Do I have to pay $10/mo to Verizon to use the Watch

If you have a cellular watch, and you want cellular service on it, then you have to pay your cellular carrier for that service.

You do not have to subscribe to cellular service on the watch if you don't want to, but in that case, the watch will only be fully functional when the phone is nearby.

Can I turn off activity? It is wearing down my battery. Have health issues so I can’t walk much or exercise.