Geocaching has been around for years now, but every time I looked it up real quick it seemed confusing and I quit. Then we had a couple friends talk about it and then our kids wanted to add it to our summer fun list, so I finally took the time to understand it and it’s not confusing at all! In fact, it’s really fun (and it’s free!). In case you aren’t familiar with geocaching, it’s an organized scavenger hunt (or treasure hunt) that strangers play together.
There is a lot more to this “game” but here are the basics so you can get started:
GETTING STARTED
1. Download the Geocaching app. We personally use the free version. It will require you to register so that you can log in and document your finds.
2. Log in, then click on the location search bar at the top of the screen and choose “current location”. Once it searches, green circles will show up on the screen – these are the caches closest to you.
GEOCACHING IS FUN FOR ALL AGES
3. Click on a cache and the name, type and distance from you will show up in a box at the bottom of the screen.
4. Read the cache information. By dragging your finger up at the cache name, information comes up about the cache, like the most recent activity, the level of difficulty, terrain in the area it’s hidden, and size of the cache.
Here’s an example:
We started with cache GC4QN6X (The Monkey House). The “About” section tells us that it’s a small Rubbermaid container green/black – will fit smaller trackables and trade items – and to bring a pen. Each of the kids collected small trinkets from the house that we might want to add. The information goes on to describe a bit about the area. I’ve lived here my entire life and didn’t know this much history about the strange octagonal house I pass every day on my way to work. By clicking on activity, we can see it was found most recently one day ago. People also leave comments in this section like “think high” and “need to be all in for this one.”
5. Drive to the cache location. DMB Mom Tip: Take a bathroom break before you head to the specific location. Nothing worse than stopping mid-search for a potty break!
GEOCACHING IS A GREAT WAY TO GET TO KNOW DAYTON
6. Touch the start button in the bottom right corner. The navigation told us which direction to go and how close we were. It’s a little confusing because it’s only exact to about 30 ft. We get as close as we can, then put the phone down and start using the clues we know to look deeper. Our first find took us awhile, but don’t give up! DMB Mom Tip: Bring a compass. Caching presents a great opportunity to teach directional skills!
7. Once you’ve found the cache, open and sign the log. If it’s a cache with trinkets, take one out and replace it with something new.
8. At the bottom of the app screen, log geocache. Choose found or did not find and leave your comments.
9. Replace the cache and leave it as you found it. DMB Mom Tip: Bring a snack! Hunting makes you hungry!
GEOCACHING IS FREE FAMILY FUN!
10. Plan your next adventure!
Our family really loved this activity. Whether you want to do one at a time or plan a whole day, there’s lots of fun to be had. In fact, we found four within a couple miles of our house, and once we got the hang of it we were able to find four in a little over an hour. Geocaching is such a fun way to explore with our kids! The best part? It didn’t cost us a dime!
Not a nature lover? Check out Geocaching for the “Non” Nature Lover!
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