By Keren Abraham
When buyers ask me what makes Paramus such a desirable place to raise a family, Van Saun Park is one of the first things I mention. At 146 acres in the heart of Bergen County, it offers something genuinely rare in North Jersey — a public park that delivers a full day's worth of activities without leaving the neighborhood. Most people know it for the zoo. But the zoo is just the beginning of what Van Saun Park Zoo activities actually include.
Key Takeaways
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Van Saun Park is one of Bergen County's most versatile public parks, offering far more than the zoo alone.
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The park anchors Paramus as a family-oriented community and is a consistent draw for residents of surrounding towns.
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Year-round programming and seasonal events give the park a rhythm that becomes part of daily life for Paramus families.
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Proximity to Van Saun Park is a meaningful quality-of-life factor for buyers evaluating homes in the area.
The Bergen County Zoo
The Bergen County Zoo is the park's anchor attraction and the reason many people discover Van Saun Park in the first place. Nationally accredited and well-maintained, it's compact enough to navigate in a few hours and detailed enough to merit return visits throughout the year. Animals, including mountain lions, prairie dogs, and a rotating roster of wildlife, make it a genuine destination rather than a casual stop.
What the Zoo Offers Families
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A nationally accredited zoological facility with diverse wildlife exhibits designed for close, educational viewing
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Educational programming throughout the year, including Zoo Babies and Zoo Kids sessions that turn animal visits into structured learning experiences
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A train ride that loops around the entire zoo — a highlight for younger children that gives the visit a distinct sense of occasion
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The Millennium Carousel, one of the last operating carousels in Paramus, features horses and zoo animals as seats
The zoo is the heart of the park, but the experience it anchors extends well beyond its fences.
The Playgrounds and Splash Pad
For families with young children, the Harmony Playground is one of the most thoughtfully designed public play spaces in Bergen County. ADA accessible throughout, it includes climbing structures, slides, interactive play elements, and a water sprinkler feature that opens seasonally — making it a destination in its own right regardless of whether you're also visiting the zoo.
What the Playground Area Provides
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A fully ADA-accessible design that accommodates children of all physical abilities alongside their peers
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A water sprinkler feature open daily from 10am to 4pm during the warmer months — a free alternative to community pools for summer afternoons
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Extensive equipment spanning climbing structures, monkey bars, tunnels, sandbox areas, and multiple slide configurations
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Proximity to picnic areas, making it easy to extend the visit into a full afternoon without leaving the park
The playground consistently draws families who aren't even visiting the zoo, which speaks to how well-designed it is as a standalone amenity.
The Trails, Gardens, and Walden Pond
Van Saun Park's 1.5-mile multi-use pathway winds through the park's natural areas and past several of its most historically significant features. The Washington Spring Garden, a Bergen County historic site, sits along the trail alongside Walden Pond — a quieter corner of the park that appeals to residents looking for something more reflective than recreational.
What the Natural Areas of the Park Offer
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A 1.5-mile paved trail accessible to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and strollers that connects the major park destinations in a single loop
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Washington Spring Garden, a designated county historic site, which adds a layer of local history to what is otherwise a recreational destination
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Walden Pond is a peaceful anchor on the trail that provides a natural counterpoint to the park's more active amenities
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Fishing areas for residents with a New Jersey State Fishing License — a quiet weekend ritual for a segment of Paramus residents who use the park year-round
This side of Van Saun Park rarely makes the headline attractions list, but it's what keeps adults coming back long after their children have outgrown the carousel.
Seasonal Events and Winter Wonderland
Van Saun Park earns its relevance through all four seasons, not just summer. Bergen County's Winter Wonderland, an annual event running from November through January, transforms the park into one of the most attended seasonal destinations in North Jersey — with ice bumper cars, skating, and holiday programming that draws families from across Bergen County.
How the Park Comes Alive Across the Year
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Bergen County Winter Wonderland runs from November through January with ice skating, ice bumper cars for children 5 and older, and seasonal entertainment
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The annual Easter Egg Hunt brings the community together in spring with storytelling and crafts for children following the hunt
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Pony rides operate from April through October for children who meet the height and weight requirements
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Sports fields for soccer, baseball, and softball are available year-round by permit, extending the park's utility beyond its ticketed attractions
Van Saun Park's event calendar is one of the concrete reasons Paramus families describe the borough as a place where community actually feels real.
FAQs
Is Van Saun Park free to enter?
The park itself is free to access. The Bergen County Zoo, train ride, carousel, and pony rides each carry separate fees. The Harmony Playground and multi-use trail are free and open year-round.
Can you bring dogs to Van Saun Park?
Yes. Dogs are permitted in the park on leash; however, they are not permitted inside the Bergen County Zoo.
How does Van Saun Park affect property values in Paramus?
Proximity to quality public green space is a documented factor in residential property values, and Van Saun Park is one of Bergen County's most recognized family amenities. For buyers prioritizing lifestyle and family-oriented community features, the park is a meaningful part of the Paramus value proposition.
Find Your Home in Paramus
I've spent more than 21 years helping buyers find exactly the right home in communities like Paramus — and I know that the right home is inseparable from the right neighborhood. Whether you're drawn to Paramus for its schools, its accessibility, or the kind of community life that a park like Van Saun makes possible, I bring the expertise and the personal commitment to help you make the right move.
My goal is a first-class experience from first conversation to closing — and well beyond.
Visit my website to learn more and begin the conversation today.
