Geocaching with Kids

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a real life treasure hunt that is all around us, just waiting to be found. It is a scavenger hunt for all ages. Geocaching is a true game of Hide and Seek. There are people all over the world that geocache as a pastime. There are more than 3 million registered geocaches hidden in more than 190 countries. Geocaching newbies are amazed at how many caches are hidden right in their own town. And it’s so much fun, why not go Geocaching With Kids!

This fun GPS tracking game encourages us to get up off the couch and head outside for some sunshine and fresh air. It is like hiking with a purpose. A prize is waiting for you, if you can solve and follow the clues. The more caches you find, the more addicted you get.

As much fun as it is for phone toting adults, geocaching is also a mode to get kids going too. Introducing them to this exciting hobby is a great way to promote an active lifestyle. In addition, you will be teaching them lessons in GPS technology, map reading, and geography skills.

To begin Geocaching, download the Geocache app on your GPS phone. It’s free, but offers upgrades. Find caches in your area on the app. I suggest reading over the description of the cache first. You will find out if cache is small or larger and easier to find. You can also see how rough the terrain will be. There are tons of kid friendly caches out there as well. You can also find them on the geocache app. Checking these things out especially in the beginning for your tiny hunters, will help guarantee a fun time.

Terms

• cache – the prize at the end of the hunt. It could be so minute that the cache is only a tiny log book. Or it can be a container full of trinkets to exchange and share.
• log book – a scroll or piece of paper in the cache that you sign when you find to show that you were there.
• muggle – a passerby that has no clue what you are doing/searching for. be careful not to let them see what you are up to. 😉
• traditional cache – cache of container and log book.
• multi cache – cache with usually 2 or more location, the last location holds the container.

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My Tips for Geocaching with Kids

• Wear closed toed shoes that you are ok with them getting dirty.
• Long pants or tall socks. You normally search off the path and will come in contact with bushes and twigs.
• Bug spray and sunscreen. Another tip, wash hands and change clothes when you are done. You may come in contact with poison ivy.
• Water bottle and Snack. Being active makes us all hunger and thirsty.
• No strollers. Easier for walking kiddos or carry them on your back.
• When you get close to the coordinates, let kids have phone and find the cache.
• Bring notepad and pen to write down clues, etc especially for multicaches and to log your information.
• Educate kids on the “take one, leave one” ethic of caching.

Take One, Leave One.

Buggles

In most of the containers that you find, there will be trinkets or prizes inside that you can have. Cache etiquette requires that you place something in the cache if you remove something. This is an exciting part of geocaching for kids. I have seen coins, dice, pompons, stickers, tiny compasses, clothespins just to name a few. Before you head out, have kids DIY some bauble of their own to place in the cache. I have included some fun ideas to inspire you.

Look at these cute little Buggles from @makinglifeblissfull.com. The googly eyes make these tiny guys so darn cute.

They have included a DIY to carry your bug collection – in an altoid tin! This is an easy and inexpensive craft idea that wouldn’t be too heavy to tote around while hiking. Plus small enough to fit in the cache container.

Smilies

Here are some more fun ideas for geocache swag. These are small and I love how they put them in a film canister for easy carrying purposes.

If you are looking for something fun and exciting to do with your kids this summer, definitely check out geocaching. They will love it and you will too! If you liked this you might want to check out my post on A Fun Way to Celebrate a Special Birthday, Mud Kitchens or What to do on a Snow Day. There is also a fun one on Family Traditions that Bind Us. ~ Susie Pea

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