Geocaching: Worldwide Treasure Hunting

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is a game of treasure hunting that can be played world-wide.  Participants utilize GPS coordinates to place and locate geocaches (containers) hidden at specific locations. If this is the first time you have heard of geocaching, you will probably be surprised to know that there may be hundreds of them within 10 miles of your home! 

Geocaches are rated by size and level of difficulty to find.  The containers can be made of anything and placed anywhere, so some are tricky to find.  Today, we found one disguised as a sprinkler head!  Sometimes there are hints given or the hint can be in the name given to the cache.  For instance, the sprinkler head cache had a hint of "water, water, everywhere".

Some geocaches are tiny containers containing just a log for you to sign your username and date.  Others are boxes that contain prizes and if you choose to take a prize, you are supposed to leave something in return.

This is probably the most common type of cache we find.  It's great for beginners.  An old film canister covered in camo duct tape.  It's amazing how clever people get when hiding these containers.  

My son found this cache made out of a rubbermaid container. It had various small prizes to choose from, left from other cachers. He signed the log and left a prize in return for the one he chose to take.

My son is pointing to a very common 'hanging' cache.  These type are small metal containers, often camouflaged, usually hanging from a tree branch. This type only has a log and you will need your own pen.


Old military surplus ammo cans are often used as well.  These containers provide protection from the elements and ample space to hide treasures for geocachers.

Our most unusual, and terrifying, cache so far is one we found near a cemetery.  The hint had us turning over logs, almost expecting a rubber snake, which we have found before. Well, you can imagine how we jumped when we found this!   

A hollow rubber hand hidden under a decaying piece of wood.  The geocache was stored inside the open end at the wrist.  It totally freaked us out but the fright turned into laughter and continues to make us laugh whenever we remember that find.

When we were just starting out, we downloaded the FREE introductory version of the Geocaching app.  My parents actually introduced my children to geocaching.  For my son's last birthday, he received a geocaching kit and it included a 30 day trial of their premium version.  We have really seen the worth of that and will sign up after the trial ends.  I think the full app costs $9.99.

This game has provided hours of family fun, especially for my 11 year old son.  It is a great way to get outdoors but still provides that element of technology that he craves. It is also great for road trips and to explore new parks and other areas that may not be familiar to you.

Happy Hunting!