Kids' Play

Geocaching with Kids: A Beginners Guide

October 31, 2023

2 minute read

When I first wanted to try geocaching, I was intimidated. I had visions of being out in the woods with my two preschoolers looking for a needle in a haystack. Recently, we went on our first geocaching adventure and had a blast. Here is my beginners guide to geocaching with kids.

I’ve both wanted to try geocaching and been intimidated by it. When it first piqued my interest, I took to google and was discouraged when articles meant for beginners appeared to be advanced. Though I had yet to venture out, I already felt like I was in uncharted waters. Discouraged by descriptions written by the experienced, I set aside the idea. Enter in Pokemon Go. The advent of the app tickled my intrigue again. Why not try the original form of the game before embarking on a quest to find pocket monsters with my kids?!

Still, I remained concerned at the complexity of the activity. I had visions of being in the wilderness with my two preschoolers completely lost looking for a needle in a haystack. Determined, I did what any person in need of advice does in this day and age. I took to facebook and asked my friends for their tips and tricks. I’m proud to say that today, my kids and I set out on our first geocaching adventure and it was so much fun! Here are my best tips for beginners thanks to my own limited experience and the sage words of my facebook friends.

Geocaching Terms for Beginners

Geocaching is an activity that requires the use of GPS. You may purchase a device specifically for GPS or use your smartphone. If doing the latter, simply download a geocaching app onto your phone. While there are free options that work decently, they aren’t particularly precise. Purchasing a proper geocaching app will make the entire process much easier for everyone.
Caches are what you’re looking for while geocaching. Caches come in a variety of sizes and their size is indicated in the geocaching app. Sizes range from extra small, such as a small metal capsule no bigger than a half inch or a small pill bottle, to a large container big enough to contain multiple small prizes. You will likely be very surprised at how many caches are within walking distance from your own home!
Muggles are non-geocachers. Sound a little like Harry Potter to you? Same concept – when searching for your geocache, be somewhat discreet to avoid raising suspicion from any nearby ‘muggles’!

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NOTES:

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Author

Alana Pace

Contributor / When I’m not nursing cold, stale coffee, I usually can be found with the baby on my hip, barefoot, and racing after my two older kids. Thanks to a degree in psychology and a free-range childhood backing onto an expansive evergreen forest, positive parenting and play-based learning are my passions.