Geocaching a simple fun way to spend time as a family
Getting out and about is something the boys can sometimes show little interest in, especially during the summer. Some days they just want to stay at home and I am all for that, but I also know how important getting out is. During the summer holidays I set myself a challenge to entertain the children on a budget of £50. One of the activities that we did during that week was Geocaching. So I thought I would share a little more about it and how you can take part in Geocaching!
What is Geocaching
Geocaching is a real time scavenger hunt where you use GPS on your phone to try and locate hidden caches around where you live or anywhere you are visiting. It is completely free to take part, and doesn’t use anything offer than a mobile device with data to be able to track using the GPS system.
The app is free to download for both android and apple users and is available on the app store. Once downloaded simply register for an account and you are ready!
What is a cache
Cache’s are what those in the Geocache world call the container/item that you are searching for. It could be anything from an old film canister, a screw, even a rock with a hidden compartment! It can literally be anything!!! Those are just what we have found.
Inside the containers are often sheets of paper for you to log the date and your name. Some caches even have toys and trinkets in, however in the Geocache world you replace anything you take with something else for others to find. Some of these itemsa re trackable, so you can update your logs on the app.
Once you found a cache you can also log it on the app, which is a great way to keep a record of places you have been. However, if you don’t find a cache you can also log this too, sometimes they do go missing and by logging it the owner of the cache can check on it.
During our time geocache we have found some ingenous hiding places from screws, to rocks, to container hanging off a beam. You really need to have your eyes open around you to look, because it could be anywhere and anything.
Geocaching app
The app is a great way to meet others within the community too and you do need it in order to find and locate the caches hidden. The app also displays comments left by others which we found extremely helpful as we struggled to find one. Sometimes others leave hints and photos of where they find the caches, but be aware this isn’t always up to date. The Cache owner also leaves logs whenever they maintain the caches and they can also leave hints too.
If you enjoy the free version of the app there is an option to upgrade for a cost. The upgrade shows you more caches to find that are premium only, you can also download the maps so you have access to them offline as well as creating lists and having an advanced search. We find the basic version is enough for us.
Getting out and about
We headed out to a local park with the phone, the boys bikes aswell as drinks and snacks. We spent a good few hours out and managed to find 5 caches hidden. The boys loved taking part in the scavenger hunt and it gave us something to do. What’s more is that Geocahing is global, so no matter where in the world you are, you are able to take part!
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