Suggest a new activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Report a bug

Optional, 1 image up to 5 MB.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Metal Detecting

Metal Detecting

Min number of participants 1
Age 6+ yrs.
Safety support by adult Recommended
Min duration 1 h
Cost Low
Environment Outdoor

Sweeping a metal detector slowly over a field, beach, or park while listening for the telltale beep, then digging carefully to uncover coins, jewelry, or curious scraps — a patient outdoor treasure hunt where every signal could be the big find.

The Essentials

Rules

  • Always get permission before detecting on private property, and check local regulations before detecting in parks, beaches, or historic sites, since many restrict or ban it entirely.
  • Never detect on protected archaeological or historic sites without authorization, since removing artifacts from these areas is often illegal and can carry serious penalties.
  • Fill in every hole you dig, since leaving holes damages the landscape and can create hazards for others.
  • Report finds that appear historically or archaeologically significant to local authorities rather than keeping or selling them, since many countries have laws requiring this.
  • Respect "no metal detecting" signage completely, even if an area looks promising or unmonitored.

Tips

  • Research an area's history before detecting there, since old maps, local histories, and records of past settlements can reveal promising search locations.
  • Learn to read your detector's discrimination settings so you can filter out common trash like bottle caps and foil, saving time on digging.
  • Dig a proper plug rather than a wide hole when you get a signal, since this makes it easier to replace the turf cleanly afterward.
  • Bring a pinpointer to speed up locating targets within a dug hole, since sweeping a full-size detector head over a small hole wastes time.
  • Join a local metal detecting club, since experienced members often know productive, permission-friendly sites and proper etiquette for the hobby.
Activities

Similar activities (see all)

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Azul

Azul

Draft colourful tiles from a central pool to decorate your palace wall — complete rows and columns for points while managing leftover tiles, which cost you penalty points at round's end.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Istanbul

Istanbul

Race through the Istanbul bazaar with your merchant and four assistants, collecting rubies by trading goods — drop an assistant at each location you visit and return later to retrieve them.

Report an error in this activity

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Baby Sign Language

Baby Sign Language

Teaching babies a handful of simple hand signs for words like 'more', 'milk', and 'all done' so they can communicate their needs long before they can speak.