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Parents' Guide to

Geocaching

By Carla Thornton, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Treasure hunt = family fun but not for kids alone.

App iPhone , iPad , Android Navigation
Geocaching Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

  • Geocaching App: Screenshot #1
  • Geocaching App: Screenshot #2
  • Geocaching App: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 6+

Based on 3 parent reviews

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!!
julesfreak
julesfreak Parent of 6 and 9-year-old
July 15, 2013
age 6+

Great family fun

This is a great geocaching app, and geocaching is a fun family activity. It can simple or complicated as you choose, can get you outdoors and foster teamwork. But an adult should always be present with kids looking for a cache.
See all 3 parent reviews

Privacy Rating Warning

  • Personal information is sold or rented to third parties.
  • Personal information is shared for third-party marketing.
  • Personalised advertising is displayed.
  • Data are collected by third-parties for their own purposes.
  • User's information is used to track and target advertisements on other third-party websites or services.
  • Unclear whether this product creates and uses data profiles for personalised advertisements.
Learn more about our privacy ratings

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?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (6 ):

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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