We may be a tech savvy family, but we love being outside. We spent the weekend bike riding (wow, those little legs can pedal!) to explore green spaces not too far from our house and tending to our backyard garden. Yesterday I was talking with the National Wildlife Federation and when the subject of geocaching came up, I wondered why we hadn’t tried it since we’re always looking for new places to explore and things to do outside.
I know a little about geocaching but in doing a little more research, I found some great resources that make it easy for families to get started.
What is geocaching?
According to Ranger Rick’s Geocache Trails, geocaching is “a combination of old-fashioned treasure hunting, while using GPS technology, and spending time outdoors.” It’s the perfect blend of technology and adventure in the great outdoors!
How do you do it?
Using a GPS enabled smartphone or a GPS device players navigate to a set of coordinates to find a container (geocache) hidden in that location.
Where can I geocache in my area?
Ranger Rick’s Geocache Trails site makes it easy for families to start. Start reading information on how to play and then create a free basic account at Geocaching.com to locate a trail. With geocache trails all over the country, chances are there’s one close by!
One thing that I love about Ranger Rick Geocache Trails is that they’re really family friendly. There’s no requirement for geocaches to be found in any particular order and the items inside the geocache are fun! Kids sign a log book, can bring along their own items to trade from ones in the cache, and there’s also a mystery to solve! Using the printable passport, kids guess which animal left the geocache to further engages kids in the adventure.
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| Ranger Rick Geocache Trail treasure |
Why geocache?
Besides the fun of going on an outdoor adventure to enjoy some fresh air and wildlife, geocaching is a great learning experience that incorporates critical thinking skills to solve puzzles, real world math skills through the coordinate based hunt, and the need for cooperation and communication to find the clues.
I can’t wait to use our smartphones and hit a geocache trail in our area for a high tech treasure hunt this weekend!
Have you ever been geocaching? If so, feel free to share tips, experiences, or favorite sites! Thanks!
This post was inspired by Up: A Mother and Daughter’s Peakbagging Adventure, this month’s From Left to Write Book Club selection, and a discussion about outdoor activities for families during a call with the National Wildlife Federation. I was compensated for my time spent on the call but not required to write about geocaching and received a complimentary copy of the book for review purposes. Amazon Affiliate link included in this post.
Original post by Tech Savvy Mama
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We haven’t done geocaching yet, but we’ve done letterboxing, which is mostly the same thing and lots of fun. Maybe I’ll check out that site. I love Ranger Rick!
Have you taken your kids geocaching yet? I’ll have to check it out.
SUPER fun! Since you mentioned Ranger Rick, I remembered how much we loved Junior Rangers in the summers while camping — oh, I would’ve loved the geocache thing, too. Your kids are so lucky to have you! XO
I am really intrigued, but haven’t been able to figure out how to start. So thanks for the tips, and with any luck we’ll give it a try at least once this summer!