Van Saun Park

We love this park! My son is really into trains so you can imagine his excitement for the train ride :) the zoo is a nice walk, it’s a small zoo with a park like setting that you walk threw to see each animal. The playground is newly redone and really big and nice (a small kid area and 2 big kid areas) it’s like 3 playgrounds within one area. The splash pad is new and open in warmer weather, my son had a blast there this past summer on some really hot days. The carousel ride is fun and the real pony rides are in the back in a ranch type setting. Plenty to do here with the kids and all in one area and good prices as well.

Love this place !!
If you leave around here and you have kids it’s a perfect fit .
The zoo is on the light side, you will not c any bears or seals but for little kids it’s an amazing 2 – 3 hours tour .
Most times it’s free, great playground
Just a great activity for little kids.

Such a great place for kids! I grew up going to this wonderful gem and it was so rewarding to see that it’s even better than I remembered. There’s a huge playground, good bathroom facilities, a merry-​go-​round and tennis courts outside the park — and free to all. Inside the park, the kids can discover all kinds of animals in a clean, safe environment. And the train ride is a MUST. The same exact train has been in service for more than 50 years. Love this place and can’t wait to go back. Reduced admission prices for Bergen County residents too.

They have a great little zoo to visit and the zoo have a little train ride for children to ride around the zoo. The park is huge with different sections you can enjoy. A section for the children with a Merry Go Round and a small playground. Another section for picnicking with BBQ grills. Another section for walking around a lake. Or just a great place to just walk around.

Great time at this park. We have visited a lot of zoos in the northeast over the past two years in DC, NY, CT, RI and NJ. Originally planned on making a trip to Philly Zoo, but the weather was iffy. Lived in Bergen County a few years ago and my parents are still there so I came across this park/​zoo while browsing for «zoos» in NJ. I saw that it was conveniently located about 15 minutes away from my parents and not too far from Route 4, as we planned and did make a trip to Bergen Town Center for some shopping afterward. Easy access from Forest Avenue. Lovely park/​zoo, especially this time of year when the fall colors take over. We visited the zoo first, which is usually $ 8 for adults, $ 5 for children ($ 4 and $ 2 for Bergen County Residents). It was free that day!!! I think in the fall and winter months its free, which is great!!! No parking fees either. A bunch of animals to see there including horse, bobcat?, puma, owl, porcupine, elk, bison, prarie dogs and a discovery center which has a bunch of tanks with reptiles, fish and bugs. I believe you can rent out this area for parties as well. There are also other activities there that you pay per activity, such as a little train ride around the park and pony rides which are a few dollars per person, weather permitting. I think I loved the zoo portion, moreso because it was free. If we paid the general admission (8+8+4) $ 20, I would probably knock it down a star and a half.
The park now is great. Free year round it seems to be free. Lovely park with large play area for the kids. A large carousel there as well, but I believe there is a fee for that. Lots of parking available. Lots of picnic benches and trails. Simply spectacular on a fall day with the lovely colors.
Recommend both park and zoo to all.

Van Saun is a sweet little park in Bergen, NJ, just 20 minutes from NYC. We’ve visited this park a several times and wanted to go before some of it’s features close up for the winter.
We began our visit with a pony ride (1 lap $ 2 or 3 laps for $ 5). My 4 year old is still thrilled by pony rides, but this is quite a small path, so the 3 laps were completed in about 10 minutes. She didn’t mind as we had a lot more to see. Altho I imagine she’ll probably out grow this within the next year or so. The pony rides run from April through October. They are currently operated by Ironside Farms, 201−835−0932.
Next we walked over to the miniature train and rode around the perimeter of the Bergen Zoo (which is also located in Van Saun Park). The train is $ 1.50 per person and takes about 15 minutes. Along the ride we enjoyed beautiful scenic views, saw old tractors on display and were able to get a peek at some of the animals from the zoo. The train operates (weather permitting) May through October 31, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed Mondays.
After the train we decided to visit the Bergen County Zoo (right next to train depot). We visited the zoo a couple summers ago on a 100 degree day. With a tired and hot toddler in tow, it was not an enjoyable experience. But we decided to give it a try again and I’m so glad we did. This zoo feels more like you’re on a movie set than in a zoo. It’s perfectly manicured with gorgeous barns, bridges and farm animals but also has bald eagles, monkeys, bison and an ocelot. It’s a small zoo and the perfect size for young children. The zoo is open daily, 10:00 am until 4:30 pm. Adults (15 – 61) $ 4, resident $ 8, non-​resident; Child (3 – 14) $ 2, resident $ 5, non-​resident; under 3 free. They are also hosting a ZooBoo event for Halloween which looks like a lot of fun.
After the zoo we bought tickets for the Millennium Carousel, also within walking distance. This is an exquisite carousel, I had a hard time picking which animal I wanted to ride. Tickets for this are $ 1.50 per person, operates May through October 31, daily 10:00 am to 5:00, Tuesdays opens at noon.
Lastly we walked over to the brand new Harmony Playground. This is an expansive playground with many different age specific play areas, swings and a water feature open during the summer.
I can’t think of another place where you can experience so many activities for such a low price.

Went to the zoo, awesome experience for my daughter. I personally didn’t know what to expect but was surprised to see so many animals at the county zoo (horses, donkeys, monkeys, tigers, anteater, bison, birds, reptiles, prairie dogs, etc.) Train ride around the zoo is great experience for the parents and kids. Discount tickets if you are a resident of Bergen County.
FYI: Carousel is directly next door, will get on the next time.

Amazing park for kids.
Train ride, carousel, small water area and loads of play areas. This a great community park.

