The Washington Spring
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Van Saun County Park

4.7
·5k reviews·Paramus, United States

A beloved county park featuring a zoo, expansive playground, carousel, train, and scenic walking trails.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
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The Washington Spring

Van Saun County Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, easier parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved county park featuring a zoo, expansive playground, carousel, train, and scenic walking trails.

4.7
(5k reviews)

"Fabulous park with loads of activities for kids, train, zoo, playground, carousel, and spray park!"

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🎟️ Buy Activity Tickets

Tickets for the train, carousel, and zoo are reasonably priced, offering good value for a day of family fun.

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the trails and the zoo.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bergen County Zoo

Bergen County Zoo

Within Van Saun County Park

A charming zoo with a manageable collection, perfect for young children to explore and learn about various animals.

Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground

Van Saun County Park

A vast playground catering to all ages, offering ample space for kids to run, climb, and play for hours.

Carousel & Train Ride

Carousel & Train Ride

Van Saun County Park

Classic amusement park fun with a delightful carousel and a scenic train ride that circles the zoo.

Walden Pond Wildlife

Walden Pond Wildlife

Van Saun County Park

A peaceful spot for nature lovers, especially during migration seasons, offering opportunities to observe diverse birdlife.

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Planning Your Visit

Park & Zoo Condition

Recent visitor feedback suggests some areas may be experiencing overgrowth, impacting the park's aesthetic. While some find the zoo well-maintained, others note a less-than-ideal upkeep. It's wise to manage expectations regarding current conditions.

Weekend Crowds & Parking

Van Saun County Park is a popular spot, especially on weekends. While free parking is abundant, it can fill up quickly. Consider visiting on a weekday if you prefer a more relaxed experience and easier parking.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Spring & Fall afternoons
Why
Pleasant weather for exploring
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temperatures, less busy
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Bergen County Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park in Paramus is back for 2025 2026

🎟️ Buy Activity Tickets

Tickets for the train, carousel, and zoo are reasonably priced, offering good value for a day of family fun. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the trails and the zoo. Reddit

reddit.com

Any recs for a kid friendly park with picnic tables anywhere in this area?

reddit.com

What happened to Van Saun Park // Bergen County Zoo?

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Plenty of picnic areas are available, making it a great way to save money and enjoy the park's scenery. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas

Leashed dogs are welcome in many parts of the park, making it a great outing for pet owners. Reddit

reddit.com

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Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Activity Tickets

Tickets for the train, carousel, and zoo are reasonably priced, offering good value for a day of family fun. Reddit

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the trails and the zoo. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Plenty of picnic areas are available, making it a great way to save money and enjoy the park's scenery. Reddit

🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas

Leashed dogs are welcome in many parts of the park, making it a great outing for pet owners. Reddit

🚗 Weekday Visits Recommended

If possible, visit on a weekday to avoid the larger weekend crowds and ensure easier parking. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Van Saun County Park is widely praised as a fantastic family destination, offering a variety of attractions like a zoo, playground, carousel, and train. Visitors appreciate the ample free parking and the pleasant walking trails around Walden Pond. While some recent comments mention overgrowth in certain areas, the core attractions remain a hit for creating memorable family outings.

"Beautiful park with lots of areas to relax, unwind, or have a picnic with family or children. It also has a zoo and a train for kids and adults. Highly recommended!"

Regla Fraga

"A friend and I took your young children (ages 3 and 2) here for an afternoon. It was really nice, lots of parking, a giant playground with areas for all ages. The carousel was cute and not expensive. There is also a little train that goes around the little Zoo. The zoo was well taken care of and bigger than we expected"

Kat

"Fabulous park with loads of activities for kids. Train, zoo, playground, carousel, spray park. Wish it didn’t cost money but on balance tickets to every feature cost less than an amusement park and it’s all local. Zoo has limited animal collection but that’s fine for small children."

Ellie Levi

What People Like

Great for families
Large playground
Affordable attractions

What People Dislike

Occasional overgrowth

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Van Saun County Park is accessible by car via major roadways. Public transportation options may be limited, so driving is often the most convenient method. Free parking is available, though it can fill up on busy days. Reddit

Yes, there is ample free parking available throughout the park. However, on weekends and holidays, parking lots can become full, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at the park. It's advisable to check availability for pick-up, especially during peak hours. Reddit

The park itself is free to enter. However, there are separate admission fees for attractions like the zoo, carousel, and train. Reddit

The park has multiple entrances, with the main access points typically leading to the zoo and playground areas. Navigating with a GPS is usually straightforward. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission to the Bergen County Zoo is typically very affordable, with tickets for children and adults being reasonably priced. Check the official website for current pricing. Reddit

While some attractions might offer online booking, it's often easiest to purchase tickets for the carousel and train directly at the park on the day of your visit. Reddit

It's worth inquiring at the ticket booths if any package deals or combination tickets are available for multiple attractions, which could offer savings. Reddit

