This is not my first time to London, but it will the first for my kids. Anything that your kids liked? We are planning to do a lot of grown up things, but we need to throw some kids stuff in there. We will be there about 4 days before we head to Paris.
I remember being in London for a few weeks when I was nine. I was very taken with the lion sculptures in Trafalgar Square, and really loved Kew Gardens.
There are lots of wonderful sites for kids in London. My kids liked Tower of London and its Beefeater tour which was hilarious. While there, maybe a Thames River boat ride. My guys also liked the London Eye. Lots of neat free museums that the kids will love - Your 14 and 11 year old will probably like the British Museum, especially the exhibits on ancient civilizations and your younger ones will love the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. If you are into aviation the Imperial War Museum at Duxford near Cambridge has hangars full of aircraft and if you get to Cambridge maybe go punting. Take them to see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Consider a visit to either Hampton Court or Windsor Castle. I would take them to see a theater production - Lion King would be a great choice. My guys also enjoyed our visit to Greenwich. Lots to do there for kids.
I still remember a school trip to the Tower of London 70 years ago when I was 9! I.was/am a history buff so guess that’s why I remember it. The Crown Jewels, the Bloody Tower, Traitors Gate, the Green where so many were executed, the room full of armour, the Ravens.
Also loved doing the boat trips down the Thames to Greenwich…and the famous boat there, the Cutty Sark last of the great sailing tea clippers,Tour the warship HMS Belfast at moored opposite the Tower.
Mudchute Farm, Tower Bridge Experience, ride bikes in Hyde Park, see if any of the London Walks might be of interest. www.walks.com
Definitely the Tower of London with the crown jewels, ravens and all the gory stories.
Hampton Court and getting lost in the maze
British Museum - do they still do the children's quiz sheets? These were great fun and we all learned a lot.
Natural History Museum and the dinosaur skeletons and fossils , although it isn;'t the same now that Dippy the Diplodocus is no longer there...
Dippy's supposed to be on tour isn't he?
We went as adults, but I can see kids liking the Golden Hinde...