Geocaching (pronounced- geocashing) is an outdoor treasure hunting game using your GPS device

Geocaching is a community-wide game that is gaining in popularity across the world. I was recently introduced to it through Twitter tweets by other outdoor adventurers. I looked up exactly how to play and found that it is really easier than it sounds. There are geocache searches made specifically for children and others that are easy enough for them. Many geocaches are hid in local parks. After finding our first cache, the children and I were hooked. I loved watching the excitement in their faces and experiencing us working together towards a common goal. They loved the challenge and the great trade items inside. It’s a great way to add interest to your  hikes while promoting family bonding.

As children get older, it is easy to just let the family grow apart. It takes time and work to keep a family close. I believe a family should be a place of love and security for children. I learn so much about my children as well as learn about myself as we spend time outdoors together. There is something relaxing about the fresh air, allergies or not, that can help change a person’s whole attitude. Stress seems to evaporate with the morning dew or afternoon sun. There is peace within us and peace with one another as we look outside of ourselves. It’s a time where simplicity and technology merge. I hope you will take time to explore the possibilities of what geocaching can mean for your family. Here are a few tips on how to get started using your iphone. You can also use a Garmin.

• Download a good GPS app.
• Go to www.geocaching.com and watch the introduction video.
• Decide which geocaching app is best for you and download it.
• Choose a geocache that is medium to large sized for your first hunt and a one star difficulty level. You want to make sure you find something the first try.
• Wear appropriate shoes and clothing for the terrain and temperature. Caches are often hid in bushes, trees or tall grasses.
• Look for other “treasures” along the way. My son is ecstatic to find simple bolts or wires. You may want to name plants and animals you see and take photos.
• Bring items to trade like silly bands, coins. . .
• Sign the log book- you may need to use your own pen.
• Place the cache back where you found it.
• Have a picnic and spend time talking as a family. It may be a great afterschool activity for your kids before they get started with homework or something fun to do when homework is finished.
• Hide your own cache in your neighborhood.

Blackwater River State Park is one of our favorite family outdoor locations. This park is one of the closest state parks to Pensacola, Florida and so it is ideal for a quick getaway.

Blackwater River has been designated a Florida Canoe Trail. The river is part of a statewide system of Greenways and Trails. We first visited Blackwater River State Park a little over a year ago while looking for a nice swimming area and a place to launch our kayak. Since then, we have spent many weekend days playing in the cool refreshing waters.

Chain of Lakes Trail

What can you do at Blackwater River State Park?

• Tubing – grab a tube and relax as you float down Blackwater River
• Kayaking
• Camping – The state park has a nice campground. The campground has full electric hookups, bathroom facilities, playgrounds, and access to the river.
• Hiking – hike the beautiful Chain of Lakes nature trail.
• Have a picnic in the day use area.
• Relax on a white, sandy beach

About Camping at Blackwater River State Park

Relax under the shade of longleaf pines in Blackwater State Park. Easily access Blackwater River from Juniper Lake Nature Trail. At Blackwater you’ll enjoy camping, swimming, and hiking in this beautiful location in Northwest Florida.

• Two campground loops
• 30 campsites
• Water
• Electricity
• Picnic tables
• Playground
• Hot showers, clean restrooms, and a dump station.
• Sites accommodate camping from tents to 35 foot RVs

Day use area at Blackwater River State Park

• Deaton Bridge – Just south of Deaton Bridge is a pay parking area for access to Blackwater River and Chain of Lakes nature trail. This location has picnic tables and BBQ grills. To access the sandy beach cross over Deaton Bridge road and access the beach at the beginning of Chain of Lakes nature trail. There are no restrooms at this location.
• Blackwater River State Park – less than a 1/2 mile north of the Deaton Bridge location is the gate to the Blackwater River State Park day use and campground area. This facility has bathroom facilities, outside showers, pavilions, and access the white sandy beaches on Blackwater River.

View Blackwater River State Park in a larger map

Articles about Blackwater State Park

• Blackwater River Family Kayak Trip
• Chain of Lakes nature trail location/maps
• A Cooler Side To Your Florida Vacation
• Florida State Parks [external link]

Let your children learn about nature and park rangers while they explore the outdoors. They will earn their very own Junior Park Ranger patch.

Ages 6-8 Fridays 9-12 June 11-July 30 (3 hours) Reservation required. Call Ranger Beckie Breeding Mims at (850) 934-2631 for information and reservations.

Ages 9-11 Wednesdays 9-12 June 9-July 27 (3 hours) Reservation required. Call Ranger Amanda Carrigan Grissom at (850) 916-3001 for information and reservations.

Junior Ranger Celebration, all ages, Saturday, August 7, 7:00 p.m. at the parade ground inside historic Fort Pickens. (1 hour)

It’s approximately 1 1/2 hours from Pensacola and well worth the little drive. Pack a picnic and some water toys and head on out. If you prefer to get away from the crowds, take your small boat or kayak out for a quiet, paddling adventure.

Morrison Springs is a great place- just see for yourself by watching the video or by clicking on the photos below. Then, drive on out and enjoy it in person.

If you are looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors that is still close to everything, come visit Bayview Park in Pensacola. It is a great place for everyone-young and old. Many improvements have been made this year.

I recently brought my kids there to get some fresh air before school. They both enjoyed walking out on the pier over Bayou Texar. We got refreshed by the breeze while watching seagulls and the occasional mullet.

I have come back several times after taking the kids to school. One morning I sat and read while enjoying the nice breeze from the water. Another day I came back and relaxed with a run on the sidewalks that weave around the park. There were several other people enjoying their morning by walking dogs and playing tennis.

On the over 30 acres that make up Bayview Park, you will find everything: new playground equipment, covered picnic tables, pier, walking paths, tennis courts, senior center, boat launch, dog park and Pensacola’s only dog beach.

Dog Beach swimming area

The dog park and beach are fun and safe places for you and your dog to make new friends. The area includes covered picnic tables for resting while the dogs play. Feel free to bring snacks for your dog and snacks to share. Also, before putting your wet dog back in your vehicle, you can wash him at the shower station.

If you are a senior looking for some indoor activities, the Bayview Senior Center has  many to choose from including aerobics, dance, games and art. Walk outdoors with friends and then have more quality time inside.

Visit the City of Pensacola’s website for the Bayview Senior Center calendar of activities.

The community center which housed many activities for children is currently closed, but it is available for rentals. The pier overlooking the Bayou Texar is a beautiful place to have a wedding and then have a reception in the community center. Call 436-5190 to make reservations.

One of my favorite activities to do at Bayview Park is to bring my kayak and kayak around Bayou Texar. The water is not yet clean enough for hours of swimming, but many people spend time as I do in their kayaks or skiing and tubing.

Come experience Bayview Park for yourself!

Kayaking with daughter on Bayou Texar

Walking trails at Bayview Park

Tennis Courts Bayview Park

Picnic tables at Bayview

Walking Trails

Bayou Texar Boat Ramp