London Bridge: Bridge hearts, not just lands

London -- land of the red telephone booths, soccer fanatics, and long-live-the-queen. Londoners are reputed to have stiff upper lips, but despite remarks on the "dreadful" weather, they still manage to have an amazing time. There is so much to do and see, the children won’t even realize that they are learning in the process!

London Eye

Where else can you get a better view of the city than here? The London Eye is not a Ferris wheel, mind you; it's an "observation" wheel, the world's largest, too. It's sleek architecture has made it the most visited tourist attraction of the city, and despite having been opened only since the beginning of the millennium it has become a definite part of the London skyline. The London Eye offers great views of many landmarks, such as Big Ben, Parliament, Trafalgar Square, and more.  You can even see the Windsor Castle on a good day. Book in advance to avoid long lines, and note that going around once is a 30-minute ride.

Little Venice

It's not exactly Italy, but close -- spend some time in one of London's most affluent neighborhoods, where artists and writers have once made their homes. Restaurants and shops face the intersecting Regent's Canal and Grand Union Canal, where decorative barges are parked. From there you can end your stroll at the London Zoo, a perfect place for the whole family.

Parks

It's hard to find another city so richly blessed with emerald spaces such as London. Here you can stroll to your heart's content.

Hampstead Heath is a fine place to stroll. Stretching over 791 acres, it's hard to bump into other people when you don't want to be bothered. Tranquil spaces are a dime a dozen -- make your stay extra special by heading to Parliament Hill, one of the highest points of Hampstead Heath, and soak in the views of London. Rent a rowboat and stay a while in boating pond.  From here you can find yourself at Keats House, where John Keats lived, wrote, and fell in love with the girl next door.

Regent's Park is another great place to go. It is vibrant and alive with roses -- over 30,000 of them, of 400 different kinds. It's not a wonder why it's also known as "jewel in the crown," being counted as one of London's Royal Parks. Birds of different kinds thrive here too -- at least 114 species to look out for at any time of the year.

There's also St. James' Park and Hyde Park -- with the famous Notting Hill nearby, where the fictional tale of the same title was brought to life. The possibilities are endless, really, as there are many parks for you and your family to enjoy.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is another place for you and your family to enjoy yourselves. This area is at the heart of London and offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy -- you can watch performers that line the streets, or you can head to the Royal Opera House for a West End experience like no other. Maybe IMAX is more your thing -- that kind of cinema you can find at Covent Garden also.

Tower of London

The whole family will enjoy visiting the Tower of London, where you can view many buildings and see what they would have been used for many years ago.  You can view the crown jewels, as well as where prisoners were kept.

British Museum, Tate Museum, and more

The British Museum is one of the greatest museums in the world, and everyone will enjoy taking a look at what it has to offer.  It is very large, but even spending just a little while will be very exciting.    There are also many other amazing museums in London, such as the Tate Modern, Natural History and Science Museums, Victoria Albert Museum, and more.  The best part is, they are all free to get into, although they accept donations, so even if you have a large family, you can still go visit them.

If you’re looking for a fun vacation, but want to go somewhere that is educational as well, London is a great place to go.  From museums to parks to looking at the crown jewels and visiting the theater, there is plenty to keep you busy, as well as allow you a fun and exciting family vacation.