Van Saun Park and The Bergen County Zoo
Just a portion of the large playground at Van Saun Park, Paramus, New Jersey
Van Saun Park and The Bergen County Zoo hold a lot of nostalgia for me. I have been visiting since I was a baby and today I love bringing my boys there to experience that childhood joy through their eyes.
Van Saun Park is a county park located in Paramus, New Jersey. Just a few miles from the unofficial shopping capital of New Jersey is this oasis, preserved and maintained by the Bergen County Parks Department. The park is surrounded by a residential neighborhood and provides a sanctuary from one of the most densely populated areas of the state.
Vanu Saun Park is free to enter. Our most recent visit was during the winter months when admission to The Bergen County Zoo is free. This year, the zoo is free from November 24, 2023 through April 1, 2024. After April 1st the admission fees are very modest: $8 for adults, $5 for kids (3-14), $2 for seniors/disabled, members of the US Military are free, as are children 3 and under. Bergen County residents get an additional discount. For full details, check out the county website here. When available, the train, carousel, pony rides, and budgie exhibit are an additional fee and can be paid with cash or card.
As you enter the park, you will pass several open fields and picnic areas. Toward the back of the park is the large playground, complete with a splash pad and carousel (seasonal), as well as the highlight of the park, The Bergen County Zoo. The park is over an hour from our home so our first stop is usually the playground to run off some energy. There is plenty of seating throughout the playground, as well as several picnic tables, many with charcoal grills, located nearby. Even in colder weather, it is not unusual to see one or more families enjoying a picnic lunch in the park. There are bathrooms located nearby as well. In the warmer months, there are pony rides and a carousel located next to the playground. They have a small splash pad to cool down during the summer months. Due to the size and variety of equipment, this is an ideal playground for children of all ages and abilities.
Across the parking lot from the playground is The Bergen County Zoo. The zoo is flat, and although it’s relatively small, they pack a lot into the area. I find it to be a great value and the perfect park for toddlers to explore without the need for a stroller. Even in the off-season, we saw a variety of farm animals, several primates that are kept indoors but have large exterior viewing windows, some reptiles, big cats, bison, and of course, the prairie dogs, which I always get such a kick out of.
During the winter months services are limited, so I recommend packing snacks and drinks. Restrooms are available year-round. There is a small gift shop open from April through October. They will open on nicer days in the off-season, but there is no advance notice of this, so I would not depend on it if you are visiting from November through March.
Looking for more free fun in New Jersey? The Cape May Zoo is located in southern New Jersey and is free year-round. Find out more in our blog post!
