’ve wandered, this tracker keeps you in the loop—without making you look like a spy.

Pros

• Seriously durable—we’ve seen it survive more than a few playground wipeouts
• Battery lasts forever (okay, a year, but that’s forever in parent time)
• Fun app keeps kids moving without turning them into little zombies

Cons

• No built-in GPS for real-time tracking, so you’re stuck checking the app
• Tracker sometimes pops out of the band and goes missing (hello, impromptu scavenger hunt)
• You need a smartphone to change most settings and check progress

Let’s be real: the vivofit jr. 3 won’t give you turn-by-turn updates on your child’s secret candy runs. Still, for activity tracking and light location info with the app, it’s a trusty sidekick.

The band looks tough enough for any backyard adventure, and anything that lasts a year on one battery deserves a standing ovation.

Our kids loved unlocking virtual “adventures” in the Garmin app—it actually motivated them to move. Customizable watch faces let them show off their personalities (and brag about steps at school). The reward system for chores? Let’s just say our living rooms have never looked better.

Not everything’s perfect, though. The tracker loves to pop out of the band and hide under the couch—which, for parents, counts as bonus cardio. No built-in GPS means you’re relying on the paired app for location info, so it’s not exactly a kids’ LoJack. If you’re out without your phone, checking progress is pretty much impossible.

Still, for parents who want a little nudge toward healthy habits and basic safety, this gets the job done—with a side of humor and a bit less stress.

BIGGERFIVE Kids Vigor 2 Tracker

If you want a kid-friendly fitness tracker with simple location tracking and fun activity features, this one’s a solid pick. Just don’t expect it to double as a secret spy gadget.

Pros

• The waterproof design laughs in the face of puddles and spilled juice.

• Long battery life means fewer charging battles for us adults.

• Virtual medals keep our kids moving (sometimes more than lunchtime dessert does).

Cons

• GPS or advanced tracking features are missing, so we can’t pretend we’re in a spy movie.

• The strap can feel a little flimsy if your kid goes full ninja mode on the playground.

• Sometimes the touchscreen acts like it’s on a coffee break.

We handed this tracker to our most energetic kid, and suddenly he couldn’t stop bragging about his daily steps. We’ve even caught ourselves checking for new virtual medals more than once.

The sleep monitor comes in handy, especially when our kids claim they’re “too tired” for chores. On the comfort front, the band feels lightweight and not too bulky, so our kids actually leave it on.

Thanks to the waterproof build, we stopped panicking about the tracker meeting its doom in a mud puddle or a surprise dive into the pool. The downside? We couldn’t find full-blown GPS location tracking.

If your child wanders off at the zoo, it won’t turn into a high-stakes rescue mission. The touchscreen doesn’t always listen, which leads to some frustrated little finger jabs.

Still, if you want an affordable, activity-focused tracker that makes fitness fun without a bunch of confusing extras, this BIGGERFIVE Kids Vigor 2 Tracker can keep your kids moving—and maybe even wear them out for bedtime.

Gabb Watch 3e

If you want to keep tabs on your kid without putting the Internet on their wrist, the Gabb Watch 3e is a pretty solid choice—as long as you don’t mind a little setup and a monthly bill.

Pros

• Pinpoint GPS lets us track wandering kids at the park.

• Calls and texts work, and we stay in charge of the contact list.

• Durable design shrugs off daily tumbles and playground drama.

Cons

• There’s a monthly fee, and we had to pay to activate.

• Battery life could be better—sometimes it needs more juice mid-afternoon.

• Only works in the U.S. (sorry, world travelers).

We put the Gabb Watch 3e through its paces and found it has a lot going for it when it comes to keeping our kids connected and on the radar. The GPS tracking helps us breathe easier during outings.

Having our kids just a call away is pretty handy. No access to social media means we aren’t worried about accidental YouTube binges or strange DMs from “PrincessUnicorn999.”

Charging is a breeze, which is great because we’re definitely not trying to wrestle a charging cable out of sticky hands every night. Our little testers found the step counter fun, and the built-in chore rewards earned us a slightly cleaner bedroom—at least for a day or two.

Still, we had to get over the first hurdle: paying the activation fee and setting up a plan (at least there’s no contract). The battery sometimes quits before the day is out, especially if the kids are really active.

And if we felt like taking a family trip outside the States, this watch isn’t coming with us. If your kid’s not quite ready for a phone but you still want location tracking, and you don’t need fancy apps, the Gabb Watch makes a lot of sense—just keep the charger handy and don’t forget to pay the monthly fee, or your “where are they?” texts will go unanswered.

Garmin vívofit jr. 3 Kids Tracker

If you want fitness tracking matched with kid-friendly durability and parental peace of mind, this quirky little Garmin tracker does a solid job.

Pros

• Battery lasts so long, we might lose it before it dies.

• Waterproof—our kids tried to drown it, but it survived.

• Chores and reward system makes us look like responsible parents.

