Winter Update 2024-
We love this park, and will be adding updates as we get them! Did you know that until February they will have “ice bumper cars”?
Van Saun County Park transforms the parking lot next to carousel into a Winter Wonderland every winter season. You can see where Winter Wonderland is setup with the image below (brown dome shape building is carousel) – part of parking area turns into ice rink and winter fun. I am pretty sure that’s the location, except google maps doesn’t show the nice pavers put in.
Winter Wonderland in Van Saun Park can be navigated to using the playground or carousel as your end destination, for tickets visit https://www.bergencountywinterwonderland.com/ice-bumper-cars
You must be a minimum of 42″ tall and 5 years old to drive your own car.
Anyone over 300 lbs is not permitted to participate.
Single Riders Only. No passengers.
Anyone with broken bones or existing neck or back problems should not participate.
No smoking, food or drinks are allowed in the bumper car arena.
Keep feet and hands inside the car at all times.
Dress appropriately – Jackets, hats and gloves recommended.
Please arrive early for a safety and operation briefing.
Each ride is filled on a first-come first served basis. We will do our best to accommodate groups, but can not guarantee you will be able to ride together.
Check out the IG post from @memorymaking.mama.nj!
her post:
🧊 🚙 @bergencountyparks still has ice bumper cars and skating at the rink in Van Saun Park until the end of February!
We welcomed the new year with this super cool 🥶 adventure! We love getting outside and this is one of those activities that makes me forget that it’s cold because we just couldn’t stop laughing 😂
🚗 Each session comes with two ten minute rides on the ice. Kids need to be at least 5 years old and 42 inches. ⛸️ Skating has these adorable bears kids can hold onto for support! Check the schedule at @bergencountywinterwonderland for more details on times every thing is available.
Thank you @bergencountynj for such a fun family friendly festival!
VIDEO:
From “The Bergen County Playground Guide”
ADDRESS: Forest Ave & Continental Ave
DIRECTIONS: NJ-4 E to Forest Ave. Turn right off of the exit and merge onto Forest Ave. Entrance to the park and zoo is approximately 2 miles down on the right.
DESCRIPTION: Van Saun Park is one of the largest playgrounds we’ve been to. There are 4 different structures with one being bigger than the next. The latest edition is an inclusive playground with handicap accessibility. The two larger structures are tall towers full of ramps, bridges, tunnels, slides, and playthings all along the way. There is two areas that are designed for toddlers, one is smaller than the other. This is a great playground to plan to spend the day with a picnic and a play date.
PARKING: Large lots across the street from the playground
PICNICKING: Large pavilion with 30+ tables and BBQ grills
HANDICAP: The entire new section is handicap accessible. There are ramps to every level and playthings along the way. There is one handicap swing..
CLIMBING: Corkscrew poles, traditional climbing wall, triangular poles, rock wall, chain steps, rappeler, rings, suspended spinner, monkey bars, parallel bars
PLAYTHINGS: Tic-tac-toe, story boards, math matching game, steering wheels, animal matching
Race car rockers, looking glass, mirrors, tunnel slides, drums, puzzles
SANDBOX: Large sandbox area but you must bring your own toys
SLIDES: One corkscrew, one metal, two tube, three chute, three toddler
SPORTS: Horseshoes and bocce, bring your own equipment, baseball, tennis concession, fishing and ice skating during appropriate seasons
SWINGS: Eight full size, two toddler, one handicap
WATER: There is a small stream just beyond the playground and a spray ground
MAKE A DAY OF IT: A simple walk across the street brings you to Van Saun County Zoo where there are tons of animals to see and a train to ride. Stop by the Zoo office and inquire about becoming a Zoo member through Friends of the Zoo.
POKEMON GO at Van Saun Park UPDATE: 3 Gyms here, see our map, thank to Donny (DrippyGrunt) for providing the pokemon map.
3/4/2011- Another Update- Adding some photos contributed by Pictures by Joel, a great sponsor, who visited a few months back. Thanks Joel!
The entrance to the train station:
One of the favorite attraction at Van Saun is their zoo. We have visited numerous times and the kids always have fun.
Great picture of the carousel and other nice shots:
Playground Pictures:
5/30/2009- Update, Van Saun Park is half renovated, there is one section that is ADA accessible (above panoramic photo), and the old part of the playground is still open too(photos below panoramic of old one too) Some pictures are from Amy Lamperti’s playground guide.
Another new addition:
A wonderful park that offers train rides, carousel, and a zoo. Link from official site- http://www.co.bergen.nj.us/parks/parks/Van%20Saun%20Park.htm
5/25/09- The pictures below were done before the playground renovation. I will be updating the pics soon, for now here’s a great review from hobokenmetromom: Van Saun Park Review
6/25/09- Here is another link to one of my favorite bloggers, doublelattemama. What is it with the gals from Hoboken, they rock! June Trip Report- Van Saun Park
My parents love taking the kids to this park, a classic park that’s been there forever.. Thanks Mom and Dad for getting these great pictures!
