14 of the Best Things To Do In Fremont, CA With Kids

While Fremont, California, is not as world-famous as other cities in the Bay Area like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, it is still a great place to live and travel to. Fremont is a diverse city, and it is also a great spot to take the family on a vacation.

But what are the best things to do in Fremont, California, with kids, and what options are available to families? In this list, we will look at some of the best places to visit in Fremont when you have the kids in tow. 

Best Kid-Friendly Activities in Fremont, CA

There is no shortage of activities to participate in throughout Fremont, so let’s look at some now.

1. Central Park

While not as famous as the park with the same name in New York, Fremont’s Central Park is the perfect place to bring the whole family for a day of fun. Central Park is massive, clocking in at over 450 acres in area, and with a gigantic 80-acre lake located within its borders. The park has a walkway measuring two miles that will take you around the lake.

Aside from the lake, visitors have a bevy of options for activities at the park. There are picnic areas around the grounds, playgrounds for young children to play on, a tennis court for the parents, and a skate park for the teens. If your family enjoys the outdoors, they will love a trip to Central Park.

2. Children’s Natural History Museum

For an educational trip that won’t skimp on the entertainment, try out the Children’s Natural History Museum. The museum is packed full of artifacts and activities that will inspire children’s interest in ancient history. On display are fossils that map out the history of California from ancient times.

The museum also has daily activities to keep children entertained, such as making a sabertooth tiger or mammoth headband. If you plan on heading to the Children’s Natural History Museum, make sure they are open that day, as they have limited hours. 

3. Kidtopia

Few things were as memorable in childhood as jumping into a big ball pit and getting lost in the sea of spheres. If you have children who love soft play centers, Fremont’s premiere destination is Kidtopia. The business carries with it a massive ball pit for children to enjoy while adults can take a load off and relax. The price of admission is $16 for children and $5 for adults.

Aside from the ball pit, Kidtopia has more activities for children to enjoy. There are areas where youngsters can use their imagination, such as a crafted ice cream truck or salon. Kids can pretend to live out their fantasies as the owners of an ice cream truck. There is also a large play zone full of tunnels and climbing. It is sure to entertain, and it gives your kids a workout.

4. Coyote Hills Regional Park

For families hoping to get outside and do some walking or hiking, we have Coyote Hills, Regional Park. This gargantuan 1,266 park is perfect for the whole family if they would like to go biking or hiking along its numerous trails. There are several beautiful views across its lakes and marshland. It can get cold along the water, so we recommend you dress in layers when heading to Coyote Hills.

Parking is $5 per car, and any dogs will be charged an admission fee of $2. All service dogs may enter for free. 

Families may enjoy making a pit stop at the nectar garden near the visitor’s center. The garden is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will have a chance to see birds and butterflies in the garden.

5. Ardenwood Historic Farm

Who hasn’t dreamed of working on a farm and raising their crops and animals? Well, if you would like a glimpse into what farming was like in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ardenwood Historic Farm is a premium spot to take the family. Ardenwood mixes education and entertainment, as children will both learn about the role of farming, while also having a chance to use some of the equipment.

Aside from harvesting your crops, Ardenwood also gives visitors the chance to meet with some farmyard animals. This farm is not just a museum or a time capsule—it is an actual functioning farm. That means the activities you can participate in change between seasons and years. 

6. Aqua Adventure Water Park

When we are in the dog days of summer, few things are as appealing as heading to a water park to cool off. Aqua Adventure Water Park is a dynamite fix to the problem of being too hot, and you can take the whole family there to cool off. The park is open in the summer, and while not the largest water park in the world, it has plenty of attractions for everyone.

Older children will find high-speed water slides to jet down. Those who are not as adventurous will still have options available, including a lazy river where the whole family can relax and gently float. Smaller children can also partake in the various play areas set up around the grounds. 

Fremont residents get a discount at the door, and the park offers season passes.

