When you’re aiming to curb spending, enrolling kids in camps and activities isn’t always feasible. And we all know keeping high-energy children cooped up inside all day rarely ends well.
So what’s a budget-conscious parent to do? Here’s one way to keep your children entertained for free this summer: introduce them to geocaching.
Geocaching: Real-World Treasure Hunting
Never heard of it? I hadn’t either until a few years back, when my 5-year-old niece — of all people — introduced me to it.
After tagging along on an outing with her and her parents, I was instantly hooked. Often described as a “real-world treasure hunt,” this pastime really lives up to that moniker.
Players use GPS coordinates to locate hidden containers — anything from a tiny film canister to a sizable metal box, though plastic Tupperware-style containers tend to be the norm — called geocaches, or simply caches. These caches, placed by other geocachers, frequently have playful names and extra clues to help you discover the hidden stash.
What You’ll Need to Geocache
The great thing about geocaching is you likely already own everything required to begin. You could be out the door within minutes — which is perfect if, like me, your children are mid-Cirque du Soleil routine on the couch as you read this.
Here’s what you’ll want to bring:
- A GPS-capable device
- Internet access
- Your adventurous spirit
- A small trinket or toy for each child (optional; keep reading to find out why)
Years ago, when I first went geocaching with my niece, I owned a “dumbphone.” It was an old flip phone without GPS. Back then, most geocachers — including us — relied on bulky handheld GPS units to track down caches. If you prefer that approach, you can often find these units on eBay for under $50.
However, if you own a smartphone, you already have items one and two covered. Provided you’re in an area with network coverage, you can get the GPS coordinates right from your phone. Visit Geocaching.com via your phone’s browser, or install the site’s free app for iPhone or Android. Android users can also try a similar free app called C:geo.
As long as you remember to pack your sense of adventure — and maybe a picnic lunch — you’re set.
Geocaching in Practice
You’ve charged your phone, packed snacks and promised the kids an adventure. What comes next?
Start by logging into the app or website you prefer. Enter your ZIP code — presto! A list of nearby geocaches appears. The number of results will depend on where you live.
For instance, when I entered my ZIP, it returned nearly 15,000 listings within a 100-mile radius — and I live in a relatively small Midwestern town. At least 200 of those were inside a 10-mile radius, which is far more manageable with little ones. And if you narrow the search close to home, you can even walk and save on gas.
Scan the list and choose your first geocache. The site or app ranks each cache by difficulty and terrain, so for younger children you’ll want to pick easier options.
Select a cache and let the hunt commence! Your phone will provide updates on your progress as you draw nearer or wander away from the target, showing your distance and direction to the cache.
“Caching” In
Opening your first cache is an incredibly exciting moment. After all, you’ve discovered treasure! Every time my children are about to open a container, I half-expect it to contain a billionaire’s oversized check.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t come to pass yet.
Inside a cache, you’ll find all sorts of items: small toy cars, a hand-sketched picture or other curious trinkets. This is where the toys your kids grabbed before leaving the house come in handy. Have each child swap their toy for one in the cache — then take a moment to imagine who will find those items next. It’s a great chance to spark creativity.
Depending on the contents, this hobby could even earn you some cash: you might stumble upon an old coin or a used golf ball you can sell. (Like this idea? Click to tweet it!)
Most caches include a logbook. Your family can sign it and browse the other entries. Some caches have remained in place for years! If you’re using Geocaching.com’s platform, encourage your kids to also sign the online logbook and leave notes or cheers for future geocachers.
When you’re finished, return everything to the cache and hide it exactly as you found it so it’s ready for the next group of treasure hunters.
The thrill of the hunt and the unpredictability of the cache’s contents are what make this pastime so enjoyable. It’s a free way to get kids outdoors and moving — what more could a parent want?
Your Turn: Have you ever tried geocaching? Did you do it with children, or would you consider it?