Operating hours for the zoo, carousel, and train can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Van Saun County Park or Bergen County Zoo website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Reddit

The large playground at Van Saun County Park is generally free to use, making it a great option for families looking for free entertainment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the Bergen County Zoo, a large playground, a carousel, a miniature train ride, and walking trails around Walden Pond. It's a great spot for picnics and family outings. Reddit

Yes, the park offers pleasant walking paths, especially around Walden Pond, which is a favorite for year-round strolls and wildlife observation. Reddit

Absolutely! Van Saun County Park has numerous picnic tables and open grassy areas perfect for a family picnic. Reddit

The park is very family-friendly, with a fantastic playground, a zoo with animals suitable for young viewers, and a carousel and train ride. Reddit

The zoo features a variety of animals, including farm animals, primates, birds of prey, and reptiles. While the collection is not extensive, it's well-maintained and engaging for children. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There may be limited concession stands selling snacks and drinks, especially near the zoo and carousel. However, options can be seasonal and may not be extensive. Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is highly encouraged and a popular activity at Van Saun County Park, with many designated picnic areas. Reddit

The park is located in a suburban area with various restaurants and eateries in nearby towns like Paramus and River Edge, offering diverse dining choices. Reddit

Typically, alcohol is not permitted in county parks to ensure a family-friendly environment. It's best to check the park's official rules and regulations. Reddit

Concessions often offer typical park fare like hot dogs, pretzels, ice cream, and beverages. It's advisable to bring your own snacks if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The zoo offers opportunities for animal portraits, the carousel provides colorful shots, and the walking paths around Walden Pond are scenic, especially with wildlife. Reddit

Yes, the park's natural beauty, playground, and attractions like the carousel make it a great backdrop for family photos. Reddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in county parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Check park regulations for specifics. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer look. Reddit

Capturing the joy on children's faces on the carousel or train, or a candid moment during a picnic, can make for memorable photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Van Saun County Park is a paradise for families! The massive playground is a huge draw, with sections for various ages, ensuring everyone has fun. Don't miss the Bergen County Zoo, which is perfectly sized for little ones, and the carousel and train ride offer classic amusement park thrills that kids adore. Reddit

Packing a picnic is a great idea, as there are plenty of spots to enjoy a meal outdoors. The park is also dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join the fun too. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid the biggest crowds and make the most of the attractions. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers

For those who enjoy a leisurely stroll or a bit of birdwatching, Van Saun County Park offers lovely walking trails, particularly around Walden Pond. The park is described as a favorite walking spot year-round, with many birds visiting the pond. Reddit

The well-maintained paths provide a pleasant environment for exercise and enjoying the natural scenery. It's a peaceful retreat where you can observe wildlife and enjoy the changing seasons, making it a great option for a relaxing outing away from the more active zones of the park. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Bergen County Zoo

The Bergen County Zoo within Van Saun County Park is a beloved local attraction, particularly for families with young children. While it may not boast the vastness of larger metropolitan zoos, it offers a charming and manageable experience. Visitors can expect to see a variety of animals, including primates, birds of prey, farm animals, and reptiles. The zoo is noted for being well-maintained, providing an enjoyable environment for little ones to learn about different species. Reddit

Recent feedback has varied regarding the overall condition of the park, with some noting overgrowth in certain areas. However, the zoo itself is often cited as being in good shape and a highlight for many visitors. The accessible layout makes it easy to navigate with strollers, and the animal enclosures are designed to give good viewing opportunities. It's a perfect spot for a few hours of animal encounters without overwhelming young children. Reddit

Family Fun: Playground, Carousel & Train

Van Saun County Park truly shines as a destination for family fun, with its array of attractions designed to delight visitors of all ages. The Adventure Playground is a standout feature, described as giant and offering distinct areas suitable for different age groups, ensuring that toddlers and older children alike have a safe and engaging space to play. Reddit

Complementing the playground are the classic amusement park staples: a carousel and a miniature train. The carousel is noted as being cute and not expensive, offering a nostalgic ride. The train provides a scenic loop around the zoo, giving a different perspective of the park and its inhabitants. These attractions, combined with the playground, make Van Saun County Park a go-to spot for a day filled with laughter and memorable experiences. Reddit

Nature and Relaxation: Trails and Walden Pond

Beyond the active attractions, Van Saun County Park offers serene spaces for relaxation and nature appreciation. The park features walking trails that meander through its grounds, providing a peaceful escape. A particular favorite among visitors is the area around Walden Pond, which is praised for its beauty and as a habitat for diverse wildlife, especially birds. Reddit

Many reviewers highlight the park's maintenance as excellent, making it a pleasant place for a stroll or a picnic. Observing the range of wildlife, particularly the many birds that frequent Walden Pond throughout the year, adds a unique dimension to the park experience. It's an ideal spot for those looking to unwind, enjoy a quiet walk, or simply sit and appreciate the natural surroundings. Reddit

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