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!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 5,436 reviews

Type

Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

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

# A lot of people are starting to ask about this popular Bergen County event, so just putting it out there! Bergen County Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park in Paramus is officially coming back for the 2025 2026 season. [Fun for every member of the family at the 2025-26 Bergen…

🎟️ 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?

Coming from Hudson Valley meeting friends from Long Island. Looking for decent playground, bike path and picnic tables. Thanks!

reddit.com

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

When I was a kid, the park and zoo were well-kept and great to visit. I just went the other day and… wow. What happened to it? Overgrowth around the pond, overgrowth everywhere, and the zoo is not much better either. It’s like there’s nobody taking care of the area anymore. Was…

🧺 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

Quiet Parks for Reading

Does anyone have recommendations for quiet, clean parks for reading outside? Dog friendly is ideal. Thanks!!

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

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Van Saun County Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide