5 Reasons to Take Kids Geocaching

If you've never heard of geocaching, then you are a muggle (really!) and you need to look it up. Geocaching is like a worldwide treasure hunt. Each geocache is listed with coordinates and you use your phone or GPS device to find it. Some are tiny and only large enough to fit a small log to sign and others are big and hold a lot of "swag." The rule of thumb is to take one, leave one. You can learn all about geocaching from www.geocaching.com and download the app to find caches near you. I went a few times about 10 years ago with friends but didn't enjoy it by myself so I stopped going. I decided to take Cole during the quarantine and see if he liked it and it was a big hit! Try taking your kids and see if they love it just as much.

1. It's free!
Who doesn't like free? Besides using a little gas to get somewhere, geocaching is free. Once you decide you really like it, you can start to spend money to place your own caches. Have your kids grab some small toys or items that they no longer use to bring with them. If you take something from a cache, leave something in return and sign a log. Always bring a pen!

2. Boredom Buster
Are you sick of hearing, "I'm bored?" Grab the kids and head to a trail or park with some caches to entertain them. It's a good way to get out of the house and keep them busy for a while. Discover new trails you'll revisit, cool natural features like giant rocks, ponds or views.

3. Exercise
Exercise without noticing that you're exercising. Cole can usually do about 2 miles walking but then gets really tired so I try to plan it ahead of time. It doesn't seem like as long of a walk when you are stopping along the way.

4. Fun!
It's fun! Going on an adventure treasure hunting? What kid wouldn't want to do that? The only time Cole doesn't have a lot of fun is when the caches are all small and he can't actually get a treasure. The surprise of what's in the box is really exciting and it's fun to swap one for another.

5. Get out of the house and get some fresh air
If you're cooped up in the house, mentioning geocaching will be an easy way to get the kids out and into the fresh air. The adventure can be a quick one or turn into an all day affair. So fun!

Have you taken your kids geocaching?