We’ve been fans of geocaching for a long time. It is a great way to get the kids outside, to make your local walks more interesting.
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is something exciting to do outdoors, in which you use the GPS on your mobile phone to hide and seek containers, called “geocaches” or “caches”, at specific locations marked by coordinates. It’s one big treasure hunt! Great if you have a little pirate or adventurer, or if you have older children who want to do a bit of orienteering. It’s great for all ages. The Geocache containers have been hidden by other local families and usually contain a note pad and pencil so that you can log that you have found it. There are also usually little treasures (think Christmas Cracker toys) and you can if you choose, take something out to keep and replace it with a trinket yourself (we have not removed or replaced items during the coronavirus pandemic, but we have enjoyed logging that we found it).
Find a geocache near you
You can find the coordinates of the geocaches and join in, by:
- downloading the official geocaching app and creating an account. It will show you a map with geocaches that are near you (there is no charge to see and find geocaches in your area). There are geocaches all over the world, so when it is possible to travel a bit further afield, geocaching is something that can be enjoyed anywhere!
- use the app to navigate to a geocache nearby. Don’t forget to bring a pen just incase there isn’t a pen or pencil in the geocache.
- When you find it the geocache sign and date the logbook that is inside. Place the geocache back where you found it and log your experience on the app.
You can also create your own geocache and hide it (we have done this a few times and had great fun putting a container together and hiding it). We get an alert when someone finds it and log’s it.
Hide your own geocache
- Choose where you want to hide it…we’ve hidden them in trees, under rocks etc. They should not be easily seen.
- Decide what you want to hide…
You will need:
- A water tight container (tupperware or something like that)
- A small note pad (which is the log book) to leave inside the container
- A small pencil or pen
- Some little treasures. We have used party favour toys, cracker toys, erasers etc. Little things that will fit in the container.
Once you have created your geocache:
- Submit it for publication on the geocaching app.
- There is a responsibility when you hide a geocache, to keep checking on it regularly.
See 8 tips for a great geocache here
See how to hide a geocache here
Related Articles:
10 Ways to make walking with kids more interesting
10 Outdoor Activities for kids
Forest School Ideas at home
