Geocaching

App review by Carla Thornton, Common Sense Media
Geocaching Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Treasure hunt = family fun but not for kids alone.

iPhone, iPad, Android Navigation
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Parents say

age 7+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this expensive but very cool GPS app makes it possible for the whole family to go geocaching, a high-tech treasure hunt game. Geocaches can be hidden in rough terrain, public locations and other unsafe places for children. Since you are going to locations known by others to be a location that will attract others, this app creates some inherent dangers of exposure to strangers. While this game might be okay for older teens by themselves -- if they are responsible -- a better route would be to always play this game with friends.

Community Reviews

tombrandt
tombrandt Adult
August 5, 2021
age 10+

Bad service!

The app itself is fun and great outdore activity. But never go for the Premium version - unless you are ready to pay for life! I tryed to get help to cancel my premium membership and ended canceling my mastercard to stop the membership. No help or understanding from the HQ.
rosellophoto
rosellophoto Adult
August 9, 2013
age 7+

Scavenger Hunt and Smartphones? Awesome!

Given all the technology and easy access to information - it's imperative that we guide our children (even at a young age) on the positive role technology can be in life. It's not an "electronic babysitter" or just about playing video games. Instead Geo-caching teaches them ways to use all that technology for a good cause! I love the fact that this helps them use their innate desire to be inquirers and risk-takers. Geo-caching fun also quenches their thirst for knowledge and you can do it together!!! Fully immerse yourselves in this great family fun opportunit! By finding these 'treasures' (big or small) gives any child that personal victory which = a priceless gift: reaping rewards such as: self-confidence, self esteem, positive attitude and teamwork. What a great, fun way to interact with each other and has such a wonderful educational aspect to it. I've used my smartphone while going on nature walks with my family to research something - but this idea?? Brilliant I say!! What a winning combo...Thanks so much for the recommendation!!
See all 4 parent reviews

What’s It About?

In 2000, after civilian GPS accuracy improved, three friends who worked at a dot-com startup launched Geocaching.com. GEOCACHING is a hybrid of GEO, for geography, and caching, a term used to describe hiding hiking or camping provisions. Users hide secret trinkets and find items by entering an address, zip code, latitude and longitude, or other qualification, and use the app to determine the object's hiding place.

Is It Any Good?

This app brings geocaching to the mobile devices, making it unnecessary to buy a dedicated GPS device. The app taps directly into geocaching.com's database of more than 2 million locations, some within walking distance, and gives you everything you need to find treasures hidden by other enthusiasts. Search by your current location or specific address, and get hints, photos, and step-by-step navigation. All that's missing is a torch.

App Details

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