Van Saun Park Train & Carousel - Image 1
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Van Saun Park Train and Carousel

4.4
·31 reviews·Paramus, United States

A beloved park featuring affordable carousel and train rides, a large playground, and picnic areas, perfect for family fun.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Van Saun Park Train & Carousel - Image 1

Van Saun Park Train and Carousel

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved park featuring affordable carousel and train rides, a large playground, and picnic areas, perfect for family fun.

4.4
(31 reviews)

"Great place for kids, with affordable rides and a nice big playground. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before 4:30 PM

Carousel & train rides often close early. Don't miss out! :clock1:

💰 Ride Tickets Value

Affordable rides ($2 carousel/train, $3 pony). Adults may pay even if not riding. :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Beloved Carousel

The Beloved Carousel

Van Saun Park

A classic carousel with a variety of animals, a guaranteed hit for young children. Rides are affordable.

Reddit
Scenic Park Train

Scenic Park Train

Van Saun Park

Enjoy a charming train ride through the park, offering a different perspective of the surroundings.

Reddit
Spacious Playground

Spacious Playground

Van Saun Park

A large and engaging playground that keeps kids entertained for hours.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Clock: Ride Times

The carousel and train rides often close by 4:30 PM, even in summer. Plan your visit to ensure you don't miss out on these popular attractions, as many visitors report seeing disappointed families turned away. Reddit

Staff & Ticketing Savvy

While the park offers great value, some reviews mention unfriendly ticket booth staff. Be prepared for potentially curt interactions and understand that adults accompanying young children may still need to pay for rides. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons (before 4:30 PM)
Why
Last chance for rides
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

🎯 Arrive Before 4:30 PM

Carousel & train rides often close early. Don't miss out! Reddit :clock1:

💰 Ride Tickets Value

Affordable rides ($2 carousel/train, $3 pony). Adults may pay even if not riding. Reddit :moneybag:

reddit.com

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

reddit.com

Where should I go meet Santa?

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Plenty of picnic tables available for a family meal. Reddit :sandwich:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and playground. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Family membership

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before 4:30 PM

Carousel & train rides often close early. Don't miss out! Reddit :clock1:

💰 Ride Tickets Value

Affordable rides ($2 carousel/train, $3 pony). Adults may pay even if not riding. Reddit :moneybag:

🧺 Picnic Paradise

Plenty of picnic tables available for a family meal. Reddit :sandwich:

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and playground. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(31 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Van Saun Park offers a delightful experience for families, particularly with its affordable carousel and train rides, and a large playground. While the park is generally well-loved for its value and kid-friendly attractions, some visitors have noted issues with early ride closing times and occasional unfriendliness from ticket staff. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains a popular spot for a fun-filled day out. Reddit

"My daughter’s favorite ride. She rode almost all the animals many times. Timing of this ride is little early, they close by 4:30. I definitely feel it should be extended more into the evening hours atleast during the summer holidays. Seen many sad kids/parents turn back as they close this early."

Hari Ragothaman

"Staff is HORRIBLE! I was alone with my daughters and they asked to ride different animals one being behind the other. I was told they couldn’t being they each had to have an adult by them I was ALONE! That being said there was five staff members no one I had the audacity to say I’ll ride with one of them. Yet again they didn’t mind having a bunch of me riding for free! HORRIBLE NEVER COMING BACK"

E !

"I took my daughter w special needs she loved it Reading some comments are corrrect people in ticket booth are not friendly could care less if u make the rides or zoo"

Billy Bob

What People Like

Affordable rides
Great playground
Picnic-friendly

What People Dislike

Early ride closures
Staff attitude

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Van Saun Park is located in Paramus, New Jersey. It's accessible by car via major highways like Route 17 and I-80. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the park. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available within the park. However, during peak times or special events, parking lots can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! Van Saun Park is a great spot for picnics. There are numerous picnic tables available throughout the park, making it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors. Reddit

The park has paved paths and is generally stroller-friendly, especially around the main attractions like the zoo, carousel, and playground. Reddit

While specific attraction hours vary, the park itself is generally open from dawn until dusk. However, the carousel and train rides have earlier closing times, typically around 4:30 PM. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The carousel and train rides are very affordable, typically costing around $2 per ride. Pony rides are usually $3. Reddit

Yes, adults may need to pay for a ride ticket even if they are accompanying young children who require supervision. Some visitors find this unwarranted if the adult isn't actively riding. Reddit

Tickets for the carousel and train rides are typically purchased on-site at the respective booths. There's no indication of advance ticket sales for these individual rides. Reddit

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the low price point of the rides makes them accessible for most families. Keep an eye out for any seasonal promotions. Reddit

Entry to Van Saun Park itself is generally free. The costs are associated with specific attractions like the carousel, train, and pony rides. Reddit

🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience

The park features a popular carousel, a scenic train ride, a large playground, a small zoo, and a splash pad (seasonal). Reddit

Yes, Van Saun Park is home to the Bergen County Zoo, which is a significant draw for families visiting the park. Reddit

These rides typically operate from park opening until around 4:30 PM. It's crucial to check the exact closing times on the day of your visit, as they can vary. Reddit

Yes, there is a small splash pad that is open during the summer months, providing a fun way for kids to cool off. Reddit

Reviews suggest that while bathrooms are available, they could benefit from better maintenance and updates. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there might be some snack vendors, the park is best known for its picnic-friendly atmosphere. Bringing your own food and utilizing the picnic tables is highly recommended. Reddit

Yes, birthday parties can be hosted at Van Saun Park, often involving pavilion rentals. However, be aware that costs can add up, especially when factoring in ride tickets for guests. Reddit

Information on specific food vendors is limited, but typically park concessions offer standard fare like hot dogs, snacks, and drinks. Reddit

While pavilions offer a dedicated space, some reviews indicate that the overall cost for a party, including pavilion rental and rides, can be expensive. Reddit

Unfortunately, if it rains during a reserved party, you may still be charged the full price, which is a significant drawback for some visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the joy on kids' faces on the carousel, the scenic views from the train, and the vibrant playground. The zoo also offers animal photography opportunities. Reddit

Yes, with its various attractions and green spaces, Van Saun Park provides a lively and colorful backdrop for family photos. Reddit

Absolutely! The Bergen County Zoo within Van Saun Park is a great place to photograph a variety of animals. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits. Reddit

Morning light is often ideal for softer, more flattering photos. However, the vibrant colors of the rides can also look great in the afternoon sun. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

Van Saun Park is a fantastic destination for families with young children, primarily due to its affordable rides and excellent playground. The carousel and train rides are huge hits, offering simple, classic fun. Just remember to aim for an earlier visit, as these rides often close by 4:30 PM. Reddit The spacious playground is another major draw, providing plenty of room for kids to burn off energy. During summer, the splash pad is a welcome addition for cooling down. Reddit

Consider packing a picnic to take advantage of the numerous picnic tables available throughout the park. This can help manage costs and ensure you have a comfortable spot to refuel. While the park is generally welcoming, be aware that some visitors have noted less-than-friendly staff at the ticket booths and that adults may need to pay for rides even when just supervising. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

For travelers looking for affordable family fun, Van Saun Park is a great choice. Park entry is free, and the main attractions, the carousel and train rides, are very reasonably priced at around $2 each. Reddit Bringing your own picnic lunch is highly recommended, as it significantly cuts down on expenses compared to buying food at concessions. The park offers ample picnic tables and open spaces perfect for a budget-friendly meal. Reddit

While the rides are cheap, be mindful of the potential need for adults to purchase tickets even when not riding. Also, consider the overall cost if planning a birthday party, as pavilion rentals and ride tickets for guests can add up quickly. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Rides: Carousel & Train

The carousel and train rides are the stars of the show for many young visitors at Van Saun Park. These classic attractions offer affordable fun, with tickets typically priced at $2 per ride. Reddit However, a crucial piece of advice from visitors is to be mindful of the operating hours. Many reviewers note that these rides often close as early as 4:30 PM, even during peak summer months. This early closure can lead to disappointment for families arriving later in the day. Reddit It's also worth noting that while the rides are inexpensive, some visitors have pointed out that adults accompanying children may still be required to purchase a ticket, even if they aren't riding themselves. Reddit

Despite these minor operational quirks, the sheer joy these rides bring to children is undeniable. The carousel features a variety of colorful animals, and the train offers a gentle tour around a portion of the park. For parents, the affordability makes it a guilt-free treat. Planning your visit to ensure you catch these rides before they close is key to a successful and happy outing. Reddit

Park Amenities & Family Focus

Van Saun Park is designed with families in mind, offering a range of amenities to enhance the visitor experience. Beyond the popular carousel and train, the park boasts a large and engaging playground that provides ample space for children to run, climb, and play. Reddit During warmer months, a splash pad offers a refreshing way for kids to cool off. For those looking to extend their visit or enjoy a meal, numerous picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic. Reddit

While the park's natural beauty and play areas are a significant draw, some aspects could use improvement. Reviews occasionally mention that the bathrooms are functional but could benefit from better maintenance and modernization. Reddit For families considering hosting a special event, birthday parties are an option, but it's important to weigh the costs. Renting a pavilion and paying for rides for guests can become quite expensive, and some visitors have expressed dissatisfaction with the policy of still charging full price for parties even if rain disrupts the event. Reddit Nevertheless, for a casual day out, the park's free entry and affordable attractions make it a beloved local destination. Reddit

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