In this guide
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is a platform based around the hobby of geocaching. Geocaching involves people hiding containers in a random place in the world, and then sharing the GPS coordinates and clues to help other people find the containers. The app bills itself as ‘the world’s largest treasure hunt’, and this is an accurate description.
Users of the app must be at least 16 years old to own an account, and at least 18 years old to post in the Geocaching forums. Geocaching encourages people under 16 to join in by having a parent or guardian create the account and accompany them while geocaching.
The Geocaching app is available on Android and iOS.
How it works
The Geocaching app prompts users to sign up with an email address when they first open it. Once users complete the signup, the app displays on-screen warnings advising them to be cautious when geocaching outdoors and informing them to enable location services.
After users accept the warnings, the app shows them a map of their area, marking each nearby geocache. Users select a geocache from the map, then go outside towards it’s location, using the clues on the app to find the geocache. Then the finder can sign the logbook inside the geocache with their name, return the cache to it’s original position, and log their find on the geocache app.
The Geocaching app also has social features. Users can send messages to other users, without having to add them as a friend first. Users can attach pictures and GIFs to these messages.
A Geocaching forum exists outside of the app, being accesses through a browser. On this forum users can share advice on geocaching, and discuss general geocaching-related topics. Only people aged 18+ can use this forum.
Users can use Geocache for free, but they can also purchase a premium subscription. The premium plan gives users access to more caches, the ability to sort and filter caches by distance and rating and get personalised statistics on their geocaching progress. This plan costs £5.99 monthly or £30.99 yearly.
Geocaching parental controls
The Geocaching app does not have parental controls. This is because the app is not meant to be used by people under 16 years of age.
Users can take some steps to stay safe on the app. This includes the ability to block any users who send them inappropriate messages. This only prevents further exposure to inappropriate content though, rather than stopping it from being seen in the first place.
Benefits of Geocaching
The hobby of geocaching offers many benefits, and the Geocaching app lets users engage in it easily. They can interact with others in the community and access a wider choice of caches. Benefits of geocaching include:
Getting outdoors
Geocaching involves getting outdoors and searching for hidden caches in nature. This gives users time away from screens, and keeps them active.
Team work and communication
Searching for a geocache together with your child to decipher clues and find a cache will allow you to connect and work towards a common goal. It can even be a great time to start a conversation about their digital life.
Problem solving
Deciphering clues and locating a cache requires people to use logic and challenges their minds. For a child, this can improve their critical thinking which will help them in every facet of life, including staying safe online.
What to watch out for
While children are not allowed to have their own Geocaching account, there is no age verification required when signing up. This means some children may still create an account despite being underage. This could expose them to messages from strangers. If your child seems interested in geocaching, ask them if they’d like you to create your own account so that you can take them geocaching under supervision.
Using the Geocaching app also involves privacy risks. You must share your location in order to use the app, as otherwise you will not be able to see what caches are in your area. Other users may also be able to figure out your location through your activity if you often log caches from the same area.
The app can increase the risk of offline dangers as well. In the pursuit of caches, users might accidentally trespass on land or go to remote and unsafe locations. Always accompany your child while geocaching. Check that the cache looks to be in a safe location before heading out to search for it.