It’s no secret that our kids spend a lot of time indoors, playing computer games and watching television. This is not healthy for them and it’s not good for their creativity either. Instead of encouraging this behavior, we should encourage them to get outside and explore their local environment.
One of the best ways to do this is to introduce them to a metal detector! Metal detectors are great for uncovering coins, jewelry, bullets, and other objects that may have been hidden by others for many years. There’s bound to be goodies waiting for us in the dirt.
In this article, we will take a look at tips for parents who want to get their kids outside more often and explore their environment with them!
The Benefits of Getting Outdoors With a Metal Detector
Metal detecting is not just a hobby – it’s an adventure. It’s the discovery of first edition books, pirate treasure, time capsules, centuries-old pottery shards – and the thrill of the hunt! Metal detecting can turn your next walk in nature into an exciting expedition.
The next benefit is Vitamin D. It’s been proven that Vitamin D is a vital part of fighting disease. By going outdoors with a metal detector, you increase your opportunities to get vitamin D from both the sun and from your surroundings. Not only does this help prevent sickness, but it also helps our kids maintain healthy bones.
Another thing that kids will get from metal detecting is exercise! There are a ton of health benefits that come from digging for old treasures! It’s hard to know where all that old money is hiding, but it’s worth looking if you want to stay healthy.
It increases your heart rate, improves blood flow, reduces stress levels, and leaves you feeling pumped up after hours of grueling glory. Metal detection can help in strengthening muscles, especially when dragging a bucket full of sand in the lawn or in the park. This unique type of physical workout also has surprisingly positive mental effects on people who have been diagnosed with ADHD or anxiety disorders so there really aren’t any downsides to metal detection other than finding zero gold.
It’s educational as well as physical! Imagine how much your child will learn when they are metal detecting! They may discover how Native Americans used to live in the area. Or, if you’re near an archaeological site, perhaps your child can make a contribution to history by discovering pottery or tools that were used thousands of years ago.
Many coins and other objects that have been discovered by detectorists were a part of a moment in history. Many items have writing on them that gives clues about when they were made and why. This knowledge can encourage kids to learn more about the time period in which they were found.
How to Get Started Metal Detecting With Kids
To get started metal detecting with your kid the first thing you need to do is to buy a child-friendly metal detector. There are several models of metal detectors that were specially designed for kids and teenagers.
Since they’re made specifically for kids, you will find that these detectors are easy to use and lightweight (which is important if they want to do some serious detecting!)
The most common type of detector that you’ll find among kids’ detectors is a VLF (Very Low Frequency) machine. They are easy to use, lightweight, and have an automatic ground balance to adjust the sensitivity based on what’s under your feet. There are many great brands available including Bounty Hunter, Fisher, and National Geographic.
If you want to know more about metal detectors for kids then take a look at this article by Chad Eicher from Metal Pursuits. It’s full of useful advice that will get you up and running in no time!
After that, you just need to find out where they want to detect. Explore your local park or even your own backyard! You may be surprised at what you find buried there! It’s worth taking some time off for this unique adventure.
You can take your kid for a walk around the local park or nature trail. It’s important to have an idea of what has been found in the area so far. If you go there regularly, you will soon start noticing differences in the ground and dirt.
For example, you can tell that someone was digging in the ground because it looks different from the surrounding area. If you think about what people usually bury (like pirate treasure) then you can use this information to your advantage. Kids love exploring new areas and they will enjoy metal detecting more when they are looking for objects like ancient pottery instead of money.
When you’re metal detecting in the park it’s important to be very careful. Make sure that your kids wear shoes and don’t venture into any risky areas. It’s also good to make sure that they know not to touch anything when they’ve found something with their detector.
Metal Detecting Tips For Parents
There are several tips for parents who want to encourage their kids to get outdoors with a metal detector.
Decide on a model of a metal detector – make sure that the detector is appropriate for the age of your child. Don’t forget about size! Some metal detectors can be much larger than others, so make sure you buy one that’s right for your kid.
Parents can read about the different kinds of metal detectors for kids available on the market before making a purchase decision. Kids who already have some experience with their own metal detector may be more inclined to use it if they have an exciting new or upgraded model!
Search online for information about where to go metal detecting – it can vary depending on what kind of metal detector is being used. Some detectors are more suitable for urban areas, whereas others are better for the countryside. If your child is using their own metal detector, make sure you stay with them! You don’t want to hold them back, but you also need to make sure they are safe.
Make it fun – whether your kid is using their own detector, or you’re buying them one as a gift, it’s important that they enjoy metal detecting. If they don’t like the idea of getting outside and just want to sit around playing video games all day long, the hobby probably won’t last very long. While metal detectors can be expensive, if your child is enjoying what they’re doing, it’s worth the cost.
Exploring with a metal detector doesn’t have to be work! Metal detecting uses a lot of different skills, from science and history to pattern recognition and reasoning, but that doesn’t mean your child will get bored. There are endless possibilities for what they can find! They may even discover something amazing while having fun!
Suggest places your kids might want to explore – give them some ideas of what they are looking for! You can also take them on virtual digs through the internet, where you’ll find information about past discoveries that were made with metal detectors. This will encourage their curiosity and build up anticipation for the real thing.
Make it a family activity – metal detecting is an exciting, fun hobby for everyone to enjoy! Parents can teach their kids about history and science while they teach them how to use the detector. Kids are more likely to become interested in this type of recreational activity if they have parents who are excited about exploring their neighborhood with them too!
Encourage your kids to get their hands dirty. Let your kids get dirty and show them how to clean their finds so they can remove the dirt and keep their treasures forever. Kids learn through exploration, and if they enjoy unearthing things from the ground, it’s important that you let them do just that.
Conclusion
Metal detectors are great for the curious kid who wants some adventure in his or her life. There are so many benefits of getting outside with a metal detector that it’s no wonder it’s such a popular hobby!
There are endless possibilities waiting to be found with a metal detector! Metal detecting can be used creatively to learn more about history, science, and just having fun outdoors. It’s an activity that the whole family can enjoy together.
Encourage your kids to get out there and explore – they might be surprised at what they can find.
[…] is a low-cost hobby that the whole family can enjoy. Not to mention, it’s a great way to get your kids out of the house and into nature! You’ll have fun learning more about history, geology, and geography as you search for buried […]