One of my family’s favorite things to do is go geocaching. Geocaching is like a modern-day treasure hunt. We use an app to look up various caches, or containers, hidden anywhere and everywhere from downtown Kansas City to our favorite trails and playgrounds. Then we find them, log our names, and put them back. My kids love hunting for “treasure” and I love seeing all of the creative ways people have hidden caches around our city.
What’s inside a geocache?
Geocaches can vary in size. We have found some as small as a pill or screw before. These open so you can pull out a small rolled up sheet of paper called a log. The log is a space for you to write your name and let people know you found the cache.
Every geocache contains a log, but many of the larger caches have “swag” as well or small tokens, toys, or stickers you can trade out. If you take swag, you’re supposed to exchange it so that others will have something to take as well. Once you find a cache, you can also log it in the app and let people know what you thought of the geocache.
How to get started
Download the “Geocaching” app for free. There is a free version and premium version. I recommend starting out with the free version because it will give you access to the easiest geocaches. Then you can see if you like it. The harder geocaches often require solving puzzles or multiple steps before you can find them.
Pull up your location on the app and look for geocaches near you or near where you are planning to go. Some areas will have no caches — others will have many. I always check the log to see if caches have been found recently. If multiple people have marked it at DNF or “did not find,” then the cache has probably been lost. If it’s been found recently then it is probably a good cache to look for. I recommend reading the description before you go so you know what to expect.
Once you’re near the cache’s location, you can hit “navigate” in the app. It will direct you toward the geocache and let you know how many feet away you are from it. If you cannot find it you can click on “hint” and get another clue.
Be prepared
Many geocaches are hidden in interesting, hard-to-reach places. Some require bushwhacking, going off trail, or even bringing a TOTT (tools of the trade, like a ladder). Always wear clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty or torn. In the spring through fall, wear bug spray. Some geocaches are hidden just off the trail or are accessible. Read the descriptions thoroughly to determine which caches are the best for you.
Best places to geocache in the Northland
Our favorite places to geocache in the Northland are spots where we can find multiple caches within walking distance of one another. My favorite spots are Atkins-Johnson Farm, Line Creek Trail, and Happy Rock Trail.
One of the best-ranked geocaches in the whole state is right here in the Northland at Castle Northmoor. Castle Northmoor is a handbuilt tower constructed in 1983. Although it is privately owned, the owners allow the geocache to be on their property and for people to come to search for it. It’s truly a unique spot with a great view of the city. The cache is a fun find.
Where else can you geocache?
Geocaches are hidden across the country and the world. My family loves pulling up the app when we’re traveling or anywhere new to see if there is one hidden nearby. We have had some great adventures and found some cleverly hidden caches.
When is the best time to geocache?
Although we geocache all year, it is one of our favorite winter activities because there is less bushwhacking and it gives our family a way to be outside and have something to look for when there are fewer bugs, plants, and animals to see.
Why do we love geocaching?
My family loves geocaching because it takes us to new and interesting places within our hometown. We have found unique spots that we wouldn’t have gone to otherwise looking for the cache. My kids love feeling like we’re on a real-life treasure hunt. I love that we can do it as a family, work together as a team, and have fun outdoors.
For more tips on getting outdoors with kids and outdoor locations in Kansas City and the Midwest follow @everdayoutdoorfamily on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok or check out my website, everydayoutdoorfamily.com.
"My kids love feeling like we’re on a real-life treasure hunt. I love that we can do it as a family, work together as a team, and have fun outdoors."
"One of the best-ranked geocaches in the whole state is right here in the Northland at Castle Northmoor. Although it is privately owned, the owners allow the geocache to be on their property and people to come to search for it."