Looking for a way to spend the day outside, with an exciting activity that the whole family can enjoy? Try geocaching!
Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt. It involves putting coordinates that you find online (on a geocaching-dedicated website) into a GPS and go searching for a cache that someone else has hidden in the real world.
There are caches hidden everywhere. Also near you. without a doubt!
These caches are waterproof containers that range in size and shape. Some are large and easy to spot, others can be small and much more challenging to find. They can be obvious, like a Tupperware container with a blue lid that sticks out like a sore thumb…
Or the cache can be disguised with leaves, moss or other things to blend in with nature.
The caches are usually hidden in a place that the creator of the cache wants you to see, for example because it gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings.
And what makes geocaching so interesting: it’s not just going for a walk, it’s more like an adventure. You can get a real kick out of some of the more intricate geocaches, with multiple GPS coordinates, each cache revealing a clue about where to find the next one. For your first time and with little children, it’s better to pick an easy one of course.
Finding a cache feels rewarding by itself, but sometimes you can actually get something out of it! Some caches contain small ‘treasures’ inside, left by other geocachers, that you are allowed to take with you when you find the box. It can be a small toy car, a figurine, a bracelet, anything! But be a good sport and remember to leave something behind as well, for the next treasure hunter to find! Personally, we think these genuine gold flakes in a bottle make great treasure. They’re for sale on Amazon but you can find them much cheaper in bulk on eBay.
Even better: have your kids pick out something that they can leave at the cache for the next person. Ask them to imagine how the person that finds THEIR treasure will feel. No matter their age, this will teach them something about generosity and doing something nice for others, without the need for reciprocation.
Geocaching was invented in 2000, but really hit it off when it became more popular for people to have their own GPS. It has since grown into a worldwide phenomenon. It’s a hobby that connects people all over the globe.
From toddlers to teenagers, geocaching is a cool way to spend time outside in the fresh air, exploring nature. If your child doesn’t like ‘normal, boring’ walks, treasure hunting is the way to sell it!
It brings the whole family together with a common goal: searching for the cache. In the end, everyone can share in the thrill of finding the prize together.
Geocaching is not only fun, it can be an educational activity too. It’s a great way to teach children navigation skills as they search for the cache. It also teaches kids about patience, managing expectations and dealing with disappointment, because although you may try your best, sometimes a cache doesn’t contain any treasure, or worse: it has disappeared. If that’s the case, you can use it as an opportunity to teach a life lesson about not giving up altogether. Get back on that horse and go find another cache, today, tomorrow or whenever!
If you want to play it 100% safe and make sure the day ends with a good result, there’s nothing stopping you from going out a few days in advance to find the cache to make sure it’s there.
While geocaching has no age limit and can be fun for everyone, walking distance and time should of course be taken into account for younger ones.
Eager to get started?
http://www.geocaching.com is a great place to start your journey. You can register for a basic membership to get started for free and there is also a free geocaching app for your smartphone.
The GPS accuracy on phones is not that great though. If you don’t want to be frustrated with having your GPS location ‘jump’ every few seconds, you should look into buying a real handheld GPS, available for less than $100.
Search now and find a cache near you! Have fun!