Forest & Continental Avenue, Paramus, NJ.
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(below panoramic photo)
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!
Want to visit more great playgrounds in Bergen County?
By purchasing a Bergen county playground guide via this link, you are supporting the efforts of our NJ Playgrounds Site and Amy Lamperti of “the playground guide“, another fabulous mom of 3.
168 pages with 250+ publicly accessible playgrounds
All 70 municipalities in Bergen County covered
Great places to visit for art, indoor play, horseback riding, zoos, miniature golf, dancing, birthday parties and more!
Check out the spray grounds, parks with city views, huge sprawling play structures and other cool stuff
Great for birthday, or holiday gifts for those moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers that want to explore new playgrounds in their area.
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- as of 6/2009- prices went up $1 more for zoo and .50 more for train
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- The Train at Van Saun Park
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.