Geocaching is a great way for the whole family to get outside! A modern-day treasure hunt, geocaching uses a smartphone app or GPS unit to help find caches. You can find these caches in your neighborhood, local park and along the trails in your MetroParks.

Where to Start

Begin by visiting geocaching.com to download the app. Here you can learn the basics, in addition to getting information about cache sizes (regular or large are great for kids) and the difficulty level (a difficulty and terrain rating of 1 or 2 is great for kids).

Local club the Miami Valley Geocachers is also a great resource for getting started — and continuing your treasure-hunting adventures.

Be Prepared by Bringing:

water and snacks — even on the shortest adventure and especially with kids
trekking poles and a flashlight for those caches hidden in tricky dark spaces
a pen to sign the logbook you’ll find in caches
hand sanitizer for use after finding caches to help slow the spread of COVID-19

Tips and Tricks

Caches come in all sizes, shapes and colors and are very well hidden — but don’t get discouraged!

Take your time and be patient.
Look for unlikely objects or objects that appear out of place, such as unnatural piles of sticks.
Check the size of the cache on the app; use the hint feature if needed.
Protect nature
- Leave things the way you find them. If you overturn a rock, put it back.
- Old logs and other natural debris are often homes for wildlife so do not disturb them; use your trekking poles instead.
Protect yourself and your family
- Always be aware of your surrounding — and take your eyes off the screen to enjoy the nature around you!

Geocaching in Your Five Rivers MetroParks

Dozens of geocaches are hidden throughout Five Rivers MetroParks and are listed online. Login to geocaching.com to get coordinates and additional details, so you can find the geocaches found in these parks.