At a Glance
Location: 216 Forest Avenue, Paramus, NJ 07652
Size: 146 acres
Main Attractions: Bergen County Zoo, mini train, carousel, multiple playgrounds, splash pad, paved walking/biking paths
Cost: FREE park entry | Zoo: Adults $8, Seniors (62+) $5, Children 3-12 $5, Under 3 FREE | Rides: $3 each
Best For: All ages – toddlers through grandparents
Time Needed: 2-6 hours depending on activities
Peak Season: Summer weekends and fall foliage season
Parking: FREE at multiple lots throughout the park
Van Saun County Park sits at 216 Forest Avenue in Paramus, NJ, and it’s the rare destination where everyone in your family actually has fun. The park is designed like a mini family resort where you can experience animals, rides, playgrounds, and scenic paths without ever moving your car. Park entry is completely free, with the zoo costing $5-8 per person and rides priced at $3 each. The park grounds are open from dawn to dusk daily, while the Bergen County Zoo operates from 10 AM to 4:30 PM.
Why Bergen County Families Keep Coming Back
What makes Van Saun special is how effortlessly the day unfolds. Everything is close together, so you’re never far from bathrooms, benches, or shady picnic spots. The paths are completely stroller and wheelchair friendly, making it accessible for grandparents, parents with multiple kids, and families with mobility needs. You control the budget by mixing free experiences like playgrounds and paths with affordable add-ons like the zoo and rides.
Parents consistently say there’s no elaborate planning needed. You can show up with a loose idea and let the day take shape naturally. The park scales beautifully to your energy level—a quick two-hour morning works just as well as a full six-hour adventure. There are built-in magic moments that happen without forcing them: a giraffe making eye contact with your child, the proud smile when they ring the train bell, or the golden hour glow on the carousel. These are the tiny, real moments that become core family memories.
The park works in every season. Spring brings fresh paths and playful animals. Summer is all about the splash pad and shaded playground time. Fall glows with foliage and special events. Winter transforms into a sparkling wonderland with ice skating and illuminated displays. This seasonal variety is why Bergen County families return year after year, discovering something new each visit.
What You’ll Find at Van Saun
The Bergen County Zoo anchors the park experience. This is a compact, manageable zoo that’s perfect for young families who want the animal experience without the overwhelm of massive facilities. A full loop takes between 45 and 90 minutes depending on how long you linger at each habitat. The zoo features over 60 species with a focus on North and South American animals. You’ll see bison, wolves, mountain lions, river otters, bald eagles, flamingos, and alligators. There’s also a petting zoo area where kids can interact hands-on with goats, sheep, and rabbits.
The zoo’s paved paths are fully accessible with plenty of shade, making it comfortable even on warm days. It’s particularly well-suited for ages one through ten, though people of all ages enjoy the relaxed pace and intimate viewing opportunities. Admission runs $8 for adults, $5 for seniors 62 and older, $5 for children ages 3-12, and free for kids under three. The best time to visit is weekday mornings when the animals are most active and crowds are lightest.
The train and carousel are classic attractions that light up young faces. The mini train winds through wooded areas on a roughly ten-minute ride, complete with a tunnel, bridge, and opportunities for kids to ring the bell. The vintage carousel features hand-painted horses and nostalgic organ music that transports you back in time. Both rides cost $3 per person and are especially beloved by ages two through ten, though all ages enjoy them. Lines can get long on weekend afternoons, so riding early morning or late afternoon helps you avoid the wait.
Van Saun has one of Bergen County’s best playground setups. There’s a dedicated toddler zone with gentle structures and musical elements, plus a big kid area with challenging climbers and swings for all ages. The equipment includes inclusive, accessible features so children of all abilities can play together. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the free splash pad operates with ground sprays and fountains perfect for cooling off on hot days. If you’re planning to use the splash pad, bring water shoes since the pavement gets hot, plus a towel and change of clothes.
The park features over two miles of smooth, flat paved paths that are perfect for strollers, bikes, scooters, and leisurely walks. Kids love the freedom of wheeling around on scooters while grandparents can stroll comfortably behind. The paths wind through wooded areas and open lawns, with scenic bridges and connections to nearby Saddle River County Park if you want to extend your adventure.
Free picnic spots are scattered throughout the park. You’ll find shaded tables near the zoo and playgrounds, plus open lawns that are perfect for spreading out a blanket. Pavilions are available for birthday parties if you reserve ahead. Most families bring their own food, though there’s a seasonal concession stand near the train and carousel for basic snacks and drinks.
Special Events That Make Van Saun Shine
Van Saun transforms with the seasons through special ticketed events that give you reasons to visit throughout the year. In spring, the park hosts Earth Day activities and wildlife programs while baby animals make their debuts at the zoo. The weather is perfect for those first warm-weekend adventures when everything feels fresh and new.
