There are plenty of family games, activities, hobbies, and sports that can be done outside, but how many of them can include a wide range of ages all at the same time, at a variety of locations, and year-round?

Geocaching offers all of these things.

This is great in the fact that no family member needs to feel left out because he/she is too young or too old.

Geocaching benefits everyone because it has something to offer everyone from as young as a toddler all the way up to the elderly.

So, what makes Geocaching different from all other family activities, and why is it good for the family?

In general, Geocaching is kid friendly. For the most part, caches do not contain (as they shouldn’t) anything that is harmful such as “explosives, ammo, knives, drugs, [or] alcohol” (Groundspeak Inc., 2008).

Common sense also tells you to not include any food items – after all – who wants to eat something that may have been sitting there for some time between finds, and lest we forget, animals have a great sense of smell!

The thrill and excitement of getting a new small toy would entice just about any toddler or young child to no end. To them, Geocaching is very similar to Easter; however, instead of searching for hidden eggs you are in search of a container and the end result is a reward.

Small trinkets that overflow these caches are also things that can be found easily and cheaply at any local dollar store, flea market, or even just around the house.

For parents or guardians who take little ones out for a day of caching are also able to instill in the young ones that you don’t get something for nothing. In order to take a ‘prize’ for finding the cache, you must leave something in its place.

Don’t get me wrong – there are some adults who also love the idea of exchanging tiny novelties. I will be the first to admit I like to give and take. Besides the little tradable items, there are other items that get the attention of the older crowd: those that can be tracked (geocoins, travel bugs, and promotional items) - this not to mention other special items that are left behind as well just for those who are the First to Find (FTF) the cache.

On more occasions than not, there are caches that only contain a logbook and not any type of tradable item. These are for those who just don’t care if they exchange something, but who love Geocaching and want to find something that most people don’t even realize is there.

Don’t forget also that not everyone has young children. Whatever the reason for searching for a cache, age is not a hindrance and therefore allows more of an opportunity to get the whole family out of the house and in to the great outdoors.

After all is said and done, caching is indeed a family affair.

References:

Groundspeak, Inc. (2008) Geocaching.com. Frequently asked questions about geocaching. Retrieved April 15, 2008, from http://www.geocaching.com/faq/

By KC5NVJ

In the world of Geocaching (and ham radio), I am known as kc5nvj, but to family and friends I am Angela Cunningham. I was born and raised in Louisiana but currently reside in Kentucky with my husband and daughter. When I'm not thinking of a new article to write for onlinegeocacher.com, my days are filled with a full-time job at a local high school as a teachers aide in the special education department, a full-time mom of a three year old (hyper) girl, a full-time student (enrolled in online classes for Psychology) as I hope to one day get my Psy.D Degree (Docterate of Psychology) and become a Clinical Psychologist, and finally a part-time Geocacher. I say part-time because I am still new to Geocaching and can't wait to get out and about and hunt some more. You are welcome to leave any feedback to articles I write as well as send any features you would like for me to touch base on. I look forward to this new adventure and hope many of you find Geocaching as much fun as I do. E-mail:  kc5nvj@yahoo.com