Geocaching with Kids: Beginners Guide to Finding Your First Cache
A Family Adventure: Your Guide to Geocaching with Kids
If you're looking for a fun, screen-free way to turn a simple outdoor walk into an exciting treasure hunt, geocaching might just be your family's new favorite hobby. Think of it as a modern-day scavenger hunt where real-world adventure meets a sprinkle of GPS magic. And the best part? Kids love it.
Geocaching is a modern day treasure hunt for kids
Whether you're brand new to the game or looking for tips to make geocaching with kids even more exciting, here’s everything you need to know to get started with discovering your first cache.
What Is Geocaching, Anyway?
Geocaching is like a global game of hide-and-seek. People hide "caches" (containers) and register their coordinates online for others to find. Using a GPS-enabled device—like your smartphone—you go on the hunt! Caches can be hidden anywhere: parks, forests, cities, and even in your neighborhood. You may have even unknowingly passed by a cache.
Inside a cache, you might find:
A logbook to sign
Small trinkets or toys to trade
Cute notes or challenges
Why we love it: It’s simple, active, and gets everyone exploring outdoors.
Geocaching is a great way to spend time outside with your family
Why Geocaching Is Perfect for Kids
Geocaching checks so many boxes for a family day outdoors:
It’s free or very low-cost
Promotes spending time outside
Encourages physical activity
Sparks curiosity and promotes teamwork in children
Builds both problem-solving and map-reading skills
Feels like a real treasure hunt adventure
Kids especially adore finding “swag”—little treasures they can trade. (More on that in a minute.)
Choose a Kid-Friendly Cache
Try to choose caches rated low in difficulty and terrain. Some apps even have filters for “kid-friendly” or “large” caches. Caches range in size from mini to large. Most are about the size of a shoebox. Personally, when geocaching with kids we choose larger sized caches because they usually contain goodies to trade and are easier to find, especially when first starting out.
Use filters in the app to choose:
Difficulty: 1 or 1.5 stars
Terrain: Flat, easy trails or parks
Size: Look for "regular" or "large" — easier for kids to find and often contain trinkets!
Geocache trinket bag for storing goodies
Tips for a Fun & Smooth Experience
Fully Charged Phone Since GPS coordinates are crucial for the activity, don’t head out on a low battery. I’ve made this rookie mistake once and it definitely can spoil the day.
Check Last Found
To chose cache we check the “last found” date. If it’s been a substantial time since it was last found, we double check the recent logs incase their have been several DNFs (Did Not Find) posts.
Set Expectations
Not every cache has treasure—sometimes it’s just the thrill of the hunt. Let kids know it’s more about the adventure than the loot.Trade Fair
If you take something from a cache, always leave something of equal or greater value. It’s proper geocaching etiquette! Store your treasures for trading in this fun geocaching bag.Celebrate Small Wins
Even finding one cache is a small victory- so celebrate it. Take a picture, do a celebration “happy dance”, or let your kid place a sticker in a "geocaching passport."Respect Nature
Stay on trails, be gentle with plants and animals, and leave no trace behind.Get Creative
Bring a little notebook for your child to draw what they found, write about the adventure, or create their own “treasure journal.” Personally, we love these simple sketchpads for our nature journals.Bring a bag with snacks, a blanket, pen, and trinkets to trade.
Geocaching with kids
Fun Facts About Geocaching
There are millions of active geocaches, spanning over 190 countries!
Dave Ulmer is credited with hiding the first cache. Who new that on May 3, 2000, Dave’s hidden bucket would begin a passion for so many treasure hunting enthusiasts and the official start of new hobby.
The first ever hidden cache was in a wooded area near Beavercreek, Oregon.
Make It a Fun Family Tradition
Geocaching can be a once-in-a-while outing or a weekly family ritual. You can even make themed days—like “Pirate Treasure Day” or “Explorer Challenge.” As your kids get older, let them help pick caches, navigate, and even hide your own! Looking for more ways to connect as a family, check out this extensive list of family challenges to try this year.
Final Thought: It’s All About the Journey
Geocaching is more than just finding a container—it’s about spending time together, solving little mysteries, and seeing the world through a different lens. Whether you’re in a forest, a park, or right downtown, there’s adventure waiting for you- get outside and find it.
So lace up your sneakers, download the free app, and start hunting. Who knows what you’ll find?
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