Pack a picnic at Fremont's Lake Elizabeth

Fremont is more than just a station on the BART line, or the place where Cyberdyne Systems was blown up in “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”.

The quiet community boasts plenty of family-friendly activities, with many of them near BART.

Lake Elizabeth is Fremont’s most popular park filled with walkers, joggers, roller bladers and cyclists. A two-mile paved path loops around the man-made lake (named after its sister city in Elizabeth, Australia).

The park also offers grassy areas with picnic tables and grills, with ample room to throw around the Frisbee.

Children will love playing on the playground, wading in a small creek or watching the birds on “Duck Island.”

In addition, the park offers a small snack shop, a dog park and paddle boat rentals.

After you have worked up an appetite playing in the park, stop by Frodo Joe's Petit Cafe (39286 Paseo Padre Parkway).

Or better yet, stop by the cafe first and pack a picnic to take to Lake Elizabeth. Frodo Joe's is known for its crepes, coffee and sandwiches.  Some of the favorites include a classic BLT sandwich, the savory Santa Cruz crepe, and the sweet Strawberry & Banana crepe. 

Tip: During the warm summer months (May through September), an adventurous family can cool off at the Aqua Adventure Waterpark. Families can rent inner tubes to float on for the day, meander down a lazy river or ride any of the four water slides. For children who are not strong swimmers, the park offers life jackets for use in the pool.

Caution: Suitable for the hardy family who can walk a mile.