Chasing the northern lights in Tromsø is a magical adventure for the whole family! But how do you make it fun and exciting for kids? In this guide, we’ll share tips on making the experience enjoyable for everyone, whether you go on a tour or explore by yourself.
Plus, we’ll highlight kid-friendly locations and some great tours where the northern lights come with extra fun activities. Let’s make those arctic skies unforgettable for your little ones!
How to Make Chasing the Northern Lights Fun for Kids
Chasing the northern lights can sometimes involve long waits, cold weather, and late nights, but with a little preparation, you can turn it into an adventure your kids will love.
1. Turn Waiting into Fun
- Pack Games and Snacks: Bring small games, puzzles, or cards to keep your kids entertained while waiting for the lights to appear. Pack plenty of warm drinks like hot chocolate and tasty snacks for a cozy treat.
- Create a Northern Lights Story: Kids love stories! Make up a tale about the northern lights – maybe the lights are magical creatures dancing in the sky or a special message from the stars. Let your kids’ imagination run wild!
- Have a Northern Lights Bingo: Create a bingo card with things to spot in the night sky: constellations, shooting stars, colors of the aurora, or even animals like owls or reindeer tracks! Each time your child spots something, they can mark it on their bingo card.
2. Dress Warmly and Comfortably
Keeping warm is key for an enjoyable experience. Dress in layers, and make sure everyone has good winter gear—warm jackets, snow pants, boots, gloves, and hats. Bring blankets to sit on while you watch the lights.
3. Make It Educational
Teach your kids about how the northern lights happen. It’s not just fun but also a great learning moment. Explain that the lights come from particles from the sun interacting with Earth’s atmosphere. Add some fun facts to make it exciting—like how people in ancient times thought the lights were the spirits of animals!
4. Bring Glow-in-the-Dark Accessories
Kids love glowing things! Bring glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark bracelets, or even glow paint for a fun addition to the northern lights adventure. They can dance around in the snow, making their own “aurora.”
5. Capture the Moment Together
Encourage your child to use a small camera or phone to take photos of the experience. You can even set up a time-lapse on your phone together and watch the magic unfold. It’ll make the experience interactive and fun!
Tours vs. Seeing the Northern Lights Yourself
Should you take a tour or head out on your own? Here are the pros and cons:
Tours
Going on a northern lights tour has its benefits. You can relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about where to go or whether the lights will appear. Plus, many tours include other fun activities like visiting animals or taking a cruise.
Kid-friendly Tour Options:
- Fjellheisen Cable Car Experience
Ride up the mountain in Tromsø’s cable car and enjoy a stunning view of the northern lights from above the city! The best part? Your kids will love the excitement of the ride.
Book the Fjellheisen Cable Car Tour - Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise
Imagine sailing in a cozy electric catamaran while enjoying delicious food under the aurora. This tour combines northern lights watching with a relaxing dinner, perfect for families who want to unwind and enjoy the view.
Book the Northern Lights Cuisine Cruise - Northern Lights Husky Visit
Does your child love dogs? This tour offers the chance to visit friendly huskies and then settle in for some northern lights viewing. It’s an exciting way for kids to interact with animals and experience the lights.
Book the Northern Lights Husky Visit - Reindeer Sledding and Dinner Experience
This tour takes your family on a reindeer sledding adventure followed by a warm meal and northern lights viewing. Sledding through the snowy landscape is sure to be a hit with the kids!
Book the Reindeer Sledding Adventure
Seeing the Northern Lights on Your Own
If you’re more of a do-it-yourself family, exploring Tromsø on your own can be a great way to chase the northern lights. It gives you flexibility and lets you control your schedule. The downside? You’ll need to drive to the best spots and keep an eye on the weather.
Kid-Friendly Locations Near Tromsø:
- Prestvannet Lake
A quiet spot close to Tromsø city center. The lake is surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful place to watch the northern lights with the family. There’s space for kids to run around, making it a great option for little ones. - Ersfjordbotn
Just 30 minutes from Tromsø, this fjord is known for its clear views of the northern lights. It’s a calm, beautiful area that will amaze both kids and adults. - Telegrafbukta Beach
A short drive from Tromsø, this beach offers lovely views and is a good spot for families to watch the aurora. Kids can play in the snow while waiting for the lights to appear.
Tips for Making the Adventure Extra Special
- Give Your Kids Their Own Camera: If possible, let your child use a simple camera to capture the lights. They’ll feel like a professional photographer!
- Bring Hot Drinks in a Thermos: Hot chocolate or tea can make a cold night feel much warmer. It’s a simple way to keep everyone happy while waiting for the northern lights.
- Set Up a Star-Watching Game: While waiting for the northern lights, see how many constellations you can find. Use a star app to help identify them—it’s fun and educational!
- Make a Light Dance: If the aurora is not too strong, grab flashlights and have a mini “light dance” competition with the kids. You can twirl the lights around and create your own version of the northern lights!
Fun Aurora Borealis Facts for Kids
Here are some cool facts your kids will love to know about the northern lights:
- Fact 1: Did you know the northern lights can be seen in colors like green, pink, purple, and even red?
- Fact 2: The northern lights are also called aurora borealis, named after Aurora, the Roman goddess of the dawn!
- Fact 3: In Finland, the northern lights are sometimes called revontulet, which means “fox fires.” Legend says a magical fox ran through the sky, lighting it up with its tail.
- Fact 4: The auroras are not only in the north! The southern hemisphere has its own version called the aurora australis, or southern lights.
- Fact 5: The northern lights are not just pretty—they make sounds too! Some people have reported hearing faint crackling or whooshing noises during strong aurora displays.
- Fact 6: In Viking mythology, the northern lights were thought to be reflections of the Valkyries’ armor as they rode through the sky, guiding fallen warriors to Valhalla.
With these tips and ideas, you’re sure to have an unforgettable northern lights adventure in Tromsø that your kids will remember for a lifetime!