Walkie Talkies vs Super Cheap Phone for Kids?

[aliceindisneyland]

I am looking for a cheap option for my kids for checking in when they're playing in the neighborhood [up to 2 miles away from the house]. I was thinking a real set of inexpensive ($45) walkie talkies might work but I'm wondering if a cheap cell phone might be easier.

Are there any plans/phones without a monthly fee that also let you buy a prepaid amount of minutes/texts that do not expire?

They would only be calling/texting me to check in 5-10 times a week so I might lose value on something like tracfone [if tracfone still has 3 month expiration on minutes]. No data needed or wanted.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Tracfone has some Value Plans https://www.tracfone.com/direct/ValuePlans?app=TRACFONE&lang=en and as long as you add minutes to the phone before the current ones expire, the regular plan minutes roll over.

 

[mikehn]

Tracfone is best deal around for this type of thing. You can buy a 60 minute card for $20 and the best part is it lasts for 90 days. No other carrier gives you 90 days to use it up.

 

[mom2rose&john]

AT&T also has the go phone. I gave my son a $10 phone and refill with $25 every 90 days. I get the refill card at Target and save another 5%.

 

[aliceindisneyland]

Thank you. I will go with walkie talkies! I don't want to end up with a recurring payment to keep the minutes going.

 

[SMD]

Some walkie talkie frequencies require an FCC license. You may want to research and make sure you're buying radios that can also use the free channels.