Cons

• No GPS, so we can’t see if they secretly wandered to the neighbor’s.

• The screen isn’t bright enough for those late-night scavenger hunts.

• Lacks fancy features—don’t expect heart rate or call alerts.

We let our kids take the Garmin vívofit jr. 3 for a spin (the band’s a tad snug on adult wrists), and right away, the battery life feels like ancient magic. There’s nothing quite like not having to charge a device every night.

It just keeps going, no snooze-needed. The band’s toughness lets our little ones swim, climb, and occasionally wrestle with the dog without us fretting over breakage.

We especially like the rewards setup—assigning chores and trading points is almost too easy, which is good, because convincing kids to clean up toys isn’t. The steps competition also unleashes some full-on sibling rivalry, which we secretly enjoy.

But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: there’s no GPS on this model. We can see steps and sleep from our phone, plus get quick access to emergency contacts, but we can’t track an exact location if someone “forgets” to come inside.

So for families who want real-time location updates, this isn’t the magic answer. For basic tracking, chores, and sleep info, though, it keeps everyone (mostly) on track and entertained.

TickTalk 5 Kids Smart Watch

If you want peace while your kids are tearing around the neighborhood, the TickTalk 5 makes you feel like an undercover agent—without the secret decoder ring.

Pros

• Pinpoint location tracking that leaves us no excuse to lose track of Junior at the playground.

• Tons of parental controls, so we’re still the bosses (at least for now).

• SOS feature for emergencies—finally, a button our kids are actually supposed to press.

Cons

• Set-up takes a bit of patience (pro-level parenting required).

• The design is more “colorful kid” than “fashion influencer.”

• Step counter can be overly enthusiastic (suddenly, our couch potato’s a marathon runner?).

Putting this watch on our child felt a tiny bit like installing a homing device—without needing to bribe a spy. The GPS feature updates us on their location, so we don’t have to play detective every time they’re “just over at a friend’s house.”

It’s pretty accurate, even in tricky spots like basements or crowded parks. Calling and messaging work smoothly and keep us connected (and yes, we tried sending a GIF—because who can resist?).

There’s something comforting about knowing we can video call if we really want proof they’ve brushed their teeth tonight. Having a watch that’s resistant to water, dust, and inevitable bumps is a must for how our kids behave.

We’re happy with the no-games rule, too, since there’s enough screen time already. If you ask us, the TickTalk 5 is like a digital leash—minus the judgmental looks at the grocery store.

Meoonley Kids Fitness Watch

If you want your kid to track steps, sleep, and activities but aren’t worried about real-time GPS, this little gadget is a fun, durable pick.

Pros

• Tons of sports modes keep active kids busy and happy.

• Durable and survives water—so bath time disasters are manageable.

• Handy app lets us spy (sort of) on their steps and slumber.

Cons

• Lacks live location or GPS, so we won’t track playground escapes in real time.

• No built-in calling or texting (maybe a pro for some of us).

• Syncing doesn’t always go smoothly between the watch and our phones.

Setting up the Meoonley Kids Fitness Watch was easier than getting shoes on a toddler. Our kids quickly figured out the touch screen.

The watch is light, comfy, and, much to our surprise, seems nearly immune to rough play and the occasional dip in the sink. We liked watching our kids compare steps like it was a sibling Olympics.

Keeping an eye on their sleep habits gave us peace of mind (and maybe a little guilt about bedtime). Having nineteen different fitness modes is almost too much for tiny wrists, but our sporty ones actually used more than we thought.

They’ve woken us up excited about their “sports data,” which sounds far more official than we expected. The waterproof nature stopped our panic when it took a surprise journey into the bath.

If location is your main worry, you may need to look elsewhere—there’s no GPS tracking or SOS features here, so hide-and-seek will still be a challenge for us anxious parents. On the bright side, it keeps things simple, and we didn’t have to deal with unexpected messages or calls from the wrist.

For a fun, fuss-free activity tracker, it does the job and even comes with extra straps, which is great given how often ours go missing.

Buying Guide

Let’s be honest—picking out a fitness tracker for kids feels almost as tricky as convincing them to eat their veggies.

We want something they’ll actually wear, but it also needs to handle ketchup stains and wild playground adventures.

Here’s what really matters:

• GPS Accuracy: If you want to know whether they’re at school or sneaking snacks at a friend’s place, good location tracking is pretty important.
• Battery Life: The longer, the better. Nobody wants to charge it every night.
• Comfort: If it’s scratchy or bulky, your kid will probably hide it under the couch faster than broccoli.

Other features to consider:

Feature	Why It Matters
Water Resistance	For splash fights and endless hand-washing
Alerts/Notifications	So you can, um, check in on them easily
SOS Button	In case things go sideways (or snacks run out)
Parental Controls	Because kids love pressing random buttons

Make sure it’s easy to use. If you need a manual thicker than a phone book, just skip it.

And don’t forget about privacy. We really don’t want strangers tracking our snack-obsessed kids, right?