Garmin vívofit® jr. 3 Kids Fitness Tracker
The vívofit jr. 3 is Garmin's kid-friendly activity tracker — a lightweight, swim-friendly wearable designed for children ages 4 and up that makes fitness fun through Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars themed adventures. It features a 0.55-inch color MIP display (112×112px), step tracking, estimated sleep monitoring, 60-minute daily activity goals, chore management with virtual coin rewards, timed activities with estimated distance, an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact widget, and Toe-to-Toe step challenges with friends. The real standout is the battery: a parent-replaceable CR2025 coin cell that lasts up to 1 full year — no charging required. With a 5 ATM water rating, 25 g weight, and themed band designs kids actually want to wear, it's the most hassle-free way to get young children moving. No GPS, no calling, no messaging, no heart rate sensor, no touchscreen, and no subscription — just a durable, affordable tracker that turns daily activity into an adventure.
Our Take: The vívofit jr. 3 is the simplest, most affordable, and most maintenance-free way to get a young child excited about being active. It doesn't try to be a smartphone replacement — it's a pure activity tracker that turns daily movement into a game. Kids earn rewards for hitting their 60-minute activity goal, unlock themed adventures featuring Disney Princesses, Marvel Avengers, or Star Wars characters, and compete in step challenges with friends. Parents get chore management, sleep data, and activity monitoring through the Garmin Jr. app — all without a subscription. The 1-year replaceable battery is a genuine game-changer for parents who don't want another device to charge. What it doesn't have is just as important: no GPS, no calling, no messaging, no location tracking, no touchscreen, and no heart rate sensor. If you need to reach your child or know where they are, you need the Bounce 2 instead. But if you just want a fun, durable, worry-free tracker that motivates your kid to move more, the vívofit jr. 3 is hard to beat at $89.99.
Why you'd choose this model
- 1-year battery life — no charging, ever A parent-replaceable CR2025 coin cell battery lasts up to a full year. No charging cables, no nightly routines, no dead watch on a school morning. When it finally dies, swap the battery at home in seconds.
- No subscription, no monthly fees — ever Everything is included in the purchase price. Activity tracking, chore management, themed adventures, the Garmin Jr. app — all free, no paywall, no recurring charges. The Bounce 2 requires $9.99/mo for LTE features.
- Disney, Marvel & Star Wars themed designs Choose from Disney Princess, The Little Mermaid, Marvel Iron Man, Marvel Black Panther, Star Wars The Mandalorian, and Garmin's own colorful designs. Each theme includes matching app adventures that unlock as kids stay active.
- Activity goals unlock app adventures & games When kids hit their daily 60-minute activity goal, they unlock new chapters in themed adventures, mini-games, fun facts, and educational quizzes in the Garmin Jr. app. Movement becomes the reward.
- Chore management with virtual coin rewards Parents assign daily or weekly chores through the Garmin Jr. app. Kids see task reminders on their tracker and earn virtual coins redeemable for parent-defined rewards — like movie night or extra screen time.
- Toe-to-Toe™ step challenges with friends Kids can sync with nearby friends who have a vívofit jr. 2 or jr. 3 and compete in friendly timed step competitions. Families can also join multifamily weekly step challenges through the Garmin Jr. app.
- Swim-friendly 5 ATM & ultra-light 25 g Rated to 50 meters — safe for pools, baths, and rain. At just 25 g, it's light enough that even the youngest kids forget they're wearing it. The rounded, non-snaggable design is built for rough-and-tumble play.
- Designed for ages 4+ with simple button navigation No touchscreen — just a single-button interface that even very young children can operate. The color display shows the time, steps, goals, and chore reminders with simple icons that pre-readers can understand.
Who this tracker is perfect for
- Young children ages 4–10 who are too young for a smartwatch but old enough to enjoy tracking steps and earning rewards.
- Parents who want a zero-maintenance wearable — no charging, no subscription, no SIM card, no apps to manage beyond Garmin Jr.
- Kids who love Disney, Marvel, or Star Wars and will be motivated by character-themed adventures tied to daily activity.
- Families looking for a chore management tool that lives on the child's wrist with reminders they can see throughout the day.
- Budget-conscious parents who want a quality Garmin tracker at a fraction of the cost of a kids smartwatch.
You may prefer a different Garmin if…
- You need to call, text, or locate your child — the vívofit jr. 3 has no calling, messaging, or GPS location tracking. The Bounce 2 ($299.99 + $9.99/mo) is built for this.
- Your child needs GPS sport tracking for running, biking, or swimming laps — the vívofit jr. 3 has no GPS and no dedicated sport profiles.
- You want music playback on the wrist — not available on the vívofit jr. 3. The Bounce 2 supports Amazon Music.
- Your child wants a touchscreen — the vívofit jr. 3 uses button-only navigation.
