You’ve probably heard people call it "Vanson Park." Honestly, it’s one of those local quirks in Northern New Jersey where the real name—Van Saun County Park—gets mashed up into something easier to say during a quick phone call.
But whatever you call it, if you’re heading to 216 Forest Avenue in Paramus, you aren’t just going to a patch of grass. You're heading to 146 acres of what I’d basically call a "budget theme park" for families. It’s huge. It’s chaotic on Saturdays. And it’s arguably the best thing Bergen County has going for it when the weather hits 70 degrees.
Van Saun County Park: More Than Just a Playground
Let’s get the layout straight. The park is technically split between Paramus and River Edge. If you enter from Forest Avenue, you’re in the heart of the action. If you come in from Continental Avenue, you’re closer to the dog park and the quieter "South Area."
Most people come for the Bergen County Zoo. It’s not the Bronx Zoo, and that’s why it works. You can actually walk the whole thing in an hour without your legs giving out. It focuses on "New World" animals—think bison, mountain lions, and those weirdly charismatic spider monkeys.
Did you know it was the first zoo in New Jersey to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums? It’s legit.
The Hidden History Under Your Feet
The ground here has some serious mileage. Long before it was a park, it was a farm owned by the Van Saun family. But go back even further to 1780. General George Washington reportedly watered his horse at a spring right here while moving the Continental Army toward Connecticut.
Today, that spot is the Washington Spring Garden. It’s a bit of a "hollow" area—historically called "Slukup" in Dutch because it was boggy—and it’s a National Historic Site. Most kids just run past it to get to the slides, but it’s a surprisingly peaceful pocket if you need to escape the screaming and the smell of overpriced popcorn.
What You’ll Actually Spend (No Secrets Here)
One of the best things about Van Saun is that entry is free. You can park for $0. You can walk the 1.5-mile loop for $0. You can let your kids go feral on the massive Harmony Playground for $0.
But the "extras" add up. Here is a rough breakdown of what the "Vanson" experience costs:
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- The Zoo: Adults pay around $8, kids are $5. It’s cheaper if you’re a Bergen County resident (bring your ID, they check).
- The Train: It’s roughly $3 per person. It’s a 2-foot narrow-gauge Allan Herschell model. It’s vintage. It’s loud. Kids love it.
- The Carousel: Also about $3. It’s the Millennium Carousel, and ever since the ones at Paramus Park and Garden State Plaza closed, it’s basically the last one standing in town.
- Pony Rides: These are the splurge at $5 per lap.
If you have two kids and you do the "Full Van Saun"—zoo, train, carousel, and a snack—you’re looking at about $50-$60. Still cheaper than a movie theater these days.
The Strategy: How Not to Hate Your Visit
Don't just show up at noon on a Sunday in July. You'll spend forty minutes looking for a parking spot near the zoo and then wait in a line for the train that looks like it’s for a new coaster at Six Flags.
Arrive by 9:45 AM. The zoo opens at 10:00 AM. If you get there early, you can snag a spot in the main lot near the carousel. If that’s full, keep driving toward the back lots near the ball fields. It’s a longer walk, but it beats idling in your car.
The playground is another beast. It’s divided by age, which is great because a three-year-old won’t get trampled by a ten-year-old. The splash pad (Harmony Splash Pad) is the MVP during August. It’s got these misty lilies and sea creatures that spray water everywhere. Warning: you will get wet even if you’re just "supervising" from the edge.
Winter Wonderland and Beyond
Van Saun doesn't die when the leaves fall. In fact, it gets weirder. They host "Winter Wonderland" from November through January. They build a massive outdoor ice rink right in the parking lot. There’s a beer garden for the parents—honestly, a godsend—and North Pole workshops for the kids.
Then there’s the Zoo Boo in October. It’s trick-or-treating at the zoo with ghost stories. The train runs at night, and actors hide in the woods to jump out at you. It’s just spooky enough to be fun without causing permanent trauma to a toddler.
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The Dog Park Factor
If you aren't bringing kids, you’re probably bringing a dog. The dog run is tucked away near the River Edge side (Continental Ave). It’s split into large and small dog sections. It’s gravel and dirt, so expect a muddy pup if it rained yesterday.
Actionable Tips for Your First Trip
- Pack a Cooler: Food trucks show up, but they aren't always there. There are tons of picnic tables (some with grills, though you need a permit for those).
- Check the Pony Schedule: They are usually closed on Tuesdays for "pony rest." Don't promise your kid a ride on a Tuesday; you'll regret it.
- Fishing is Legal: Walden Pond allows catch-and-release fishing, but you need a NJ State Fishing License if you’re 16 or older.
- EV Charging: There are Volta charging stations in the lots now, which is a nice modern touch for a park that’s been around since 1960.
To make the most of your day, start at the Washington Spring Garden for a quiet walk, hit the zoo right when it opens, and end with a picnic near the playground. If you’re a Bergen County resident, keep a digital copy of your utility bill or license on your phone to get the discounted zoo tickets without a hassle. Check the official Bergen County Parks website before you leave to ensure the train isn't down for maintenance—it happens more often than you'd think.