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.
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
