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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Van Saun County Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved county park featuring a zoo, expansive playground, carousel, train, and scenic walking trails.
"Fabulous park with loads of activities for kids, train, zoo, playground, carousel, and spray park!"

🎟️ 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Walden Pond Wildlife
Van Saun County Park
A peaceful spot for nature lovers, especially during migration seasons, offering opportunities to observe diverse birdlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Park & Zoo Condition
Weekend Crowds & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
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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.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the trails and the zoo.
Any recs for a kid friendly park with picnic tables anywhere in this area?
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.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Leashed dogs are welcome in many parts of the park, making it a great outing for pet owners.
Quiet Parks for Reading
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.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you plan to explore the trails and the zoo.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of picnic areas are available, making it a great way to save money and enjoy the park's scenery.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Areas
Leashed dogs are welcome in many parts of the park, making it a great outing for pet owners.
🚗 Weekday Visits Recommended
If possible, visit on a weekday to avoid the larger weekend crowds and ensure easier parking.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The park itself is free to enter. However, there are separate admission fees for attractions like the zoo, carousel, and train.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
It's worth inquiring at the ticket booths if any package deals or combination tickets are available for multiple attractions, which could offer savings.
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.
The large playground at Van Saun County Park is generally free to use, making it a great option for families looking for free entertainment.
🎫 🧭 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.
Yes, the park offers pleasant walking paths, especially around Walden Pond, which is a favorite for year-round strolls and wildlife observation.
Absolutely! Van Saun County Park has numerous picnic tables and open grassy areas perfect for a family picnic.
The park is very family-friendly, with a fantastic playground, a zoo with animals suitable for young viewers, and a carousel and train ride.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, the park's natural beauty, playground, and attractions like the carousel make it a great backdrop for family photos.
Drone usage is typically restricted in county parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. Check park regulations for specifics.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer look.
Capturing the joy on children's faces on the carousel or train, or a candid moment during a picnic, can make for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
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.
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Bergen County Zoo
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.
Family Fun: Playground, Carousel & Train
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.
Nature and Relaxation: Trails and Walden Pond
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.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit