Enjoy an unforgettable family vacation in one of California’s most underrated gems
Fremont is a city set in the Bay Region along the Northern California coastline. It is known for its proximity to the iconic Silicon Valley, as well as its vast number of spectacular tourist attractions, laid-back atmosphere, and museums. At one point in history, Fremont was the movie capital of the United States, long before the world-famous movie empire of Hollywood was born. When you’re in Fremont, you can visit one of the oldest movie theaters in the world!
If you’ll be visiting Fremont with your family, you’ll have a wide range of activities and attractions to choose from. The city is known for its many different parks and recreation areas for all the nature lovers out there. Spend the day outdoors, soaking up the fresh air and sunshine as you explore the sprawling and green Coyote Hills Regional Park. Or, enjoy water activities at the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area. See wildlife and wild coastal scenery at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Afterwards, head over to do some shopping and dining at the Pacific Commons Shopping Center. The city is known for its many excellent and top-rated restaurants, where you can get a true taste of Northern California’s culinary delights.
These are just a mere few ideas for things to do in Fremont among the many different attractions and activities offered here. Keep reading to discover our top 3 picks for things to do in Fremont, CA for families.
Spend the day outdoors soaking up the beautiful Northern California sunshine
For families who are wondering what to do in Fremont, look no further! If the weather is sunny and warm, don’t miss out on the opportunity to spend the day at one of the most family-friendly recreational parks in Northern California: Central Park. The enormous park boasts one of the most incredible playgrounds in the state, making it perfect for children to run, play, and let off their extra steam. It is conveniently located in the heart of Fremont, making it accessible for anyone visiting the city.
There is an endless offering of activities and outdoor attractions here. Go for a walk around the park’s Lake Elizabeth along the paved 2-mile trail loop. The 83-acre man-made lake is filled with different local species of birds, such as pelicans, herons, geese, and ducks. Bring some cracked corn or peas to feed the ducks– an activity children will love to do! You can also rent paddle boats or kayaks and go for a relaxing paddle around the lake. This is a fun idea for families of all ages to enjoy together because even young children can share a boat or kayak with a parent or older sibling.
The best way to experience Central Park is to spend at least a full afternoon here to enjoy all the park has to offer. Bring a picnic basket filled with lunch items, snacks, and drinks, and a blanket to enjoy a relaxing picnic in a shady, grassy area. Afterwards, walk it off with a hike on the park’s main hiking trail. Kids will have a blast playing for hours on end at the park’s main playground area. You can even go fishing, golfing, or play tennis here too.
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Fremont with children, be sure to mark a visit to Central Park on your list of things to do!
Visit the Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum
Just a short drive away from Fremont is the vintage and historic town of Niles. Brimming with character, the town is filled with historic points of interest, including antique stores, a railway museum, an English tearoom, and other vintage attractions. Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum is set in the former Edison Theater and was constructed in 1913. The space also served as a dance hall starting in 1914. If you’re a fan of films and the history of movie production, a visit to this organized and intriguing museum is a must! It is a great activity to do with children, as they can see a glimpse of how much films and movies have evolved throughout the ages. Children will be especially surprised to learn about how the movie industry started out with completely silent movies, which they can thoroughly explore at the museum.
Spend a refreshing afternoon watching old, silent films with your family at this museum. Films are shown weekly, every Saturday evening and sometimes on Sunday afternoon. Live music accompanies the films. You can also browse the small museum filled with film era memorabilia, from the times when Charlie Chaplin and Bronco Billy Anderson ruled the spotlight. Films are shown using original projectors, and the entire experience is wonderfully nostalgic and are entirely different from modern movie theaters.
After you’ve thoroughly discovered all the gems of this nostalgic Bygone Era in the museum and screening rooms, be sure to stop by the gift shop, which is an attraction all on its own. Browse the historic memorabilia and excellent historic book selection. Find a fun souvenir to bring back home with you to keep the memory of your visit to this unique museum alive forever.
If you’re looking for things to do in Fremont, look no further. A visit to the iconic Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum in Niles is a must-visit for any film buff or history lover.
Enjoy the perfect summer family day at Northern California’s Largest Waterpark
Want to spend a summer day cooling off from the sun in a fun setting with your family? Raging Waters San Jose offers the ultimate place for families of all ages to enjoy a fun and refreshing day.
Founded in 1985, Raging Waters San Jose is the largest waterpark in Northern California, with stunning panoramic views of Lake Cunningham and the San Jose foothills. The enormous waterpark spans over 23-acres and is home to an array of water slides, rides, and attractions for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Whether you want to spend a relaxing day working on your tan by the pool, or you hope to blast down all our most thrilling water slides, Raging Waters San Jose has all that and more. There’s truly a water attraction for everyone here! Young children can play and splash around in the kiddie areas like Little Dipper with junior slides and a mini waterfall. Or head over to Wacky Water Works, which is a play area for little children with jungle-gym features, sprinklers, and mini slides.
Family members can gather together in the Activity Pool, which has interactive water features like waterfalls, slides, and obstacle course features. Pirates Cove is another family-friendly play area with a water playground and pirate-themed play areas. Go for a relaxing family float in a tube down the Endless River, or body surf in the 350,000-gallon Wave Pool, which mimics real tidal movements and wave patterns.
For the adrenaline junkies out there, don’t waste any time when you arrive to Raging Waters San Jose, and head straight over to the thrilling slides and water rides throughout the park. Some slides offer the perfect small thrill for young children, while others are more suited for older children and adults. Test your bravery by sliding down the electrifying White Lightning Slide, or enter a mysterious abyss of the Dragon’s Den. Twist and turn your way down all three of the Serpentine Slides, or free fall down Shotgun Falls. For the best experience, be sure to try them all during your day at the water park!
Want to relax in true California style during your visit? Check out our private cabanas, where you can enjoy your own private shaded space anytime you need a break from all the water park action. There are a variety of different types of cabanas available in different areas throughout the park, but typically, all cabanas include tables, chairs, a shaded area, and sometimes even food service! Browse the different cabana options to find the best one for your visit.
Between all the fun and action, you’ll be sure to work up an appetite during your visit. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many family-friendly dining and snack areas throughout the water park. Enjoy a slice of pizza at Pacific Pizza or an all-beef hot dog from Wacky Wieners Hot Dog Stand. Cool off with a refreshing cup of Dippin’ Dots, or an ICEE. Even picky eaters will find something to love here.
What are you waiting for? A fun summer adventure with the whole family awaits at Raging Waters San Jose! It’s one of the most fun things to do in Fremont with kids. Browse the ticket and season pass options to find the best one for your visit. Opt for single day pass tickets, or season passes which pay for themselves in just a few visits and come with tons of perks. We can’t wait to see you here!