Take your grandkids geocaching this spring
Looking for a new way to entertain your grandkids? Introduce them to geocaching and enjoy the thrill of the hunt together.
The grandparent-grandchild relationship is a very special bond. However, these days, it can be difficult for grandparents to compete with video games, smartphones and the never-ending entertainment source that is the Internet.
If you’d like to spend some quality time with your grandchildren this spring, geocaching is just the thing to get them out of the house and into the great outdoors.
What is geocaching?
Geocaching is an outdoor game where participants use GPS to locate hidden treasure, or “geocaches”. Millions of geocaches are scattered across the globe, making it easy to enjoy the game anywhere you are in the world.
Most geocaches are simply a waterproof container with a logbook and writing utensil inside. When you find it, you enter the date you discovered it and sign your geocaching code name. Sometimes a geocache will also contain small toys, ornaments or other trinkets for geocachers to trade with each other. However, geocaching is less about the treasure itself, and more about the thrill of the hunt.
Get started
To try geocaching with your grandchildren, the first thing you’ll need is a GPS device, such as a Garmin, TomTom or a smartphone with a maps app. Next, sign up at the official Geocaching website to find geocache coordinates in your area, or in the area you wish to explore.
The only thing left to do is to enter the coordinates into your device and start your hunt! Once you find the geocache and log your details in its logbook, put it back exactly where you found it. You can also log your find at Opencaching.com before choosing a new cache to search for.
Kid-friendly UK geocaching destinations
The National Trust has some of the best kid-friendly destinations for geocaching in Britain, including:
- Newark Park in Gloucestershire,
- Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire,
- Clent Hills in Birmingham,
- and Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire.
Adventures in nature
Geocaching isn’t just a fun game; it takes you across some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK. Whether you want to stick to your local area or explore another part of the country, it’s a fantastic way to experience Britain’s incredible natural beauty. It’s also a unique way to feel connected to a community of adventurous people who share a zest for adventure and a love of the great outdoors.
Would geocaching interest your grandchildren?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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