- You want heart rate monitoring — neither the vívofit jr. 3 nor the Bounce 2 includes an HR sensor.
vívofit® jr. 3 Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Display | Color MIP — 0.55" square (14.11×14.11 mm), 112×112px, sunlight-visible |
| Touchscreen | No — single-button navigation |
| Case material | Durable polymer |
| Band material | Silicone, adjustable, non-snaggable design |
| HR sensor | None |
| GPS | None |
| Battery life | Up to 1 year (CR2025 coin cell, parent-replaceable) |
| Water rating | 5 ATM (50m) — swim-friendly |
| Weight | 25 g |
| Memory | 14 days activity data, 7 timed activities |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, ANT+ |
| Wrist sizes | 130–175 mm (ages 4+) |
| Subscription | None required — all features free |
| Companion app | Garmin Jr. (iOS & Android) |
| Target age | Ages 4+ |
Selected Variants — MPN Reference
| Edition / Theme | MPN | MSRP |
|---|---|---|
| Lilac Floral | 010-02441-01 | $89.99 |
| Blue Stars | 010-02441-02 | $89.99 |
| Black Cosmic | 010-02441-23 | $89.99 |
| Peach Leopard | 010-02441-24 | $89.99 |
| Marvel Black Panther | 010-02441-30 | $89.99 |
| Marvel Iron Man | 010-02441-31 | $89.99 |
| Camo Green | 010-02441-00 | $89.99 |
| Disney The Little Mermaid | 010-02441-33 | $89.99 |
| Star Wars The Mandalorian | 010-02441-35 | $89.99 |
All vívofit jr. 3 variants have identical hardware and tracking features. Band design, watch faces, and companion app adventures differ by theme. Availability varies — some themed editions are limited.
How the vívofit® jr. 3 Compares to the Bounce™ 2
Two very different Garmin kids wearables — one is a no-subscription activity tracker, the other is a connected smartwatch with LTE. Hover any row label for a plain-English explanation.
Hardware & Display
| Feature |
vívofit jr. 3Tracker
|
Bounce 2Connected
|
|---|---|---|
| Display type?MIP is always-on and battery-efficient but less colorful. AMOLED is bright and vivid with deep blacks. | Color MIP 0.55" square | AMOLED 1.2" round |
| Display resolution?Higher resolution means sharper text and graphics. | 112 × 112 px | 390 × 390 px |
| Touchscreen?The vívofit jr. 3 uses a simple single-button interface — easier for very young kids. | No | Yes |
| Weight?Lighter weight is more comfortable for all-day wear on small wrists. | 25 g | 40.4 g (with strap) |
| Water rating?5 ATM means safe for swimming, pool play, and rain. | 5 ATM | 5 ATM |
| Speaker & mic?Built-in speaker and microphone enable phone calls and voice commands from the wrist. | No | Yes |
| Wrist sizes?Range of wrist circumferences the strap can accommodate. | 130–175 mm | 115–180 mm |
| Themed designs?Licensed character-themed bands and matching app adventures. | Disney, Marvel, Star Wars + Garmin styles | 3 Garmin colors |
Communication & Safety
| Feature |
vívofit jr. 3Tracker
|
Bounce 2Connected
|
|---|---|---|
| Two-way calling?Make and receive voice calls between the watch and the Garmin Jr. app. | No | Yes |
| Text messaging?Send and receive text messages with a keyboard, emojis, and preset replies. | No | Yes |
| Real-time location tracking?Parents can see where their child is in real time via the Garmin Jr. app. | No | Yes |
| Safe zone alerts?Get notified when your child enters or leaves a parent-defined geographic boundary. | No | Yes |
| ICE contact widget?Emergency contact information accessible on the watch display. | Yes | Yes |
| LTE connectivity?Cellular connection managed by Garmin — enables calling, messaging, and location without a phone nearby. | No | Yes |
| Monthly subscription?The vívofit jr. 3 has no ongoing cost. The Bounce 2 requires a paid LTE plan. | None required | $9.99/mo or $99/yr |
Activity & Health Tracking
| Feature |
vívofit jr. 3Tracker
|
Bounce 2Connected
|
|---|---|---|
| GPS?Built-in GPS tracks outdoor activities with real distance and pace data. | No | Yes |
| Step tracking?Counts daily steps and tracks progress toward daily activity goals. | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep tracking?Monitors estimated sleep duration overnight. | Yes | Yes |
| Heart rate sensor?Neither device includes a wrist-based heart rate sensor. | No | No |
| Sport profiles?Dedicated sport activity modes available on the device. | Timed activities (steps & distance estimate) | 30+ (running, biking, swim, team sports, snow, racket, yoga, etc.) |
| Pool swimming tracking?Dedicated swim mode that tracks laps in a pool. | No (swim-friendly, not swim-tracking) | Yes |
| 60-min activity goal?Daily goal of 60 minutes of activity — the CDC-recommended amount for children. | Yes | Yes |
Smart Features & Entertainment
| Feature |
vívofit jr. 3Tracker
|
Bounce 2Connected
|
|---|---|---|
| Music playback?Play music through the watch speaker or Bluetooth headphones. | No | Amazon Music (sub req.) |