7. Irvington Community Park

The Irvington Community Park is a combination of a park and a community center and is the perfect afternoon getaway for families. Children who enjoy basketball will find several courts to shoot hoops, and there are two unique playgrounds. The creators envisioned each playground as being appropriate for a certain age group.

There is free parking on the site and picnic areas that are both reservable and open for drop-ins. Whether you want to take the family on a nice walk or get some serious exercise, Irvington Community Park is a superb choice. 

8. Color Me Mine

Though you can find Color Me Mine in more than just Fremont, it is still a wonderful place to take creative children for a day of fun. The business allows visitors to create their pottery with unique and creative designs. You can take the kids there to make a present for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, or just create a colorful souvenir that will always remind your children of the pleasant experience. 

Color Me Mine offers different projects for guests to tackle, such as making plates, sculptures, or mugs. The best part about taking your kids is that you can craft with them, giving the whole family a chance to partake in an activity.

9. Bun Appetit Donuts

Looking for a delectable dessert or a quick snack while heading between two fun-filled activities in Fremont? Try out Bun Appetit Donuts with their rich and sweet offerings. Children will enjoy all the fruity or chocolaty offerings, and parents can check out the more mature offerings such as avocado toast.

Aside from donuts, the bakery offers other pastries, like banana bread, cookies, and biscuits; if you need to refuel, check out Bun Appetit.

10. Pump It Up Pleasanton

While it is slightly outside of Fremont, Pump It Up Pleasanton is every child’s dream; it is a giant inflatable bounce house that can provide plenty of thrills and hours of fun. You can either reserve the entire area for a birthday party or other gathering or check it out during one of the business’ free jump times.

Pump It Up also offers packages where kids get to play for over an hour and then have a few slices of pizza or a cone of ice cream afterward.  

11. Lila Bringhurst Community Park

Lila Bringhurst Community Park is in the newly developed Innovation District of Fremont. The park is part of the Lila Bringhurst Elementary School, but it is available for the public to use during weekends or hours when school is not in session. 

At the park, visitors will find several pieces of playground equipment and lots of space for sports and activities. There are basketball courts for kids of all ages and restrooms open to the public. Keep in mind that there are no swings at the park, so anyone looking to swing will need to look elsewhere. 

12. Niles Canyon Railway

When I was a child, I loved trains; if you have a child in your life that enjoys the wonders of rail travel, the Niles Canyon Railway is the perfect place to take them for a day trip. The railway is both a museum and a place for families to take a train ride. 

These train rides are unlike taking a trip on Amtrak, as the museum operates historic equipment. In essence, it gives you a slice of historical railroad operation for both an entertaining and educational experience.

13. Niles Beach

While it may not compare to some of the more massive beaches found on California’s coast, Niles Beach is still a wonderful place to take the family for a day of fun and swimming. The lake is open for swimming while lifeguards are on duty, and patrons can bring a non-gas-powered watercraft on the water.

Aside from swimming, Niles Beach is a perfect spot for those wanting to sit on a sandy beach or enjoy a picnic at one of the many pavilions. There are paved paths around the lake, perfect for a bike ride or run, and the beach has areas for volleyball installed. 

14. Don Edwards San Francisco National Wildlife Refuge

Don Edwards San Francisco National Wildlife Refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the country. The scenery is gorgeous, and there is a variety of content for your children to enjoy. Several species of animals make their homes in the refuge, and trails are available for exploration throughout the gigantic grounds.

Parking is free at Don Edwards and is open until 5 p.m. Aside from being a fun place to visit, it is also critically important as a habitat for many endangered species.

Conclusion: 14 of the Best Things To Do in Fremont, CA With Kids

Whether your children enjoy getting out in nature and meeting animals, climbing up and around a piece of playground equipment, or just playing indoors, Fremont is full of choices. 

While it may not be California’s most famous town, it is still a wonderful place to take the family for a trip. And with so many things to do, there’s a lot to love. We hope you will enjoy tackling any of these best things to do in Fremont, CA with kids.