We are about half way through the summer, and at this point you may be looking for some fun outdoor family activities that go a step beyond hanging out at the pool or heading to the beach. We encourage you to give geocaching a try.
Geocaching is essentially a modern day treasure hunt. Geocachers use coordinates and GPS-enabled devices to navigate to a location where a treasure, or “cache,” is stashed. The treasure is usually a small inexpensive trinket in a hidden container. When you find the treasure you can replace it with another.
The activity is a great way to get the entire family engaged and outside. Through geocaching you can explore new parks and outdoor activities in your community. It is also a great way to enhance your next vacation by exploring a new area in a unique way. Of course, there is a strong educational component to this activity which is certainly welcome during the summer! Kids develop navigational skills while having fun searching for a hidden treasure.
You can research geocaching in your area by going to geocaching .com. This site has over a million geocaching sites so you are likely to find one in your area or vacation destination. The site gives you step by step instructions for getting started with this fun family-friendly activity. REI, a Real Kids Shades retailer, also has great videos and advice for getting started with geocaching.
We want to hear from you! Have you tried geocaching with your family? Leave a comment and let us know.