Geocaching turns an ordinary walk into a real-life treasure hunt.
Using a GPS-enabled phone or handheld device, you search for small hidden containers—called “geocaches”—that others have tucked away in parks, woods, or even city streets. Inside you’ll often find a logbook to sign, and sometimes a few little trinkets to trade.
It’s a fun way to explore, problem-solve, and enjoy nature as a team. Plus, it adds a sense of purpose and discovery to your outdoor time, especially for children who love puzzles or hidden secrets.
Materials Needed
- Smartphone or GPS device
- Free geocaching app (like Geocaching® or Cachly)
- Small trinkets to swap (optional)
- Pen or pencil (to sign the logbook)
Tools Needed
- Geocaching app or website access
Steps
- Download a Geocaching App
Pick a free app and create an account—it’ll help you find nearby geocaches on a live map. - Choose a Cache
Look for a geocache with a difficulty rating that suits your child’s age and your available time. - Set Out on the Hunt
Follow the clues and coordinates to find the hidden container. Take your time and let kids do the spotting. - Log Your Find
Open the container, sign the logbook, and swap a small item if you’d like. Be sure to re-hide it just as you found it! - Keep Exploring
Head to another cache nearby or save it as a regular adventure to look forward to.
Variations
- Make Your Own Cache: Hide a geocache near your home or a local park and register it on the app.
- Treasure Bag: Bring a bag of small swaps like keyrings or stickers to make each find extra exciting.
- Mini Journal: Keep a small notebook to log your finds, draw maps, or rate your favourites.
- Themed Hunts: Look for geocaches based around history, nature trails, or urban landmarks.
Safety Tips
- Always supervise children closely, especially near roads, water, or unfamiliar terrain.
- Bring a charged phone, water, and sun/rain protection.
- Only take or swap items if the geocache allows it, and leave the container exactly as you found it.
- Use hand sanitiser after handling shared containers, especially before eating.
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