London trip with 2 kids

We just did this in July with our grandkids 6 and 9. Usually a hotel will store your luggage til your room is ready. Walk around a bit and find an old pub like the Prospect of Whitby on the river and have lunch. Our kids liked the burgers and Mac and cheese. During our time, we took the kids to see the Lion King, did a children’s tee, visited the The Museum of Natural History, The British Museum, The Tower of London, a Black Cab tour, Terrible Thames Horrible Histories boat ride (there’s always the rib boat rides, too), Shakespeare Theater, and of course the Lego Store (largest in the world). What we didn’t have time for was the Harry Potter tour, next time….

If you want to be sure you can check in before 3, you would need to book the night before your arrival and tell the hotel you will arrive in the morning. Those early morning arrivals are brutal. Staying awake all day is the challenge, especially if you don’t sleep on the plane (which I never do).

As mentioned, the hotel should be able to hold your bags even if you can’t check in. Get out in the sun (wishful thinking!?) and explore a bit. Have lunch. Maybe take a bus ride around town to get an overview. Go to the London Eye. Maybe explore Harrod’s. Just don’t sit in a dark place for long (like a theater) where everyone will fall asleep!

I do like the idea of booking a day early, if you can afford it. But be sure to let the hotel know you’ll be arriving the next morning, so they don’t give your room away!

Where’s the accommodation? Asking so after you drop luggage off I can suggest things to do.

Staying outside is best. Let your body start adjusting to the time difference and other senses adjusting to sights, sounds and smells. Thames River Path is a great way to “ stay awake.”

The implication of wanting an early check in is that you want the room to sleep. That is the very last thing you should do during the day of arrival - all it will do is prolong the effects of jet lag. You should plan to stay up as long as you can by keeping yourselves outside in the fresh air. The sooner your bodies get on to rough UK time the sooner you can start to enjoy your visit.

It’s really what most travelers do, keep moving, eat, walk through a park, don’t waste a day trying to sleep, get on local time, enjoy London!

I agree with the recommendations of reserving the hotel for the night before and checking in in the morning. I have traveled with kids your age along with older teenagers and having the room ready has been a lifesaver. I may be able to power through the day, but it is challenging with kids, especially if they can't sleep on the plane. Checking in, getting a shower, and maybe a nap allows you to enjoy the first day. As long as you don't sleep too long, you will be able to still get to sleep at your local bedtime.