Are you looking for something different to do this weekend and aren’t sure what? Are you looking for new ways to explore the world around you? Have you ever heard of Geocaching? Of course you have. Have you tried it yet? Possibly, possibly not. I’m newer to the scene {read: the husband & I tried and failed four years ago on our anniversary trip to Tofino and we haven’t gone since } but, since starting our “15 things to do with your kids this summer”: series I have been thinking of giving it another go. From our past experience I remember just how much fun it can be- time to let the kids in on some of the fun plus it’s a great way to catch a glimpse at just how creative people can be.
In a way you become friends with people you don’t know and never have met. How cool is that?!?
What is geocaching?
Think of it like your going on a treasure hunt but instead of a map where x marks the spot you are using handheld GPS units or your iPhone. The treasures are all sized containers that may be camouflaged to blend into their surroundings. Some are hidden in locations you pass by every day, others take you off the beaten path into a whole new world. Inside the cache, there will be a at least a logbook to sign and sometimes the larger caches are filled with inexpensive trinkets for trade (think: bouncy balls, stickers, Happy Meal toys, etc). There are over a million caches world wide and probably a ton near your house right now!
You kids will love it and here’s why:
1. It gets the kids outside– which is always a good thing! It’s pretty rare these day’s to hear parents complain that their kids never want to come inside.
2. It gives them a reason to be outside. How can you hunt for treasure from the comfort of your living room? This will give them not only a reason but, a purpose for their adventure.
3. It’s an adventure! Think of it like a modern day treasure hunt. No matter what the cache looks like, most kids are thrilled just to find it and say they did!
4. It turns your phone into a tool perfectly blending technology, nature, brainpower and adventure all in a “cool” way, so even older tweens or teens would think it was fun and it can be done as a family or with friends.
What do you need to start?
If you have an smart phone just buy the mobile app (for apple and android) then go to the website and create a Free account. From here you can locate all the caches around you and begin the treasure hunt.
** The rule of thumb is that if you take something from the cache, you must replace it with something of equal or greater value so make sure to bring a couple of treasures to trade.*
Once you found your cache make sure you “log your visit” letting others know you found it.
How to hide a cache
https://www.geocaching.com/play/hide
We never found our cache that day but, we have fond memories of stumbling upon a creepy abandoned campground, and we got a chance to explore places we wouldn’t have had a chance to explore so it is worth it. Can’t wait to see how well the kids do! Besides, they aren’t like me and they have no problem scrambling under branches to see if the cache is hidden under the leaves. Me…not so much!
Looking for other great ideas?
Make sure to check out my Pinterest board.
We love doing this. Very popular in Colorado.
This looks so fun! I may need to add this to our adventure theme week coming up
this sounds like a game my husband plays, I think the kids would like it so they could get outside and explore
I’ve heard of Geocaching a lot of times but never tried it – not sure if it’s in the Philippines either. I might have to check it though or perhaps I could start one. That would be fun!
We love geocaching! We started last summer and have taken friends along as well. It’s even fun feeling goofy around the “muggles.”
I have never taken son geocaching nor heard of it. It really sounds fun will have to try it this summer.
I have never tried geocaching but I promised myself to try more outdoor things with my girls this summer. I have to try this app. Thanks for the recommendation.
Geocaching sounds like a fun activity to do with the kids. I am headed to Geocaching.com to check it out.
I’ve never heard of Geocatching! My kids love anything outside! This is great!
Great info! I have always wanted to that with my kids, but never knew much about it!
Thank you for posting this. I have been wanting to do geocaching with my kids. I know there are local places to go for this too I need to get out.
This is a lot of fun – I have friends who do geocaching with their dog hiking group and have a blast with it.
Mind blown!!! OMG no I never heard of Geocaching and I wanna do it right now! I am going on a roadtrip to FL so I think I will attempt to do one with my friends…lets see if they are down we are pretty spontaneous!
My kids ADORE geocaching! We totally want to make up a box and hide it somewhere – i keep thinking we will get to it this summer.
We’ve yet to try geocaching, but have family friends who are totally into it! I think maybe this summer the kidos and I will give it a try! It does sound like a fun adventure!
I just downloaded the app. I can’t wait to get started. What a fun activity!
I’ve heard of it but never done it. I think my son might actually like this.
My daughter went geocaching and told me about it. I’d love to do it sometime. There are so many local parks that probably have caches.
I have heard fun things about this. Sounds like fun.
I have friends who do this and I think it would be SO MUCH fun for my kids and me. I’m just learning about the basics – and this post is great.
Geocaching is so much fun with kids. I had never heard of it until my sister told me about it. Her family does it any time they go on vacation as well.
So fun! I’m really looking forward to doing this in this summer. My kids love it , and we now have the time!
I have heard of geocaching, but never actually did it with my kids and now they are much older and way too cool for that kind of stuff. What a fun adventure for younger kiddos, though!
I’ve heard of it but never done it. I’m sure it will be lots of fun and my kids need to be outdoors a lot more than they are right now.
What a fun way to get the kiddos excited about an outdoor adventure!
That sounds like so much fun! My kids will love this!