Ask your kids if they want to go outside for a walk, and they’ll probably groan and turn back to their screens. Invite them on a high-tech geocache treasure hunt, and they’ll pepper you with questions as they lace up their shoes and head for the door.

Geocaching combines mobile technology with the thrill of a treasure hunt. It refers to an activity in which participants use their phones or handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to find "caches" that contain logbooks, trinkets, tradable goods or even money.

Caches are usually hidden and reported by other geocachers. There are over 3 million registered geocaches hidden in over 190 countries. Even Antarctica has registered geocaches. Advanced versions of the game include multi-step puzzles and trackable traveling objects such as geocoins and travel bugs.

Newcomers are often surprised by the number of caches located near their own homes. There are enough new challenges to keep children interested in future trips.