Bergen County Zoological Park
Bergen County Zoological Park
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
473 within 3 miles
Attractions
221 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
412 reviews
Excellent
258
Very good
128
Average
22
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Chan
Bloomfield, NJ676 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
We had a delightful visit to Bergen County during the Winter Wonderland festival. It was a memorable experience, especially for my son who ice-skated for the first time. The entire event, from beginning to end, was family-friendly and enjoyable. I highly recommend it for holiday outings. The train ride, which costs $2, was charming for the kids, and the carousel, included in the ticket price, added to the pleasant experience.
Written November 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ5,997 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
I visited the zoo today and I felt like a little kid again. It has not changed that much over the years. Even with some of the cosmetic changes it still looks the way it when I was ten.
The farm animals are so used to seeing humans they actually pick on the vibes. They just go munching away. The monkeys are very engaging and are all over the place when you watch them.
Still on a sunny afternoon it fun to stroll around the zoo and watch the animals. I still watch the families line up for the train like they did when I was little.
The farm animals are so used to seeing humans they actually pick on the vibes. They just go munching away. The monkeys are very engaging and are all over the place when you watch them.
Still on a sunny afternoon it fun to stroll around the zoo and watch the animals. I still watch the families line up for the train like they did when I was little.
Written June 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Winnie C
4 contributions
Apr 2021
I like this park. It has a playground with three areas as well as a large spacious grassfield that dogs love to go through in the front of the park. There's also a gated dog park in the back of Van Saun too. There is also a zoological zoo in the middle of it as well as plenty of parking space. But, to be honest, it's not as great as back in 2008/9.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea F
Chicago, IL285 contributions
Aug 2022
We enjoyed this zoo but it was rather small. I have a hard time with zoos this size where you required to pay. Meanwhile, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago is free and decent sized. I think the kids really enjoyed the train, carousel, and the playground with the splash pad the most.
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard
New York City, NY502 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
While this site may not be that large as its close cousins in New York City, the Van Saun Zoo is a staple on any Bergen County native's childhood. The free-roaming peacocks and the strawberry FrozFruit bars are ingrained in my memory, perfect for 90-degree weather.
Written May 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JimmB30
Hackensack, NJ481 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
This is a wonderful and nearly free place to spend an entire day without anyone getting board. Train, carousel, zoo, and animal rides are extremely reasonably priced as well as being among the best in their class. Playground, nature trails, and open spaces are extensive and well cared for in such a densely populated area. Parking spaces can be found without unreasonable effort even during peak times. When it starts to get dark, head to Monster Golf a few minutes away near the Paramus Park Mall to finish the day.
Written May 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1RaiderFan
Schenectady, NY724 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We went for a bit on Sunday, December 12. Admission was free and they gave out hot chocolate and snacks. We got to take a photo with Santa. Although some of the animals weren’t available, plenty were there for our kids to see and for us to enjoy. What a nice little zoo Tucktaway in the park. We were happy to find it and thanks to all who work there!
Written December 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tabasco3
Burlington, NJ103 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
My husband and I only had about an hour that we could dedicate on visiting this zoo. We actually probably stayed just slightly longer. This zoo is perfect for families with young children. There are plenty of animals to keep young kids interested. They have monkeys, mountain lions, and some other unique animals. I have to say i also saw a horse, cow, and goat but that is great for little kids. The zoo is very clean. There is wide paths to walk which helps with families with strollers.
There is a train that runs around the outside of the zoo. We didn't go on since it is extra and we don't have small kids. there is also a very large carousel that sits outside of the zoo which really looked nice. I highly recommend this as a place to entertain yourself for a short period of time.
Cost was $8 for adults if you don't live in Bergen county. If you do live in the county it is only $4 for adults.
There is a train that runs around the outside of the zoo. We didn't go on since it is extra and we don't have small kids. there is also a very large carousel that sits outside of the zoo which really looked nice. I highly recommend this as a place to entertain yourself for a short period of time.
Cost was $8 for adults if you don't live in Bergen county. If you do live in the county it is only $4 for adults.
Written September 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
heyjude775
Teaneck, NJ17 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
The park is wonderful for young children. There is a large playground with equipment appropriate for toddlers, as well as, older children. The zoo is also geared for families. The train and carousel are reasonably priced as well.
Great for grandparents too.
Judy S
Great for grandparents too.
Judy S
Written June 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luv2TravelwHim
Wyckoff, NJ137 contributions
Jun 2012 • Business
This is a gem nestled in the center of Bergen County and NOT to be missed. If you have small children (in strollers) or older ones -- there is always something wonderful to experience here. My daughter is grown and in college, but that doesn't stop me for an annual stroll through the Park and the Zoo! If you haven't visited yet, you are missing out on something very special right in your own neighborhood!
Written May 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m bringing 3 yr old granddaughter. I checked the website, but don’t see rest facilities mentioned. Are there any near the zoo?
Written June 13, 2019
Anyone know their hours. We are coming from Paramus is it worth the drive.
Written July 31, 2018
The hours can be found on their website. It depends on the ages of the children and what you hope to see and do. I love going with my great grands
Written August 1, 2018
Haydee G
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Se ve muy bueno me gusta mucho los sitios para compartir en familia.
Written July 22, 2018
If you like to stroll the park grounds in the winter you can and I believe the animals are out briefly in the day for a short time so you can 'say hello' to them. I believe the little food shop opens for hot chocolate and the such.. Best to call first just in case.
Written January 18, 2018
Is there somewhere to buy food?
Written August 26, 2016
Ditto on the food truck.
Suggest picking up some sammies on the way in, or ...
...bring your own food (burgers, hotdogs and self-starting charcoal).
They have free grills you can barbecue at...how much better than than?
Written August 28, 2016
Yes but get there early especially on the weekend.
Written August 2, 2016
We've rented a pavilion for a party for 90 guests. Do you know if they'll set picnic tables around the pavilion for us, or do we get there early to hold picnic tables?
Written May 22, 2016
I am not sure it has been a while since we rented, but I would call the office to make sure what the protocol is.
Written May 29, 2016
Can we buy Train / Carousel tickets in advance?
We have a birthday planned at one of the pavilions, but would like to include these tickets in the goodie bags...
Written May 6, 2016
Just spoke with Van Saun Park manager and you most certainly can purchase tickets ahead of time for each of the attractions. They are $1.50 per ticket for both the train and the carousel. Hope this helps.
Written May 9, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 12
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing