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If you're not already signed up at geocaching.com, get over there and do it now! If you're a traveler, if you love adventure, exploring, scavenger hunts, any or all of the above - this hobby is for you!
In short, it's a pastime wherein a GPS device is used to travel to coordinates published by someone who's placed a container there. It's a sort of scavenger hunt which may present obstacles, from solving puzzles, to navigating various terrains, or may just give you a chance to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. Containers typically include a logsheet that you sign (or even better, write out your experience for other finders after you to read and enjoy). Some rare caches have existed since as far back May 2000 when the activity officially launched, so finding those caches, especially with their original log books, is a real gem.
Because it's all about hidden containers, they are often camouflaged to blend in to their environment - whether covered in fake vegetation, disguised as a rock, or even magnets hidden in plain sight in downtown cores - and so these containers may even exist within walking distance to your own home, and you don't even know it. This 'hidden world' of geocaches is sometimes compared to Harry Potter's world of magic - people who don't know about it are referred to it as "muggles". When searching for caches, you don't want muggles to see you or find out about them! If they don't understand the hobby, they might mistake the container for trash or just not know what to do with it.
If a container is large enough, it may contain 'treasure' - typically these may be little trinkets and toys, sometimes books or collectible items, sometimes bigger bonuses like coupons, small change, or special gifts. It's all up to whoever finds it to abide by a simple concept: trade up! If you take something, leave something of equal or better value for the next person.
Geocaching is a family-friendly, non-competitive game that occurs in the great outdoors. It's enjoyed by younger children and older retirees, physically disabled and extreme adventurers, geeks and techies and hipsters alike, it's available 24/7, day and night, and it's played worldwide. With millions of geocaches around the world, and millions of players in the community, there's no end to the fun. And it's free! You could also take advantage of a premium membership for the price of a couple of restaurant meals for a year of more advanced features and capabilities, depending on how serious you want to get!
Here's a quick rundown of the activity, and you can watch the brief video below to get a feel for its fun. And these are just the very basics - there are many types of geocaches and experiences to be found, some of which I describe in this site, such as Earthcaches; and the pastime is very social, with a thriving and friendly global community. There's something for everyone! All you need to get started is a GPS device, or a smartphone and a geocaching app.