Do you know about Geocaching?
I talk about Geocaching (in real life) to everyone and just yesterday after going with the kids I was sharing with a friend. I went to send her a link about it and realized I NEVER wrote about it before, only mentioned. WHAT?! Covering so much outdoors and fun and free/cheap activities for families in the 7 years I never really dove into what Geocaching is and how fun it is. Now I am on it!
We started with geocaching in 2013, 7 years ago this month, around my son’s birthday. We were talking about while having lunch at the diner, my husband actually brought it to my attention because his coworker was doing it with scouts. I downloaded the app, and searched. FOUR geocaches within walking distance of the diner in Carmel. Off we went! My kids were hooked. They were used to hiking but now this gave them something to look for while hiking, walking or riding on the trails. Which lead them wanting to go outside more. Parent win!
What is Geocaching?
To start is is the World’s Largest Treasure Hunt, check out their official video. You need their app, free version has them listed but for all the hidden caches there is a $5.99 monthly option or $29.99 annual membership, we have annual. On the app you look them up on a map based on location and go find them. Some are even in parking lots, which is a quick rainy day or just get out of the house or shopping bribe for the kids. Not all are in the woods. People make them, register them on the website and hide for you to find. You sign a log book inside, check out the treasures (take something-leave something) and place back where you found it.
They range in sizes, we found one that was disguised as a nut and bolt on the back of a handicap parking sign in Maryland to larger sandwich containers and ammo cases because they are waterproof.
Trackables-
If you are lucky enough you can find trackables. Trackables are small tokens with codes on the back to register and see where they have traveled to. They can be purchased off the geocache website and put in any geocache, your kids can track where it went. If you find one, you register it and take the clue of where to place next and move it. On the website you will be able to see where it has been also. Its great travel instruction for the kids.
This summer we will be hiding our own caches, I bought a starter kit online and the kids are excited to hide and then track their trackable throughout the US and possibly world. I will post updates once its hidden, found and begins to move!
The APP, Tips and More
The Geocaching App tracks all your found or did not find geocaches. Its a great way to see where you have gone, dates- a virtual scrapbook. We love pulling it up when we are in new areas and see if anything is nearby to do.
Bring a pen with you, some caches are so tiny they can’t fit a writing instrument inside and you will want to sign. Bring trinkets to leave in caches for the take one leave one.
Be discrete, watch out for onlookers in public places, we have been to a few lately that have been missing/stolen.
From June 1st, 2020- January 3rd ,2021 They have a new challenge called Memory Lane.
Hope you check it out! Happy Geocaching! Begin with local places to hike in the Hudson Valley.
