Chances are, you’ve heard of geocaching. It’s basically a
real-world treasure hunt using GPS coordinates.
All you need is a smart phone
with a geocaching app (I use the Geocaching®
app), a sense of adventure and a little advance planning. Learn more on
geocaching.com https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
with a geocaching app (I use the Geocaching®
app), a sense of adventure and a little advance planning. Learn more on
geocaching.com https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
My son has been geocaching since he was 3, as long as we
picked easy finds and didn’t drag him on a 6-mile wilderness hike. You know
your kid, so the best age to start geocaching depends on his or her attention
span and tolerance for being outside walking around.
picked easy finds and didn’t drag him on a 6-mile wilderness hike. You know
your kid, so the best age to start geocaching depends on his or her attention
span and tolerance for being outside walking around.
Our family loves this outdoor activity and we often willgrab a quick cache whenever the mood strikes us. Its fun, its exercise and it’s
easy – and almost free!
Here are five tips to get your family started:
1. Dress to be outdoors: You will be trampling around in
the woods, most likely, so dress for the conditions. Rain boots and sturdy
clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, torn or otherwise treated indelicately
are your best bets. Even in the summer we try to wear long pants and hats if we
are going geocaching because you never know what you’ll encounter (thorns,
ticks, snakes etc). Bug spray is also a great idea!
the woods, most likely, so dress for the conditions. Rain boots and sturdy
clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, torn or otherwise treated indelicately
are your best bets. Even in the summer we try to wear long pants and hats if we
are going geocaching because you never know what you’ll encounter (thorns,
ticks, snakes etc). Bug spray is also a great idea!
2. Bring a trinket: A lot of geocaches have trinkets
inside (bouncy balls, coins) for you to trade. Save up your kid’s goody bag
stash and give stuff a new home. One rule: NO FOOD. Remember, these are outside
so don’t put any food or candy in the geocache container, lest it draw the
attention of animals or bugs.
inside (bouncy balls, coins) for you to trade. Save up your kid’s goody bag
stash and give stuff a new home. One rule: NO FOOD. Remember, these are outside
so don’t put any food or candy in the geocache container, lest it draw the
attention of animals or bugs.
3. Take a camera: It’s fun to snap a pic of some of your
more memorable geocaches. Most phones have cameras but sometimes we like to
take pics with our good camera too, to remember fun finds, cool animals or
amazing locations.
more memorable geocaches. Most phones have cameras but sometimes we like to
take pics with our good camera too, to remember fun finds, cool animals or
amazing locations.
4. Learn the lingo: There are a few YouTube channels (I
like the Geocaching Vlogger https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA0ptTLSLXKFsL4eOnF6RZg) that
break down geocaching and are fun to watch as a family. They are good to watch
before you go out so you learn some of the lingo you find on the Geocache app
(like CITO – Cache In Trash Out, which means take a bag with out and pick up
litter while on the hunt).
like the Geocaching Vlogger https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCA0ptTLSLXKFsL4eOnF6RZg) that
break down geocaching and are fun to watch as a family. They are good to watch
before you go out so you learn some of the lingo you find on the Geocache app
(like CITO – Cache In Trash Out, which means take a bag with out and pick up
litter while on the hunt).
5. Avoid muggles – and be respectful: Another piece of
lingo for you – MUGGLES. This is the geocache term for non-geocachers.
Sometimes, you might have to go off the beaten path to find a cache. Most
caches are there with the permission of the property owner but use your best judgment.
Avoid private property (unless the cache says its OK) and don’t do any damage
like pick flowers, trample landscaping or break signage or other features. Its
better to be safe than sorry.
lingo for you – MUGGLES. This is the geocache term for non-geocachers.
Sometimes, you might have to go off the beaten path to find a cache. Most
caches are there with the permission of the property owner but use your best judgment.
Avoid private property (unless the cache says its OK) and don’t do any damage
like pick flowers, trample landscaping or break signage or other features. Its
better to be safe than sorry.
Geocaching is a fun and relaxing hobby the whole family
can enjoy. Read up on the basics before heading out and most of all – have a
GREAT time!
can enjoy. Read up on the basics before heading out and most of all – have a
GREAT time!
Korie is a work at home mom to an energetic boy and a sweet todder girl. She loves big books, chocolate, writing, crochet and her Peloton. A recovering former journalist, Korie is also a wife, cook and allergy mama. Follow her on Twitter at @koriemw.