Van Saun County Park

Description

If you’re planning a day out in Northern New Jersey and looking for a place that has more than just open space, Van Saun County Park in Paramus is one destination you’ll probably return to again and again. Located at 216 Forest Ave, right in the heart of Bergen County, this 146-acre county park has become one of my personal favorites for its sheer variety of things to do. From leisurely picnics to animal encounters, active sports to tranquil walks, Van Saun doesn’t disappoint. I’ve spent many hours here—sometimes with friends, sometimes with my dog, and quite a few times wrangling kids who never want to leave the playground or carousel. Whether you’re local or traveling through, the park’s charm comes from its thoughtful amenities and a surprisingly rich natural setting, all just a short drive from the George Washington Bridge.

The first thing that struck me on my earliest visit was the blend of classic park activities—like walking trails shaded by tall trees—with the unique energy brought by attractions like the Bergen County Zoo. I’ve seen preschoolers hop off the historic train ride overjoyed, and folks of every age lining up for the carousel, a beloved landmark here. The space feels well-kept and inviting, with accessible options for those who need them and a friendly, laid-back vibe. I still find new nooks each time I go, like the small dog park hidden behind the basketball courts, or a quiet trail perfect for an afternoon stroll in autumn.

Key Features

Bergen County Zoo: Home to American animals like bison, black bears, and eagles, this zoo focuses on wildlife from the continent. Don’t miss the animal encounters and zookeeper chats—they’re a thrill for curious minds.
Playground Complex: Honestly, this could be an outing by itself. With multiple play structures, accessible swings, slides, and even a little fantasy castle, kids easily lose track of time.
Splash Pad: On summer days, the splash pad is the go-to spot. Expect squeals of laughter and, if you’re smart, bring a towel and change of clothes for young visitors.
Miniature Train Ride: A classic. The train winds through part of the zoo and nearby woods—an absolute must for families, and kids always want to go twice.
Historic Carousel: With hand-painted panels and beautiful horses, this carousel gets busy on weekends, but it’s worth the wait. Great for nostalgia lovers and photo ops.
Picnic and Barbecue Areas: Plenty of shaded picnic tables and barbecue grills scattered throughout. Some areas can be reserved for group gatherings or birthday parties—perfect if you want to celebrate outdoors.
Sports Facilities: Multiple tennis courts (well-kept, lit in the evenings), basketball and baseball fields, plus open grassy space for impromptu soccer or frisbee.
Walking and Hiking Trails: Looping through woodland and along the water. I often choose the quieter riverside paths for a peaceful walk away from playground noise.
Dog Park: Fenced, with plenty of room for dogs to run off-leash. Easy to access near the main parking area.
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking, paved paths for easy stroller navigation, accessible restrooms, and adaptive playground equipment.
Public Restrooms & Water Fountains: Clean and conveniently located—always a lifesaver during long days out.

Best Time to Visit

I’ve visited Van Saun County Park during every season, and the best time depends on what you’re hoping to enjoy. Spring is gorgeous—flowers bloom along the paths, the zoo animals are lively, and the playground is busy but not packed. Summer is high season, especially for the splash pad, carousel, and shaded picnics. If you don’t mind more crowds, warm weekends bring out a festive atmosphere and you’ll see families celebrating birthdays—balloons tied to tables and the smell of barbecue wafting through the air.

Autumn might just be my personal favorite. The leaves turn vivid shades of red and gold, creating a picturesque setting for walks or an outdoor lunch. Lines for the carousel and train tend to be shorter, and the whole park feels a bit calmer. Even in winter, you’ll find the trails open, and the playgrounds are never totally empty—though sometimes you’ll want to bring a thermos of hot chocolate to warm up afterward. Certain attractions like the water features close in the colder months, but the open fields and sports facilities are generally accessible year-round.

If you want fewer people, aim for weekday mornings or later afternoons, especially if school is in session. Early fall and late spring weekends offer a perfect mix: good weather and manageable crowds.

How to Get There

Getting to Van Saun County Park is straightforward whether you’re driving or relying on public transportation. If you’re coming by car, plug 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652 into your GPS. The park has several well-maintained on-site parking lots, with accessible spaces close to main entrances. Parking has rarely been an issue for me outside of some peak summer weekends.

For those using public transit, several NJ Transit bus lines serve the Paramus area. I’ve occasionally taken the bus from Hackensack or even from further south in Bergen County; there are stops within a short walk from the park’s entrances. Just be sure to check schedules, as service frequency can vary on weekends.

Cyclists are welcome, too. Local roads nearby have bike lanes, and I’ve seen more people cycling over the past years, especially on weekends. If you come with your bike, you’ll find racks at key areas, and the inner paved trails are scenic and reasonably flat.

Tips for Visiting

Arrive early on weekends. Especially during spring and summer, the most popular areas—like the playground, zoo, and train ride—fill up quickly. Early arrivals snag better picnic spots and parking spaces.
Bring your own picnic supplies. While there are vending machines, most visitors pack coolers with snacks, drinks, and barbecue fixings. Don’t forget charcoal or lighter if you plan to use the park’s grills.
Double-check attraction hours. The zoo, carousel, and train ride often have seasonal hours or special closures for maintenance. It’s worth checking posted times at the park on arrival, especially in winter or early spring.
Consider celebrating birthdays here. Reserved picnic areas are a party favorite, and there are options for hosting small events right beside the playground or under pavilions.
Pony rides are a hit with younger kids. There’s usually a small fee (cash is easiest), and the experience is well supervised and run by friendly staff.
Leashed dogs are welcome almost everywhere except for the zoo area. There’s a dedicated dog run, and water bowls are sometimes set out near the restrooms.
Be sun-safe. Many picnic areas have good shade, but open fields and the playground get sunny. Bring sunscreen, hats, and maybe even a pop-up shade tent if you plan to spend several hours.
Look out for special events. I’ve stumbled on everything from small concerts to nature walks led by local experts, especially during the summer. Check notice boards at the entrance for updated info.
Plan your route if you want peace and quiet. The western edge of the park (closer to the river) is usually less busy—a great spot for reading, walking your dog, or unwinding away from larger crowds.

Van Saun County Park is proof that a county park can offer so much more than just open lawn. Whether you’re on a mission to wear out your kids at the playground, eager to picnic under grand old trees, or just searching for an accessible, nature-filled retreat near Paramus, you’ll find the park easy to love and hard to leave.