Geocaching...Family Fun Without Financial Ruin!

In these days of economic woe, where a family trip to the local amusement park could potentially cost you the equivalent of a small down payment on a new car, it can be difficult to find activities for the entire family to enjoy that won't put a British Petroleum size hole in your bank account. Wouldn't it be nice to have an activity that could involve the entire family, encourage exercise and a love of the outdoors, and cost a mere fraction of the cost of that amusement park trip?

Well...welcome to Geocaching!

As defined on its web page Geocaching is "...a high-tech treasure hunting game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called Geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment". 

All one needs to get involved is a GPS unit, a list of locations downloaded from the website (www.geocaching.com), and some form of transportation. Granted, a GPS is not exactly a cheap item, but it is a one time purchase. All you really need money for after that is gas (and packed lunches to bring in to eat at some scenic point along the way and, of course, carry out the empties when you are finished).

Our family LOVES to Geocache. The Peanut, who is 5, always looks forward to an afternoon of "treasure hunting" as she calls it. It gets her (and us) out of the house and onto the nature trails of our awesome state parks and into the history of our area. At her age, thanks to Geocaching, she can tell me what a longitude line is and what a latitude line is and why they even exist. She loves to hike and be the first to make a find. 

It is an activity that gives us an opportunity to spend time together as a family, learn about  local history, exercise, appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and meet new and interesting people. Geocaching is a global community, with caches in all fifty states and multiple countries around the world.

Where else can you have this much fun and quality time with your loved ones for the cost of a tank of gas?

If I have grabbed your attention, watch the short video below. Then sign up (it's FREE!) and get started today. If you are already a Geocacher, say howdy in the comments section. Talk it up and let people know how enjoyable it is. If not and you have questions, drop em' in the comments section and I will get right back to you.

Have fun and get out there and Geocache!