While many of us are enjoying the finds of geocaching, there are people out there that have no idea what geocaching is. Do you? Geocaching is a great way to get outside and stay active with what’s happening in the world lately. If you or your kids have stopped caching for any reason, here are ten reasons geocaching is a great hobby and reasons to get back out there!
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Ten Reasons Geocaching Is A Great Hobby
To most, geocaching is just another hobby, but to others, it’s a hobby like no other. If you’ve done it, then you know the feeling of finding one. It’s the thrill of discovering a geocache that these people live in for every minute of the day. I might be one of them!
Geocaching is for everyone, not just kids. But for kids, it’s a sure way to get them out in front of a screen and into nature. We even have a metal detector that we take with us to look for coins. Both activities can keep us busy all day. It’s so important to get our kids away from TV and Xbox, wouldn’t you agree?
Of course, we have to be safe when we’re out looking for a geocache in this day and time. And when we find one, we must take precautions, like bringing our own pen, wearing gloves, having hand sanitizer or disinfectant wipes available, etc. It’s important to know that most of us can go geocaching safely. It’s a doable hobby.
Related: Things To Do At Dinosaur Valley State Park
Geocaching For Beginners: What is Geocaching?
My son and I got into this great hobby late and are still new at it. But, I have found some of my friends have never heard of geocaching and don’t have a slight inclination of what it is. So, just in case you don’t either, I’m going to explain what I know. I know that geocaching as a hobby is something my son and I can do together while being out in nature—a win-win activity for us.
First, what is geocaching? Geocaching is an outdoor activity where participants use a global app on a mobile device to find containers filled with fun stuff that people have left. Geocaching is done all over the world.
To begin, you have to download the geocache app on your iPhone. You’ll put in your coordinates to find geocaching near me, and then you’ll drive to the location. With your device in hand, it will tell you when you’re getting close to the find. It will also show if you have moved further away from your target. When you find the geocache, you’ll open up the container (containers vary and could be anything) and write your name and date. Then, if you want, you can leave something in the container for the next participants to see. You never take anything out of the boxes.
Where to Find Geocaches
Geocaches can be found in your city, other cities, parks, state parks, trails you hike on, and many other areas. State parks are the best place to find caches. They are safe, and the caches are there and usually insight so that the kids can spot them a few feet away.
If you’ve never been geocaching before, starting at a state park is the best place, especially if kids are involved. Most geocaches are in plain sight.
Ten Reasons Geocaching Is A Great Hobby For Kids
- It’s an active activity for the whole family to enjoy.
- Kids love it. They love finding the caches and opening them up.
- It’s addicting – kids want to find one after another.
- One of the best hobbies to get into that requires no upfront money.
- It doesn’t cost any money (not really) – maybe some gasoline.
- A new surprise every time.
- It keeps us guessing. You don’t know what you’ll find once you open up the container.
- Geocaching is an adventure in itself.
- Never dull (except when you can’t find three in a row), but who’s counting. Just bring some yummy snacks, and you’re good to go.
- Easy for young kids to follow the app. They love it. Working in the app is fun and educational.
So, yes, sometimes you search and search for your next cache only to find nothing. And that’s okay, either give up for the day or take a break and eat a snack, then get back to it.
What To Wear When Geocaching
Because you don’t know where exactly you’ll be walking, your best bet is to wear shoes up to your ankles, like hiking boots. Also, wear long pants, even in the summer. Sometimes the grass and weeds are up high and will scratch your legs. Don’t wear sandals or open-toe shoes – there could be stickers, poison ivy, or oak. You never know what you’ll get into when hunting around for a geocache. As mentioned above, wear gloves for safety reasons; if not, be sure to bring any disinfectant.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to make geocaching a hobby, or at least try it out? Let me know if you’ve ever done it or if you’re already a pro at it.