Geocaching

The Groundspeak Geocaching Logo is a registered trademark of Groundspeak, Inc. Used with permission.

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt with hidden "caches" waiting to be discovered all over the world! To get started, create a free account at geocaching.com. Then, simply enter your location—city, ZIP code, or even GPS coordinates—and you'll receive a list of nearby caches to explore.

Each cache listing provides coordinates that you can plug into a GPS receiver or use through Google Maps to guide you to the general area. Once there, you’ll need to solve clues and search carefully to find the hidden cache, which is often cleverly camouflaged to blend into its surroundings.

Caches come in many forms, but most contain a logbook for you to sign and sometimes small, inexpensive trinkets for trading. Some even lead you to fascinating natural or historical landmarks.

What to bring:

A pen (for signing the logbook)
GPS device or smartphone
Small trinkets or "tchotchkes" to trade
Anything you'd normally take on a short hike (water, sunscreen, etc.)

It’s a fun, interactive way to explore the outdoors—and kids love the thrill of the hunt!

Letterboxing

Letterboxing is a creative outdoor adventure that combines orienteering, art, and puzzle-solving. Participants hide small boxes in publicly accessible places—often in parks or along trails—and then share clues to help others find them.

Each letterbox typically contains a notebook and a unique rubber stamp. When you find a letterbox, you use its stamp to mark your personal notebook or postcard, and in return, you stamp your own personal stamp into the box’s logbook to leave a record of your visit. It's a fun and artistic way to track your adventures and connect with other letterboxers!

To get started, visit www.atlasquest.com. to search for letterboxes in your area. You'll find clues and community tips to begin your journey.

What you’ll need:

A personal rubber stamp (store-bought or hand-carved)
A small sketchbook or notebook
An ink pad
A pen
A compass
The clues for local boxes

Letterboxing is a great way for families to explore the outdoors together while encouraging creativity and problem-solving!

Questing

Questing is a game-like adventure that takes you on a journey through a community or geographic area using a series of clues. Each quest begins at a starting point and leads you from one sealed box to the next—often in a specific order—until you reach the final destination, which may include a small prize or a meaningful discovery.

As you follow the trail, your team will work together to solve clues, uncover hidden boxes, and explore both familiar and unfamiliar places in a new way. Questing encourages participants to hone their observation skills, engage their senses, and connect more deeply with the environment, culture, and history around them.

Quests are often designed by local organizations, schools, or nature centers and are meant to be fun, educational, and accessible to all ages.

Why try Questing?

It’s interactive and community-based
It blends exploration with learning
It promotes teamwork, curiosity, and critical thinking

Ready to get started? Look for questing trails at local parks, historic districts, or nature centers—or try creating one of your own!

Here are FREE local, kid friendly quests to get you started:

Muir Woods Quest is perfect for any child discovering the magic of this beautiful redwood forest. My 9 year old loved doing it with her 5 year old friend. Make a left at the first bridge to start. Ask for the “Redwood Discovery” guide at the rangers office.
Crissy Field Mystery Trail Challenge, is a history mystery unlocking the military, natural and cultural history of Crissy Field. Pick up a free copy of the “Mystery Trail Challenge” at the Warming Hut.
The Presidio in San Francisco offers a wide variety of self-guided programs, quest adventures, geocaches and more.

Companies that offer treasure hunts:

These real-life adventures are a fantastic way to inspire the next generation of explorers and stewards of the world. Whether you're discovering new places, trying new activities, or uncovering the history of your area, each outing builds unforgettable memories and meaningful connections with the world around you.

So grab your gear, gather your family, and step outside—your next adventure is waiting just beyond your doorstep.

Happy Hunting!