Do you like playgrounds but not the crowds? Here is a hidden treasure not too far from Van Saun in Hackensack, but only open after school hours.
Also check out all our Bergen County Playgrounds
and if you just want the Biggest and Best in Northern NJ visit our map of 5 star playgrounds.
First off let me say how great this site is.
Went to the park today for the first time with my 2 1/2 year old and she had such a great time. Without a doubt the nicest, well mantained parks around. Will be visiting again in the near future, looking forward for the new playground area. Keep up the great work
Thanks jerseykid, hope all is well, I’ll be keeping an eye on Van Saun! Here are some new pics
This is a great park, but the carousel, train and the bird exhibit are all closed on Wednesdays. Found out when I showed up with my two kids last Wednesday! 🙁
oh that really sucks!!! I wonder if that’s new? I tried calling and couldn’t get a response, but if you are trying to go to Van Saun, make sure you call the pertinent numbers below, according to bergen county website:
The Zoo is open 365 days a year (weather permitting) from 10 am – 4:30 pm.
Bergen County Parks Department: (201) 336-7275
Park Permits: (201) 336-7261
Train Ride: (201) 262-3771 x 22
Zoo Gift Shop: (201) 262-3771 x 17
Carousel: (201) 262-0790
Pony Rides: (201) 599-9800
Parkside Café Snack Bar: (201) 599-9055
Bergen County Zoo General Information: (201) 262-3771
What a great site. I used to live in the area and coming to visit relatives with my 2 year old. Thanks so much for the up to date extensive info.
We plan on heading to Van Saun tomorrow, which is a Wednesday. I tried calling he numbers above, but they aren’t working anymore.
I hope the carousel and train are working tomorrow!!
Has anyone else gone on a Wednesday and had that problem??
Wonderful park, easy to go and send an entire afternoon. We love the train and carousel, it gives us something different to do than just swings and slides. I wish it was fenced in more.
Tried to go to the zoo Friday. I am not from Bergen County and was shocked at how much they charged to get in. The picture above must be quite old because it was 8.00 per adult and 5.00 per child. That does not seem like a lot but considering the zoo is so small it’s a ridiculous fee. There was no way I was paying that. We ended up going to Turtle Back instead and it only cost 4.00 more to get in. It is a much larger zoo and the train ride is free. Not to mention is was much less crowded and it’s so much easier to park there. I will never go back to Van Saun. Not at those prices. I’ll stick to Turtle Back.
After taking my kindergartners for 6 years (never more than 20 kids), this year I learned from a friend that they had changed the rules and fees to the park. The worse part is that I found out after our bus was paid and the kids ready to go. I called and tried to reason with a very uncooperative person that we were a group smaller than 25 and we just wanted to see the animals. Besides we were not going to participate in their educational program. They told me that no matter, I needed a permission asked 3 weeks in advance and pay 50.00 for the group plus 5.00 for each child for admission.By the way we are covered by our district’s insurance so, it is not their liability we are talking about.
I believe this is excessive! My kids live in a neighborhood where there are no parks nearby to exercise and breathe some fresh air. Don’t they deserve the NJ parks as well? With those fees will be impossible to take them again.
This park was and still is awesome. We haven’t been there since our kids were small (in the ’70s) but it looks like it’s just as much fun as ever. If we ever get back up north, Van Saun is gonna be our first stop!
Ive been going to Van Suan Park since I was a young boy and I still to date enjoy being there. It has something for everyone. Pik-niks, a play ground second to non, the ZOO :O), a cute train ride that give you a ride around the entire zoo, pony rides for the little people and much more. An affordable get away from the hustle and bustle And best of all it`s affordable. And no that ive moved to bergen county i`ve been visiting Van Suan Park much more then everl…
I have always love this park but I havent been there in a while bcuz my children are all grown up but I wanted to take my granddaughter but it seems that prices have gone up, I am affraid to go now…Well, I guess I will have to go and see for myself, after all my granddaughter deserves that and more. Its ashame thou that they didnt accomodate the teacher and her students!
Correction to directions: Route 4E (not 3)
I was just wondering if anyone planned or has been to a bday party here before? Is this allowed? I want to have my daughters 1st bday party here but don’t know if it’s feasible….
Van san park is my favorite on-location dog photo shoot place. It has so many interesting parts to it and unique structures.
Here are some additional photos: http://www.staceygammonpetphotography.com/vansaunparkinparamusnj.html
I am going to the park…for abirthday party….is the park handicap for a walker or a wheelchair…..thank you
Does anyone know if this park has a sprinkler/water play area?
Hi, Is there ice skating this winter at Van Saun pond? I have very fond memories skating there as a child and would love my kids to do the same.
I have a compost, that I would like to donate, if you would need one. I live close by and can deliver it to you. Let me know if you would want it or if you know of any other nature conservancy I can give it to.
Thank you
The park and zoo are great! However i was very disappointed and disgusted by the shape of the bathrooms. They were very dirty , especiallt the one in the education center.
Are you open this weekend ? What are the Covid Restrictions?
Kindly let me know. Thank you.