If you have never been geocaching or taken the family geocaching, you have no idea the fun and adventures you are missing out on. Geocaching is much like a treasure hunt in that you are looking for hidden items. With geocaching, you use handheld GPS devices to find hidden treasures around where you live. You are looking for containers called caches that are of all different shapes and sizes but they are hidden or camouflaged. Inside the containers are trinkets and a logbook that you will need to sign when found.
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Items needed to start geocaching…
Geocaching is an activity that is free to take part in but you will need to have a few things ready before you start your adventure. If you have an iPhone, the only thing you will need to have is the app, which costs $9.99. If you don’t have an iPhone, you will need a handheld GPS unit and a backpack to store supplies like trinkets to exchange and a pen. You will also need to go to the website www.geocaching.com and create a free account. This is the website you will use to find out where the caches are hidden around you.
Searching for caches…
You need to use your GPS unit to help you find the locations of the caches. It may be helpful if you use the compass view since it is the screen that provides you with bearing and distance. When the GPS tells you that you are close to your cache, put it away and start searching for the hidden treasure. One trick to helping you find the container is to look for things that don’t belong like a pile of sticks that looks unnatural. Also, search rock piles or old logs for the container.
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Finding the cache…
Once you have found your treasure, take something from the container that you want to keep and replace it with a trinket you have brought. Fill out the logbook with your name and experience. Reseal the container and hide it in the same spot and the same manner as you found it. After you have returned home, head to the geocaching website and write a note to the cache owner, letting them know you have found it. And that is the world of geocaching!
I have actually been wanting to try this with the kids. It sounds like a lot of fun and I definitely think they would love it.
My husband and I love geocaching! On the rare occasion we are the first to find, it is so exciting!
I think my kids would love this once they are older…will definitely have to save this idea for sure!
How fun. we will be doing this a few times this summer and I’m really looking forward to it! Going to start next week! Kids can’t wait!
My daughter does this all the time and totally loves it! She’s moving here, so now I can go with her!
I’ve heard a lot about geocaching and have a few friends who do it, but I’ve never tried it. Looks like fun though!
I love geocaching! You would be suprised at where all you will find them. To me, some of them can get to be pretty hard though LOL.
Wow! Looks like fun! For sure you can make good friends out of this activity too!
My oldest daughter has been wanting to go geocaching for ages, i definitely want to have a go soon too. Definitely a great way to get outdoors and have fun. xxx
We’ve never tried this, but it sounds so much fun. I’m sure my girls will love this.
This is something I’ve always wanted to do with my family. My husband is very interested in it. It looks like so much fun 🙂
I’ve never heard of this, but what a fun and engaging activity!! I love that they are learning along the way too 🙂
I’ve never heard of this, but it looks like super fun! Going to have to look into it 🙂
I love treasure hunts! This is a great bonding activity for the family..