Last weekend we went geocaching for the first time. For those of you who haven’t heard of it…
GEOCACHING is a free real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS and can then share their experiences online.
Source: www.geocaching.com
Hubby had checked out the locations of geocaches near us, there are loads, and had chosen a couple that were rated as being fairly easy and were also a reasonable size (don’t think we’re quite ready for micro-caches yet!).
Off we set, the boys were very excited!
The first one we went to was very easy – and in fact we could practically see it from the car! But we set off in the wrong direction so that the boys could have a go at following the GPS directions.
After going round in a big circle (!), we found our very first geocache! The boys were thrilled, and got to work investigating what was in the box! To be honest, it was a very random collection of tatt but the boys had brought little things with them to do a swap and that is exactly what they did :)
The 6yo then very proudly filled in the log book, closed up the box and put it back in its hiding place.
The boys had enjoyed it so much that we were hit with a chorus of ‘can we do another one, can we do another one…’!
We headed off to the next one on the list. It looked like it might be a little harder to find. This time the 4yo was in charge of the GPS…
This may not have been our most sensible moment as we did go rather off course at one point! But after doubling back we headed off trail to find the box… This one was definitely a bit trickier to find, but again – the boys were so pleased when we did!
We found a slightly different route back and the boys particularly enjoyed daddy getting his feet wet in the unexpected stream!
Another great day of outdoor fun. The boys enjoyed the treasure hunt immensely and have already been asking when we can go again. It is the 6yo’s birthday on Monday and he will be getting everything he needs to be able to make his own geocaches :)
I am linking up with the wonderful Coombe Mill’s Country Kids again this week. Another week of being encouraged to get outside with the kids! Click on the badge to see what everyone else has been up to!
>We found a slightly different route back and the boys particularly enjoyed daddy getting his feet wet in the unexpected stream!
If I remember correctly it wasn’t just the boys that were amused? :-)
Well, yes – mummy was quite amused too :)
I love the idea of geocaching although I’ve never tried it. Your photos have inspired me to give it a go
I’m glad! It was great fun – a geekie treasure hunt – we all enjoyed it :)
I’ve read about geocaching, but never fully got what it was all about, now I do thanks to this post Sara. It looks like enormous fun and something I’d love to do with my girls when they are a bit older. Beautiful pictures too. Happy birthday to your big boy for Monday x
I’m pleased to hear that! Thank you :) it was great fun – the boys loved learning to use the compass and telling us which way to go. Especially when there was an obstacle that they had to find a way around! I’m sure your girls would love it when they’re a bit bigger. It’s really just a clever treasure hunt!
ah my OH has done this with my kids before. Great pics. Looks like they had loads of fun!
They did, we’ll definitely be doing it again. Thanks xx
Geocaching is really good fun isn’t it. We haven’t done any recently but you’ve reminded me to do it soon. My kids were more excited about the mystery object which was randomly a Barbie candle!! Good luck with making your own!!
Thank you! It was great fun – the caches we found had lots of random little things (small plastic toys mainly!) – but the boys loved doing a swap :) We are looking forward to hiding our own – we have some travel bugs too!
This sounds lots of fun, love this idea :) great pictures and adventure…
Thank you!
I have to admit this is one of the things that I personally haven’t done – never mind my boys, so really need to get onto it – especially as you all enjoyed yourselves so much.
Visiting via Countrykids
I really would recommend, very easy to do and a real feeling of achievement at the end. Thanks for reading xx
What fun for all the family! A great spin on the traditional treasure hunt, and no matter what the treasure I’m sure the children love to exchange it with theirs. It’s also a fab way for them to learn navigation skills in a fun way. I hope your 6yo has a lovely birthday on Monday and thanks for coming over to Country Kids and inspiring others to have a go at Geocaching.
We all really enjoyed it – and the boys loved finding the treasure, it gave them such a sense of purpose. It was great watching them get the hang of the compass and finding their way. Thanks for hosting :)
Don’t know much about geocaching…sounds like good fun! Nothing like hunting for treasure! A great fun way to learn about not getting lost…or getting lost on purpose :)
Definitely fun – and hopefully a few good life skills learnt along the way :)
We’ve still to try geo-caching, apparently there are loads in our little town, must try harder to sort this out! #CountryKids
If you start with easy ones, then it’s a great activity to do with a ‘reward’ at the end. My boys loved finding the box, seeing what was in it and doing a swap!
I can’t wait to go Geo-Cacheing. Such fun!
You must go – great fun!
this looks like a lot of fun. My OH likes ro read from a map i should persuade him to take us on a geo cache adventure, especially as its another thing to tick off the National Trust’s 50 Things list. your boys look so pleased to have found the ‘treasure’ x x
They were thrilled to find the treasure – and thrilled to have helped navigate the way there. You can get some good GPS apps, so once you have the co-ordinates, you’re good to go! A walk with purpose, sometimes a little encouragement needed with older boy :)
This is something I have looked at doing but think will wait til the girls are a little older. Looks a lot of fun though
My oldest is now seven and he was really engaged by it. The 4yo was very keen, but didn’t quite get the navigation bit. It’s definitely one for slightly older kids. Thanks for stopping by xx
Looks like a lot of fun!
Great fun – definitely worth trying :)