Geocaching is a great activity to do with the family. It gets you outdoors, walking around and makes you use your mind. We started Geocaching a year ago and we still are loving it. If you are wondering how to get started geocaching, read on!
What Is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a global treasure hunt. Participants use GPS enabled devices to locate specific coordinates where they can search for a hidden cache. The caches are small to large containers that will have a log to sign and often fun little items to trade. These caches can be in a parking lot, a nature center, just off a trail or on a small island that can only be reached by boat. Geocaching has so many different levels of difficulty and terrain.
What do You Need to Start Geocaching?
Start by going to Geocaching.com where you can sign up for a free account. There is also a Geocaching 101 section that helps explain the game. I also recommend getting the app. You can use app to find a cache, mark it as found and leave notes. The site and app are both very user friendly.
Next, find caches near you and head out on the hunt. We were surprised to find that we had a few within walking distance of our house. After just one evening of geocaching, we were hooked. It is kind of like being in a secret club and only the members know where the caches are. I like driving by spots knowing there is a cache there.
Some walking trails and biking trails have several geocaches along the way. I always check the recent logs on caches before I go. If it looks like it has not been found or is really hard I may skip it. Always remember that kids have a different way of looking at the world. Sometimes I over think the hiding places or clues and my son will find it quickly.
Why We Love Geocaching
The number one reason is that we can go geocaching as a family.
It gets us outside and seeing parts of our state that we have never seen before.
The excitement of the find is addictive.
My son gets to trade fun small items, like toy dinosaurs, compasses and rubber chickens. I recommend going to party store and picking up some small items to trade. This is really fun for the kids.
When we go on vacation it is fun to find a cache or 2 while exploring new places and we get to see spots that are away from the typical tourist attractions.
Check out these other Geocaching posts.
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What is your favorite outdoor family activity?
Tonia says
This sounds like a lot of fun. I’ve never heard of geocaching before.
Jammie says
We LOVE geocaching! It seems down in the South though, there;s not as many geocachers.
Barbie's Beauty Bits says
GeoCaching sounds very interesting. I’m not sure if they do this in my area or not?
Felicia says
I keep meaning to do this with the boys. I think they would love it.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
I love this post – I always wanted to know how to get started! This looks fun, but I was lost.
Amanda Love says
I’ve never really understood this much. Thank for explaining it. I may just have to do this with my kids. I think they’d enjoy it.
Tami says
I totally want to try this at some point. I am not even sure if it has caught on in Trinidad yet, but if not, I hope it would soon. I love that it can be done as a family and gets everyone outdoors!
Pam says
Geocaching is really catching on in my area. Thanks for the 101!
Chrystal @ YUM eating says
We love geocaching and have been doing it for a few years now. It was super easy and cheap to start. I just paid for the app and we already had the other stuff. We keep a backpack stocked with little treasures, extra pencils, small tablets of papers, and pennies for something extra. We even keep an extra container handy in case we get to a cache that has been ruined.
MommaDJane says
We love going Geocaching. We took a roadtrip across three states and found geocaches along the way. It was so much fun. We love finding the geocaches that we swap out items in. Usually little small trinkets or toys.
Carly from The Puzzled Palate says
I so want to do this! I have even downloaded the app for it. I need to convince my hubby still!
Paula @ FrostedFingers says
This is such a fun thing for family time. Thank you for the tips!
Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com says
This sounds like fun and could really be a great outdoor adventure! My kids would love it!
Brandy says
We love geocaching, I was amazed at how many are around my local area! I have to get out and do this again in the Fall with the kiddos!
Janel (A Mom's Take) says
Never done this before, but would love to. I’m all for getting outdoors with my children and exploring. I’ve heard such great things about Geocaching.
Beth@KCMompreneurs says
I have not tried to geocaching. But it looks like fun.
Gayle says
I am so excited to read all the comments!! We are going camping this weekend and I hope to find a couple more geocaches.
Liz Mays says
My daughter has gone geocaching several times and has so much fun. It’s so rewarding to find it!
Lori says
This sounds like a lot of fun! I will have to do this with my daughters.
Nolie says
I have been meaning to try this out as a family for years. Even bought a GPS a few years ago to do this and still we have not tried it out.
Pam says
That is such a cool idea! It sounds like a lot of fun!
Christie says
I totally love this idea for families. I need to do this in our area!