| Voice commands?Speak to the watch to make calls, start timers, or check weather. | No | Yes |
| Games on device?Built-in games kids can play directly on the device. | No (games in Garmin Jr. app only) | Yes |
| Chore management?Parents assign tasks, kids earn rewards for completion. | Yes | Yes |
| Themed adventures?Activity-unlocked educational stories and missions in the Garmin Jr. app. | Yes (Disney, Marvel, Star Wars) | Yes |
| Toe-to-Toe challenges?Friendly step competitions with nearby friends who have compatible Garmin devices. | Yes | Yes |
| School mode?Silences notifications and locks distracting features during school hours. | No | Yes |
Battery & Charging
| Feature |
vívofit jr. 3Tracker
|
Bounce 2Connected
|
|---|---|---|
| Battery life?The vívofit jr. 3's 1-year replaceable battery is a massive advantage for hassle-free, maintenance-free use. | Up to 1 year | Up to 2 days |
| Charging method?Replaceable coin cell means no cables and no charging routine. | CR2025 coin cell (parent-replaceable) | Proprietary clip cable |
Price & Ongoing Cost
| Cost |
vívofit jr. 3Tracker
|
Bounce 2Connected
|
|---|---|---|
| Device MSRP?One-time purchase price for the device. | $89.99 | $299.99 |
| Year 1 total cost?Device price plus 12 months of any required subscription. | $89.99 | $399.87 (device + $99/yr plan) |
Where the vívofit® jr. 3 fits in Garmin's kids lineup
★ You Are Here — Activity Tracker
- Loading…
- vívofit jr. 3 — Steps, sleep, chores, themed adventures, 1-year battery. No calling, no GPS, no subscription.
- View on heartratemonitorsusa.com →
Step Up — Connected Smartwatch
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- Bounce 2 — LTE calling & messaging, real-time location, AMOLED, GPS sports tracking, Amazon Music. Requires $9.99/mo LTE plan.
- View on heartratemonitorsusa.com →
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vívofit® jr. 3 — Frequently Asked Questions
What age is the vívofit jr. 3 designed for?
The vívofit jr. 3 is designed for children ages 4 and up. The adjustable silicone band fits wrists from 130 mm to 175 mm. The simple button-based interface (no touchscreen) is easy for young children to navigate, and the themed designs with Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars characters appeal to a wide age range.
Does the vívofit jr. 3 require a subscription?
No. The vívofit jr. 3 has no subscription, no monthly fees, and no ongoing costs of any kind. You buy the device and it works — all features including activity tracking, chore management, themed adventures, and the Garmin Jr. app are completely free.
What is the difference between the vívofit jr. 3 and the Garmin Bounce 2?
The vívofit jr. 3 is a simple activity tracker focused on step counting, sleep monitoring, chore management, and themed adventures. It has no GPS, no calling, no messaging, and no location tracking. The Bounce 2 is a full smartwatch with LTE calling, text messaging, real-time GPS location tracking, a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen, Amazon Music, and 30+ sport profiles. The vívofit jr. 3 costs $89.99 with no subscription; the Bounce 2 costs $299.99 plus $9.99/month for LTE service. The vívofit jr. 3 has a 1-year replaceable battery; the Bounce 2 lasts up to 2 days per charge.
How long does the vívofit jr. 3 battery last?
Up to 1 year on a single CR2025 coin cell battery — no charging cable needed. When the battery dies, parents can replace it at home without tools. This is one of the biggest advantages over rechargeable kids watches like the Bounce 2, which needs charging every 2 days.
Does the vívofit jr. 3 have GPS or location tracking?
No. The vívofit jr. 3 does not have GPS, LTE, or any location tracking capability. It cannot share your child's location with you. If you need to call, text, or locate your child, the Garmin Bounce 2 is designed for that purpose.
Is the vívofit jr. 3 waterproof?
Yes. The vívofit jr. 3 is rated 5 ATM (50 meters), making it swim-friendly. Kids can wear it in the pool, bath, or rain. However, it does not have a dedicated swim-tracking mode — it's water-resistant for durability, not for logging swim laps.
What themed designs are available?
The vívofit jr. 3 comes in a wide variety of themed designs including Disney Princess, Disney The Little Mermaid, Marvel Iron Man, Marvel Black Panther, Star Wars The Mandalorian, and Garmin's own styles like Blue Stars, Lilac Floral, Peach Leopard, Digi Camo, and Black Cosmic. Each themed edition includes matching app adventures. Availability varies — some themed editions are limited.
Can my child mark chores as complete on the vívofit jr. 3?
Not directly by default. Parents assign chores through the Garmin Jr. app and must confirm completion through the app as well. However, enabling "Kid Mode" in the Garmin Jr. app gives the child limited access to check off their own chores and view their adventure progress.