Where are you staying its a large area lots of National Trust type places can recommend Snows Hill Manor also Bath, Gloucester and Oxford are within easy reach.

nick

Bourton on The Water is a must- very touristy but very picturesque, nice cafes, little river running through. It's a long time since I've been there but my boys loved the motor museum there (if they've ever watched "Brumm" they will recognise it instantly). There was also a wildlife park with parrots there. Hope someone will correct if it has all changed! Website http://www.bourtoninfo.com/
Slimbridge wildfowl reserve was also a lovely family day out.

If they are Harry Potter fans they will want to see Hogwarts - the cloisters at Gloucester Cathedral.

There are two Cotswolds, North and South. Basically divided by the A40 Oxford to Cheltenham trunk road.

The North is more touristy and, with the aid of a decent map you can work out a route. I usually enter via Evesham then it's Broadway > Chipping Camden > Stow > Bourton > Northleach > Burford > Bibury.

Stop off at all the smaller villages on the way.
Snowshill near Chipping Camden
The Swells by Stow
The Slaughters by Bourton etc. The answer is to follow your nose.

The Southern Cotswolds are less touristy but still contains some gems.

Painswick, Fairford, the Colns, Cirencester and further south, Slad. The birthplace of Laurie Lee (Cider with Rosie)

Places to go. Snowshill, motor museum at Bourton and all the churches.

Get a good map and a good guidebook, Both essential

Almost forgot. Go to as many pubs as possible.

The Model village at Bourton on the Water might appeal to the kids- it is to scale.