Any time is a good time to get the kids out of the house and into nature. If you're looking for a fun activity to enjoy outdoors together as a family, why not try geocaching?
Geocaching is modern-day treasure hunting, and the best part is, it is free! There are millions of geocaches worldwide, so it can be done on a sunny afternoon around town or even on vacation. Geocaching is a great way to explore a new place, spend time in nature, or even learn more about your own town. It is a great tool to teach locational awareness, map skills, and navigation. It helps children be more conscious of their surroundings, keeps them entertained (think real world “I Spy") while getting physical activity and exposure to Vitamin D which our bodies are craving after this long winter season. Plus it's great for the whole family!
Getting started with geocaching is super easy and need not cost you a dime. Here are the steps for successful geocaching:
- Download a geocaching app on your phone/device. The app will not only provide a list of caches but also the navigation tool to track it. Just search for "geocaching" in the app store and you'll find plenty of free options. Our favorite app is Geocaching® from Groundspeak, Inc.
- Plan which caches you are going to try to locate. The app will show you all the caches logged in your location so pick a search area with a few options available.
- Bring a replacement surprise and pen with you. Most caches will have a log for you to sign with your name and date found, and sometimes there's a small surprise. You can take the surprise that's there and replace with a new one, if you so choose. Geocache surprises may include stickers, figurines, a matchbox car, coins, and temporary tattoos, to name a few.
- Keep your eyes open for hiding spots. Hollow stumps, base of shrubs or trees, rocks, leaves, downed branches, and holes in the ground all make good hiding spots. Don't forget to look up!
- Look for an object that doesn't belong. A cache will stick out as something out of place, but it may take some looking to notice it. For example, a geocache bottle may have a red lid.
- Allot a few hours to the activity. It can take a while to find your first cache as you get familiar with the activity, how to navigate the app and what to look for. It would be sad to not locate a cache on your family’s first experience, so give yourselves some time.
- Have fun!
My family was surprised to discover all the geocaches hidden around our own town. Our first time, we decided to head to the lake where there were plenty of hiding places in burrows within dirt lake walls, trail benches, and stumps with empty holes. It took us a few hours, and by the end we were worn out, yet victorious! We take geocaching a step further and try to find caches on vacations. This past year we found a cache under a bench on the waterfront in Southport!
If you are adventurous, outdoorsy, or just bored, geocaching may be for you. Give it a try! (Warning: fathers have a tendency to become enthralled with the geocaching experience and will keep searching long past the point of children giving up!)
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