|
Go on a treasure hunt the whole family can enjoy–Geocaching! Geocaching takes your children’s interest in playing with digital devices and combines it with the fun (and healthy benefits) of being in nature.
| It’s a fun way to find hidden "caches" (prize-filled containers) that are placed all over the world by fellow geocachers. Using a free, easy-to-use app on your Smartphone, you’ll receive satellite signals that show the latitude and longitude of where a cache is hidden, along with easy-to-follow directions of how to get there—to within a distance of 12 feet! You can also use a Global Positioning System (GPS) Device, but it is not necessary. |
|
 |
Geocaching is a wildly popular activity in Texas. Currently, there are 1,074 hidden geocaches in over 90 Texas State Parks for you to find. But, finding the cache is just half of the fun. When you get home, you can join the free online geocaching community and swap trail stories, pictures, location hints, etc. online at several sites including www.Geocaching.com.
Back to Top
|
Kids will especially enjoy the “Texas State Parks Geocache Challenge." Last year nearly 11,000 geocache “finds” occurred in state parks alone, and hundreds of children learned interesting facts and stories about Texas State Parks and earned prizes/promotional discounts for finding these “special” caches.
Back to Top
|
|
 |
Want to join the fun but not sure where to start? The best way is to take an intro workshop at a nearby state park, free with normal park entry, where you’ll learn the basics, practice with a GPS unit and undoubtedly find a prize-filled cache. Check the Geocaching events calendar to find a workshop near you.
Texas Outdoor Family Workshops also offer geocaching as part of a fee-based weekend program where your family receives hands-on experience learning camping and basic outdoor skills. The program provides all of the equipment for up to six people at a cost of $65 for one-night workshops and $85 for two-night workshops. For more info, contact us by e-mail or call (512) 389-8903, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Back to Top
Share the fun and mystery of Geocaching in a Texas State Park on your Facebook page and Twitter!
Prize-filled caches are waiting for your discovery in Texas State Parks! Before you venture out, watch these videos on geocaching:
Back to Top
|
- Smartphone/GPS Device
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Small, inexpensive prizes to put back into the cache
Back to Top
And remember, KIDS PLAY FREE in Texas State Parks! Children 12 and under get free admission to more than 90 Texas State Parks.
Back to Top
|