Beautiful park and zoo. Great for kids and family fun. Discounted ticket prices for Bergen County residents.
The zoo is small-​ish. Will probably take you 30 – 60 minutes to see everything depending on how fast you move around. There’s a train that goes around the entire zoo that’s like 5 minutes long. Little kids love it! For myself and a 7 year old child it cost $ 9 for 2 zoo tickets and 2 train tickets (I’m a Bergen County resident).
There are a bunch of different playgrounds ranging from ages 2 – 12. They tell you which playground is appropriate for what ages. Plus there’s a nice carousel with a popcorn and cotton candy stand. $ 1.50 per ticket.
There are tennis courts and soccer fields from what I’ve seen but probably other stuff too. There’s a lot of land on Van Saun. Good for jogging around. Sledding in the winter. Large picnic areas. I see BBQ’s and cookouts here all the time.
Honestly, this is a great park. I’m so glad it’s local and right around the corner from me.

Very nice big park for the fam… fairly new playground area, the zoo and train is fun… BUT, DO NOT go to the sprinklers! WORST SPRINKLERS EVER!

Great park for dog walking and people watching.
There are tons of ledges, paths, stumps, and benches for your dog to use as freestyle jumps. there are also a few streams your dogs could run around in.
There are so many different areas you could walk around, it doesn’t get too boring.
Great park!

The park offers a lot of choices, all of the things you expect (soccer fields, picnic areas, etc.) but what stands out among other things is its small zoo. The zoo is the prefect answer for anyone who lives near by and need to get the kids out for a few hours. It’s quick, inexpensive and fun. Food trucks seem to always be at the site and the staple train that laps the zoo is an always most do. The train is great as a reward for the little ones behaving (works every time) across the lot from the zoo you’ll find playgrounds with a wet side and a carousel to complete the visit.
Bonus — the park as a sable where you get pony rides. It’s the prefect destination for a not too pricey afternoon.

Took my kids there this pass week and it was fun. Everything is walking distance: the pony rides, carasoul, zoo, playground, spriklers, train ride.etc. It’s a very place and clean. They have two food trucks and few vending machines. The only thing is they didn’t have benches for parents to sit. Each activites on the play ground has a age range. which is cool… Besides that I’m very happy and will take them back.

We went to Van Saun for a nice family day at the park. It was beautiful. The grounds were well kept and there was a ton of things to do. The zoo was pretty neat and the animals were good shape. The train ride was cute and my son loved it. There’s plenty if food vendors also for a quick lunch.
However, when we were there the carousel wasn’t working so that was a bummer. I highly recommend going here. It’s not that expensive and it’s a beautiful park.

This park is great. One of my many favorites for my son to play in. It’s huge, it’s clean and they have so many things to do. When we are done my son knocks out in the car ride going home.
The zoo is small and very cute. Enough to keep a 2 year old entertained and not get bored, since you know a child’s attention span is super short. They have a variety of animals. The price range is high for non Bergen residents at $ 8 a ticket. $ 4 for residents with ID. The train and carousel is $ 1.50 each and free for 2 and under. Can’t beat that!!!
The playground is huge. And the flooring is soft with wood chips. Super busy on the weekend so we go during the weekday. My son loves it! And my big baby a.k.a my husband can go down the slide with him.
The zoo, carousel and train ride have different operating times during the weekday. So check out their website for more info!!!
You’ll definitely have lots of fun!

better than anything in Manhattan for all round fun with the kids. zoo, playground, carousel, train all in one location and entry is cheap!

Great park and zoo. I came here all the time here when I was young. I liked the train ride and a nice walk. It is a very large park, so bring a picnic.

Van Saun Park you have my heart!
I have been coming here since I was an infant and can still remember driving my mother crazy to take me here about once a week. I feel every child needs to come here its just so much fun.
The park has a lot to offer whether you are looking to take your kids to the huge park or hop on the train and do a full circle around the zoo every bit of this place is a great memory for any youngster to have.
Zoo: The zoo has a huge selection of animals to see from the mountain lions to prairy dogs (my favorite) along with a really cool new learning center they added a few years ago. Inside there are a lot of hands on items to touch and there are a few reptiles inside there as well. There is a section called the barn and low and behold it houses the barn animals. Further into the zoo there are a few different monkeys to view and also an enclosed exhibit with all types of birds and turtles flying and swimming freely above and below you. The zoo hosts special exhibits sometimes such as a butterfly garden and a parakeet tent where you can interact with the birds. The train ride has always been my favorite attraction and screaming your head off as you go through the tunnel. There is plenty of space in the surrounding area of the zoo for a game of frisbee or have a picnic.
Play Ground: HUGE area and they have handicap accessible swings. Plenty of room to run around and enjoy yourself.
Carousel: Just added a few years back and loads of fun for the kids.
Dog Park: Have yet to fully experience but have heard great things.
Winter Fun: Great location for sledding in the winter months.
Overall a great place!

I really like how large this park is and how easily it is to get lost in it. There are some great hidden areas around here. Some areas are so peaceful and away from the main crowds that you can just sit there and read peacefully.
Why only 4 stars? You sometimes have to cross the car lane to get to one part of the park to the other and some people do drive a little fast on it. Weekends are horrendous at the park as it’s overly crowded. Definitely stick to the weekdays instead.

Loved coming here when I was younger with my dad. Great place for kids. Good crowd and people. Kids love the train ride and the monkey cage. Also have a nice play ground. Every kid should come here atleast once a year.
Parents take your kids here! Safe, amusing and not full of teenagers that are loud and annoying. Great place for family time!