You know the drill. Your kids complained about going on that beach vacation or to an amusement park, but then complain about being bored after the first day. That’s when it’s time to up your game and take them on an adventure with the help of their devices. Geocaching is an adventure where screentime is allowed.
If you’re new to the idea of geocaching, think of it as an epic scavenger hunt where your kids stumble across a cache of goodies hidden away for treasure seekers. You can find caches in just about any area with hidden trinkets, keepsakes or sometimes just virtual treasures. Pokemon Go uses the principles of geocaching for kids to “catch” Pokemon with the help of their devices. However, Pokemon Go was criticized for leading players into potentially dangerous situations like sending your kids into the street or a building to catch coveted Pokemon. Rest assured geocaching spots are typically found along trails, parks and other open spaces where your family is welcome to roam in safe conditions.
Getting Started Geocaching
Here’s how it works. Either grab a handheld GPS device or your smartphone and head over to Geoaching.com to find “the world’s largest treasure hunt.” Once you create an account and find a geocache, your kids can start looking for a small box resembling Tupperware filled with treasures. Your kids will also probably find a log book in the box to sign recording they found the cache and can grab a small toy, pencil, sticker or keepsake as their treasure before moving onto the next stop on the geocache.

Geocaching in the Hogan © Saltcityphotography | Dreamstime.com
Come Prepared
It’s easy to get caught up in geocaching fever, and you want to make sure you come prepared. Bring a backpack with plenty of water, a snack and some treasures of your own to leave behind in the cache. Gather up those stray dinosaurs no one plays with anymore or ask your kids to make some artwork to trade for whatever they find in the cache. Your kids will love thinking about who found their treasures as they navigate the next stop on their adventure.
Turn it Into a Family Tradition
The good news is you’re unlikely to run out of caches to explore, making geocaching a fun family tradition for all your vacations. There are dozens of caches in the Orlando area alone if your kids need a break from the Magic Kingdom and its swells of intense crowds. There are also geocaches in New York City, Los Angeles and just about any other location you can imagine. And if you want to turn it all into a lesson, talk to your kids about how maps and compasses work and transform it into a learning adventure on the road.
The next time your kids say they’re bored on vacation, just fire up your smartphone and tell them it’s time to head out for a morning of geocaching. Just make sure to take lots of family selfies so they have bragging rights to show their friends where they found their coveted treasures.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Sep 22, 2023These Omni Hotels and Resorts Have Haunting Ghost Stories for a Spooky Stay
Part of a family who just loves a good scare or ghost story? This fall, wherever your travels might take you, chances are you’ll be near an Omni hotel or resort with a history of haunted sightings and other scary happenings. So, why not learn a bit about where you’re staying to make the experience all the more eerie …
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Destinations / North America
Sep 22, 2023Here’s Why Brunswick, Maine, is the Perfect Getaway for Couples
Overshadowed by nearby Portland and overlooked by tourists bound for the popular coastal towns of Camden and Boothbay Harbor, Brunswick is not on the radar of most family travelers in Maine. But couples looking for a cozy getaway will find fine dining, antiques, art and quiet streets for strolling, many lined by distinguished homes and well-kept gardens.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023The World’s Largest Indoor Beachfront Waterpark Opened This Summer
Not quite ready to say goodbye to summer? If the weather is forcing you to head indoors, you can still take advantage of a few opportunities to splash around in the waves, without even being that far from the beach — thanks to the world’s largest indoor beachfront waterpark, which opened this summer in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines Celebrates its First Class of United Aviate Graduates
As the only major U.S. airline to own a flight school, United Airlines already hit a major milestone, and now the carrier celebrates another important — and historic — step as the inaugural class of United Aviate Academy pilots graduates, leading the next generation of aviators. The 51 students in the graduating class were majority, at 80 percent, women and people of color — another stride toward United’s goal of training 5,000 new pilots by 2030 with half women or POC.
Destinations / North America
Sep 21, 2023Spooky Haunts to Visit in Cayuga County, New York, This Halloween
Halloween is right around the corner, which means its time to start making plans for spooky and scary stops for having fun with the family this fall. New York’s Cayuga County is always a fun visit for family travelers, but if you plan on being in the area this October, you will definitely want to explore its haunted history with some choice spots along New York’s Haunted History Trail. This curated list of haunted and spooky stops throughout New York features incredible locations showcasing the perfect combination of the state’s beautiful charm and fascinating history.
ShareThis