Fitbit Ace 2 is a durable activity tracker for kids (Update: On sale!)

Update: May 9, 2019 at 12:40 p.m. ET: Fitbit’s latest kid-friendly activity tracker, the Fitbit Ace 2, is now on sale on Fitbit.com for $69.95. It’s available in the Night Sky color option, while the Watermelon/Teal color will go on sale at a later date.

Do note that Fitbit.com claims that the Ace 2 is on backorder, so it may not ship for three to four weeks.

Original article: March 6, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. ET: Fitbit today showed off the Ace 2, a wholly re-envisioned, knock-about wearable for kids aged 6 to 14.

The latest data suggests that kids’ activity declines each year between the ages of 9 and 15, according to Melanie Chase, VP of Product Marketing at Fitbit. This has spurred the company to target kids with a wearable of their own, the Ace 2. This sequel to the first generation is focused on helping kids develop healthy activity levels and habits at an early age.

Fitbit Ace 2: Robust for the rambunctious

Though it’s a sequel to the original Ace, the Ace 2 shares more features with the new Inspire line of fitness wearables from Fitbit. The device in composed of a core tracker that is housed in a silicone frame. This time around, the silicone housing is made to handle the activity levels normal for younger tots. Specifically, the bracelet for the tracker itself has a larger, thicker bezel to better protect the screen. The straps are thin and snug for a better fit, and are just as exchangeable as those for the adult fitness tracker.

Fitbit had some fun with the software. The monochrome screen may look the same as that of the costlier Inspire, but it boasts custom animations tailored specifically for younger users. Fitbit has created a handful of screens that help kids see their progress in a unique way each day, such as a growing flower, a growing creature, and an ascending rocket. The Ace 2 also includes kid-friendly clock faces and animated goal celebrations. Huzzah for being young!

Parents will be happy to learn that the Ace 2 can be managed via family account settings. In fact, a slew of tools for the adults in the room should help parents better manage their kids’ Fitbit Ace 2 and help everyone in the family participate in group challenges and goal achievements.

Features galore

The Ace 2 may be for kids, but it captures a lot of data. This information may be informative to parents and (potentially) healthcare providers if/when warranted.

The wearable tracks kids’ steps and daily movement and sleep patterns. It reminds tots to move and ensures kids are active for at least 60 minutes per day. The Ace 2 provides bedtime alerts, morning alarms, call alerts, timer/stopwatch, as well as multiple clock faces.

The device is swim proof and can transition from backyard to pool to backyard to shower. It includes fun incentives, such as virtual badges, as well as five days of battery life and a multitude of accessory bands to personalize the device.

The monochrome display looks decent, though I’d call the animations a bit juvenile. They’re cute, but will probably get tired after a while. I hope Fitbit sees fit to update them down the road.

The Fitbit Ace 2 comes in two basic shades: blue with yellow accents (night sky), and pink with green accents (melon). Straps are available in pink, blue, and purple, as well as a few prints (starting at $30).

The Ace 2 costs $70 and will be available later this spring.