What began a decade ago as a niche hobby - a high tech treasure hunt that used GPS devices to track down geocaches - has become the wildly popular, outdoor adventure known as geocaching. Anyone can play, anywhere and anytime, but geocaching is a particularly great activity for teens, college kids and 20somethings. It's a cool birthday outing - and it's a very fun "date night" or "date day" activity for empty nesters too. Here's the lowdown on what geocaching is, what you'll need, and how to play, with nothing more than a cell phone and some good walking shoes.

1. What is Geocaching?

Wondering what geocaching is? Here's the basic scoop on these cool, outdoor adventures and high tech treasure hunts.More »

2. College Geocaching

With more than a million geocaches stashed around the world, is it anywonder so many of these geocaching sites are hidden on college campuses?The high tech, outdoor adventure hunt is a natural for the teen and20something crowd, all of whom carry GPS-equipped cell phones - so handyfor geocaching - in their back pockets. Here's a sampling of what's out there.More »

3. A Geocaching Party for College Kids & Teens

College kids, teens and 20somethings are huge fans of  these high tech, outdoor treasure hunts. Here's how to turn this adventuresome pursuit into a wonderful group outing or memorablebirthday party for your favorite teen or 20something  - or you!  This link takes you to tips and ideas for invitations, party prop-filled caches and a very cool picnic in the forest.More »

4. A Peek Inside a Geocache

A geocaching treasure box, or cache, can be just about anything - a camouflaged Altoids tin, for example, a mixed nuts can, or a metal box. It's the discovery that makes it so much fun, not the value of the contents. Still, it's delightful to pop the lid and see what's there, take a trinket and leave something new behind. Here's a sneak peek at the contents of a typical cache.More »

5. Geocaching Gadgets & Apps

When geocaching first began in 2000, players had to have a pricey, clunky GPS device toplay. But these days, iPhones and Androids comeGPS-equipped and all you need to hunt down a cache are coordinates,clues and some good walking shoes. Here's the scoop on geocaching applications for smart phones, from a freebie for newbies to a fully-decked app.More »

6. Before You Go: What to Take When You Go Geocaching

Sunscreen, water, trinkets and tourniquets - what you tuck in your day pack or pockets before a geocaching adventure can spell the difference between misery and delight. While some geocaching expeditions place you within hailing distance of multiple Starbucks cafes, others involve remote wilderness trails and treacherous terrain. Use this checklist when you load your day pack.More »