Don’t be scared away by the high-tech sounding name. Geocaching is just one big scavenger hunt, and it’s easy enough for all ages to partake. Already attracting more than 5 million participants around the world, this treasure-hunt meets hide-and-go-seek pastime just got more interesting and more accessible for Milwaukeeans.

VISIT Milwaukee, Milwaukee’s premier tourist bureau, recently launched their Discover Milwaukee Neighborhoods GeoTour, leading treasure-hunters on a journey through 15 of Milwaukee’s best neighborhoods. Participants will be taken along the shores of Lake Michigan, through local parks, past impressive skyscrapers, and into the most historic, chic and distinct neighborhoods our city has to offer.

The game is simple. You use a GPS-enabled device (you can download an application on your phone) to locate specific locations that you can find on VISIT Milwaukee’s website. Once you’re there, you look around for the geocache, which is just a fancy name for the plastic container that holds your prize.

You don’t have to be a tourist to enjoy the ride. Locals will be impressed with the information they find in their treasure– tips for fun things to do and little-known facts about the area, for example. Families with kids will appreciate the suspenseful, real-world, outdoor hunt and the educational information they find within each container.

Ambitious participants who complete the entire GeoTour can earn a custom "Discover Milwaukee’s Neighborhoods" GeoCoin, which are popular in the geocaching world.

Who knows? Maybe this will become a new hobby for you and your family. At the very least, this program provides a fun-filled, active and educational day for all ages.

To find out more about "Discover Milwaukee’s’ Neighborhoods" GeoTour, including information about the neighborhoods in the program, go to VISIT Milwaukee’s Geocache webpage.