
Van Saun Park Train and Carousel
A beloved park featuring affordable carousel and train rides, a large playground, and picnic areas, perfect for family fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Van Saun Park Train and Carousel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved park featuring affordable carousel and train rides, a large playground, and picnic areas, perfect for family fun.
"Great place for kids, with affordable rides and a nice big playground. "

🎯 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:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Beloved Carousel
Van Saun Park
A classic carousel with a variety of animals, a guaranteed hit for young children. Rides are affordable.

Scenic Park Train
Van Saun Park
Enjoy a charming train ride through the park, offering a different perspective of the surroundings.

Spacious Playground
Van Saun Park
A large and engaging playground that keeps kids entertained for hours.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Clock: Ride Times
Staff & Ticketing Savvy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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! :clock1:
💰 Ride Tickets Value
Affordable rides ($2 carousel/train, $3 pony). Adults may pay even if not riding. :moneybag:
Any recs for a kid friendly park with picnic tables anywhere in this area?
Where should I go meet Santa?
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of picnic tables available for a family meal. :sandwich:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and playground. :athletic_shoe:
Family membership
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 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:
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Plenty of picnic tables available for a family meal. :sandwich:
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the park and playground. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
The park has paved paths and is generally stroller-friendly, especially around the main attractions like the zoo, carousel, and playground.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The carousel and train rides are very affordable, typically costing around $2 per ride. Pony rides are usually $3.
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.
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.
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.
Entry to Van Saun Park itself is generally free. The costs are associated with specific attractions like the carousel, train, and pony rides.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The park features a popular carousel, a scenic train ride, a large playground, a small zoo, and a splash pad (seasonal).
Yes, Van Saun Park is home to the Bergen County Zoo, which is a significant draw for families visiting the park.
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.
Yes, there is a small splash pad that is open during the summer months, providing a fun way for kids to cool off.
Reviews suggest that while bathrooms are available, they could benefit from better maintenance and updates.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Information on specific food vendors is limited, but typically park concessions offer standard fare like hot dogs, snacks, and drinks.
While pavilions offer a dedicated space, some reviews indicate that the overall cost for a party, including pavilion rental and rides, can be expensive.
Unfortunately, if it rains during a reserved party, you may still be charged the full price, which is a significant drawback for some visitors.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, with its various attractions and green spaces, Van Saun Park provides a lively and colorful backdrop for family photos.
Absolutely! The Bergen County Zoo within Van Saun Park is a great place to photograph a variety of animals.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
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.
💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Rides: Carousel & Train
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.
Park Amenities & Family Focus
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. 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. Nevertheless, for a casual day out, the park's free entry and affordable attractions make it a beloved local destination.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit