There’s something incredibly magical about a night sky glowing with the Northern Lights, and tonight families on the South Shore and Cape Cod, MA, have the rare chance to witness this natural wonder from their own backyards! So, why not turn this into a fun family memory-making moment? With a few simple tips, you can bundle up with your kids, enjoy some warm apple cider, and even snap a few photos of the aurora to remember the night.

Here’s how you can turn this night into a fun family adventure!

These images are unedited IPhone images that I took from our back yard when I first ran out and saw the lights. I was afraid they would disappear in an instant, but they lasted another hour and slowly faded….

How to Photograph the Northern Lights with Your iPhone

Getting a picture of the Northern Lights with your iPhone isn’t as tricky as you might think! Here’s how to do it:

Switch to Night Mode: Open your iPhone’s camera app, and when it detects low light, night mode will automatically kick in (look for the moon icon at the top). This feature helps capture more detail in the dark sky.
Keep Your Phone Steady: Night mode takes longer exposures, so you’ll want to steady your phone. If you have a tripod, great! If not, prop your phone on a railing or even a stack of books to keep it still.
Adjust Exposure: Tap on the sky in your camera view, then drag the little sun icon to adjust exposure. Brightening it up helps bring out the Northern Lights.
Use a Timer: Set a 3-second timer so your phone doesn’t shake when you hit the shutter. This way, you’ll get clearer photos of the glowing sky.

Cozy Up with Hot Apple Cider for a Fun Family Memory

While waiting for the Northern Lights to dance across the sky, keep everyone warm and happy with a mug of hot apple cider. You can either grab some from a local farm or make your own at home with cinnamon and cloves—it smells amazing and tastes even better! For extra fun, let the kids decorate their own mugs before heading outside. It’s a small but special way to turn a simple night into a memorable family experience.

Why Watching the Northern Lights is More Than Just a Pretty Show

Not only are the Northern Lights beautiful, but they’re also a chance to teach your kids something new! Talk about how the aurora happens when particles from the sun interact with the Earth’s atmosphere. It’s a simple science lesson wrapped up in a magical moment. Who knows, you might even inspire a little wonder and curiosity about the world!

Make This a Night Your Family Will Never Forget

Between snapping a few photos, sipping on warm apple cider, and watching the sky light up, tonight could be one of those unforgettable nights your kids will talk about for years. So, grab your blankets, gather in the backyard, and soak in the magic of the Northern Lights. Moments like this don’t come around often, and when they do, they’re the perfect opportunity for a little family adventure.

Check out my other blog on family-friendly activities in Cape Cod to get more ideas for memory-making moments.