Do your kids moan and groan when you mention hiking? Are they bored with the same trails? Do they like finding real-life treasure? If you answered yes to any of these questions, we’ve got a fun activity for you! Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt that you can do nearly anywhere (including on your favorite family hiking trails). Today, Alabama mom of two, Zenovia Stephens is here sharing her family’s newfound love of geocaching and how it’s spiced up their family hikes. She’ll teach you how to get started geocaching for free, and walk you through geocaching best practices and etiquette. We think geocaching just might be your family’s new favorite outdoor activity!
Spice up your hikes with geocaching
Have you ever found your kids getting tired of something they love doing, but do so often it seems stale? If you’re a parent, chances are you answered yes. My family loves hiking, but kids can easily get bored with hiking. I have a lot of ideas for keeping hiking interesting for littles. One of our favorite ways is choosing a hike with exciting sights. This involves researching trails and making sure the payoff for kids is enough to keep them excited about putting one foot in front of the other.
While fun sights along your hike can yield great results, how can we combat trail boredom or hiking fatigue when you might not have exciting destinations? How do you keep a hike through your local park exciting? Or even just a walk through town? I have one more trick up my sleeve, and it’s call geocaching! Read on to learn what geocaching is and how it can save your family hiking trips.
What is geocaching
Before I understood what geocaching was, I automatically assumed it was lame. I never imagined my family or I would be interested in something involving GPS coordinates or caches. Was I being closed-minded? Absolutely. I just didn’t know what we were missing! Luckily, people kept asking if we’d tried geocaching, so I decided it was time to see what all the hype was about (mainly so we could tell people we tried it and it wasn’t our thing). Much to my surprise, we LOVED it!
Geocaching.com defines geocaching as a real-world, outdoor adventure that is happening all the time, all around the world. Now, if you’ve never heard of or been geocaching, it could be because it’s still relatively new. This adventure activity has only existed since 2000 and has grown from a few geocaches to millions of geocaches and geocachers worldwide. I can now agree that it deserves all the hype it’s built up and urge everyone to give it a try.
How does geocaching work?
Geocaching is pretty straightforward and is easier than it sounds. It works by using GPS tracking through apps on your smartphone, such as the free geocaching app. This app shows users the various caches (we like to call them treasures) available nearby and helps you navigate to them. Think of it as a real-life treasure hunt where you’re searching for items hidden by other users.
You’d be surprised how many caches are out there (everywhere!) and where caches are located. We once found one in a junkyard near a restaurant we were visiting. While we couldn’t get to it due to not having anyone to permit us to enter, searching for the treasure kept us entertained while waiting to be seated. Caches are at your local park, hidden along your favorite trails, all over in the city and suburbs.
Create your account and start geocaching
Once you download the app, you’ll be prompted to create an account. You can use the free version, which gives access to a limited number of caches, or the paid option to see premium caches. I recommend starting with the basic account and upgrading if need be. The free version lets your find “traditional” caches (which are a bit larger and easier to find than the small or micro caches), which are perfect for little kids and families.
Finding the cache
The map on the geocaching app will direct you close to the cache (within 30 feet). Then, it’s up to you to find the treasure! Caches are usually small containers filled with little trinkets and goodies for trading. The cache may also have a log book for you to write down your name and the date you found the cache. Once you find it, you can swap out a trinket with another and sign the log book. Make sure to put the cache back exactly where you found it. And then mark it as “found” on the app, which will turn it into a smiley face icon.
Geocaching etiquette
If geocaching sounds like something your family would enjoy, there are a few things you should know before heading out to find treasure. Geocaching etiquette says:
- Don’t take anything from the cache if you don’t have anything to leave (and leave something of equal or greater value). I happen to love this because it helps keep it fair for everyone and ensures you’ll get something when you find the treasure. Imagine the disappointment after spending time excitedly searching for a cache only to find it empty. To avoid being the culprit, keep a small stash of items in your car or pack specifically to replenish your finds.
- Use the log system to share with the owner and others whether you found the cache or not. It helps keep the spirit of adventure alive! If the cache is damaged or doesn’t contain any treasure, you can report that through the app for maintenance.
- Be sure to return the cache to the exact spot you found it. If you don’t, others won’t experience the joy of finding it. This is true even if you think you found a better hiding place for the cache.
- Respect private property. Some caches are hidden on or near private property; it’s a good idea to either refrain or ask permission before entering.
- Bring a pen to sign in with your username and date found for the owner. Not all caches have a pen or pencil to use.
How can geocaching save your family hikes?
Easy! We’ve talked a lot about the fact that geocaching can be done anywhere, that includes while hiking. Many caches are hidden along popular trails. Caches are prevalent in parks and even in neighborhoods. You might be surprised just how many caches are out there on trails and in places you visit all the time! Or, look at the app to see where caches are hidden along trails to discover new (to you) trails and hikes to explore.
When you find your kids moaning and groaning about another hike, appeal to their mysterious side and present them with the opportunity to hunt for treasure in the woods instead. They’ll forget they’re hiking, you get the pleasure of having happy kids while secretly hiking, and the family has another new memory added to the bank. It’s a win for everyone!
Even more reasons to try geocaching
Besides the fun of being part of a real-life treasure hunt, geocaching can serve as a tool to encourage kids in a few ways, teach new (and valuable) skills, and get them outside! Here are a few of my favorite benefits that we’ve discovered from geocaching as a family.
- Map reading and navigation skills are crucial components of thriving in the outdoors. Geocaching is a fun way to get kids learning more and gaining confidence in their navigation skills. I’ve personally seen my oldest son grow by leaps and bounds in his map reading skills, to the point that he can lead me!
- The idea of leaving an item for taking an object can help instill a giver’s heart in kids. It also encourages them to be thoughtful and considerate of others who left items or might find the treasure in the future.
- Joy and happiness are my favorite benefits of geocaching. As parents, we know that time outdoors is healthy for our kids, but keeping them engaged and excited can become challenging. Treasure hunting is a sure way to encourage joy and happiness in kids and the entire family. The joy on a child’s face when he finds treasure is palpable!
Boredom busted
Since diving into geocaching, we’ve found ourselves looking for caches in places we’d never thought would provide an ounce of adventure. From forests, playgrounds, city streets, undiscovered neighborhoods, and even the depths of the ocean…geocaches are everywhere! Searching for them should be a top tool in the boredom-busting box. After all, you never know what you may find!
Geocaching resources
Have you tried geocaching before?
If so, what’s your most exciting find?
About the author
Zenovia is an outdoor enthusiast, freelance travel and adventure blogger, wife, and mom to three young boys (ages 8, 5 & 2). Originally from Chicago, Zenovia and her family live in Huntsville, Alabama, and spend many of their days exploring and learning about the area. She is the Founder and CEO of Black Kids Adventures, Inc, a non-profit organization that focuses on getting Black and Brown families to spend time together exploring and enjoying nature. Zenovia is a Visit North Alabama Ambassador, 2021 Land Trust of North Alabama Board Member, YMCA Board Member, WildKind Ambassador and a monthly contributor for We are Huntsville and Huntsville’s CVB. You can follow along with her mom and family adventures and find inspiration for your own family adventures at Black Adventure Crew.
You can find Zenovia online in the following locations:
Instagram: @blackadventurecrew
Facebook: @blackadventurecrew
Website: Black Kids Adventures
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