Summer brings the full park experience with the splash pad in operation from late May through Labor Day. The train and carousel run daily during summer months, and the zoo extends its programming with educational activities. This is when the park feels most alive, with families rotating between the splash pad, playgrounds, and shaded zoo paths.
Fall introduces Zoo Boo during October evenings. This family-friendly event lets kids trick-or-treat through the zoo in costume, with animal enrichment activities and parades that are engaging but not scary. It’s perfect for little ones who might be overwhelmed by traditional Halloween events. Tickets typically run $15-20 per person and should be booked early since sessions fill up quickly.
Winter is when Van Saun becomes truly magical with two spectacular events. Winter Wonderland runs from late November through early January and transforms part of the park into a holiday celebration. There’s an ice skating rink with rentals available, ice bumper cars that are both unique and hilarious, holiday light displays throughout the area, fire pits for warming up, and hot chocolate stands. The experience requires timed session tickets that you should book in advance, especially for weekends. Tickets typically cost $15-25 per person and include skating. Weeknight sessions tend to have shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Let It Glow operates on select December and January evenings, featuring giant illuminated animal lanterns throughout the zoo. This 45-minute walk-through experience is magical for all ages, from toddlers to grandparents. The displays are stroller and wheelchair accessible, making it easy for multi-generational families to enjoy together. Tickets run around $15-20 per person, and booking in advance is essential since popular time slots sell out. Choosing a mild evening makes the experience more comfortable since you’ll be outside for the full duration.
How to Plan Your Visit
For a little kid morning that works with nap schedules, plan about two to three hours. Start at the playground while it’s still cool, do one relaxed loop through the zoo, finish with the train and carousel, then have a picnic on the lawn before heading out. This approach works beautifully for ages one through five. You can do this entire visit for free if you skip the zoo, or spend about $26 for a family of four to add the zoo experience.
A full family day takes four to five hours and works well for ages five through twelve with active families. Begin at the zoo, add a train or carousel ride, break for a picnic lunch you brought from home, let kids burn energy at the playground, take a path adventure on bikes or scooters, then finish with one more ride as a grand finale. This day costs around $40-50 for a family of four including both zoo admission and rides.
For a winter evening adventure lasting about two hours, focus entirely on the seasonal magic. Ice skate at Winter Wonderland, try the bumper cars, take photos by the light displays, and warm up with hot chocolate. Alternatively, come back on a different night specifically for Let It Glow to see the illuminated zoo. This type of visit works for all ages during the holiday season and runs about $60-80 for a family of four.
Essential Details Before You Go
The park is located at 216 Forest Avenue in Paramus, and you can reach them at (201) 262-3771. Their website at www.co.bergen.nj.us/parks-recreation has the most current information on hours and events. From the Garden State Parkway, take exit 160 or 165 to Forest Avenue. From Route 4, exit at Forest Avenue and head north.
Parking is free at multiple lots throughout the park, but arriving before 10 AM on nice weekends gives you the best selection. If you’re using public transportation, NJ Transit buses 164 and 175 stop nearby. The train and carousel operate on weekends and holidays, with daily service during summer months, all weather permitting.
For every visit, bring water and snacks since that keeps everyone happy and saves money. Pack sunscreen and hats for sun protection, and consider bringing a picnic lunch rather than relying on the small concession stand. A stroller or wagon makes life easier with little ones. If you’re visiting in summer and planning to use the splash pad, add water shoes, a towel, and a change of clothes to your bag. For winter visits, dress in layers and bring hand warmers and extra gloves since you’ll be outside longer than you think. A thermos with hot drinks is a game-changer on cold days.
The best times to visit are weekday mornings or Sunday mornings, as Saturdays tend to be the busiest. The park remains budget-friendly because the grounds and playgrounds are completely free—you only add costs for the zoo and rides if you want those experiences. Don’t let light rain deter you; the zoo is actually lovely with rain jackets and far fewer crowds. The park offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially the carousel at dusk, fall foliage along the paths, and winter light displays. If you want to extend your adventure, the park connects to Saddle River County Park’s path system for longer bike rides.
Why Van Saun Works
Van Saun County Park is where small kids feel brave, big kids feel free, and parents actually relax. It’s the park that delivers in every season with spring’s fresh paths, summer’s splash and shade, fall’s golden colors, and winter’s sparkling lights. Whether you have two hours or six, zero dollars or fifty to spend, toddlers or teenagers in tow, Van Saun creates easy and memorable family time without requiring you to overthink a single thing. That’s exactly why it’s become Bergen County’s go-to family destination. You simply show up, explore, and make memories. It really is that simple.
Last Updated: October 2025. Always verify current hours, prices, and seasonal events before visiting at www.co.bergen.nj.us/parks-recreation
