Van Saun County Park & Bergen County Zoo: Best Family Day Trip in North Jersey
Looking for a fun, affordable family day trip near NYC? Van Saun County Park in Paramus, New Jersey, is one of Bergen County’s top outdoor destinations. This beautiful 146-acre park combines green space, walking trails, and exciting attractions — all centered around the popular Bergen County Zoo.
The Bergen County Zoo features animals from North and South America, including bison, elk, lions, mountain lions, reptiles, birds, and a variety of farm animals. It’s compact, easy to walk, and perfect for toddlers through tweens. Zoo admission is currently free (resumes April 6, 2026), making it one of the best budget-friendly zoos near New York City.
Beyond the zoo, Van Saun County Park offers plenty to do:
- Large ADA-accessible Harmony Playground with seasonal splash pad
- 3 miles of paved walking and biking paths
- Catch-and-release fishing at Walden Pond
- Picnic areas and open fields
- Tennis courts and athletic fields
- Dog park
Kids especially love the seasonal rides: the miniature train ride that loops around the park and zoo, plus the colorful Millennium Carousel — each just $3 per person.
The park is open dawn to dusk daily, with the zoo running 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM) April through November. It’s an easy 30–45 minute drive from Manhattan or Queens, with free parking.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, birthday celebration, or school trip, Van Saun County Park and Bergen County Zoo deliver classic family fun without breaking the bank.
Bergen County Zoo – Bergen County, NJ – Official Website
