Bergen County Zoological Park
Bergen County Zoological Park
4.5
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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.
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4.5
411 reviews
Excellent
258
Very good
127
Average
22
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Chan
Bloomfield, NJ665 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.
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, IL268 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, NY504 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, NY670 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, NJ16 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, NJ138 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.
celeste6310
New York City, NY13 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
Nice small zoo for families. It has a nice carousel and pony rides for the kids. Not many animals. If your purpose is to go to photograph the animals, note that some of the animals are behind wired cages instead of heavy glass like other zoos.
Written April 29, 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.
Is train ride open on labour day?
PGM4787YA
Cape Coral82 contributions
Not sure. Call them.
CindyLW137
Westwood, NJ170 contributions
I’m bringing 3 yr old granddaughter. I checked the website, but don’t see rest facilities mentioned. Are there any near the zoo?
Katharine S
6 contributions
They have restrooms in the zoo and also in the park
amysmom50
Whiting Indiana214 contributions
Anyone know their hours. We are coming from Paramus is it worth the drive.
foreverclay@me.com
New York City, NY66 contributions
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
Haydee G
Carolina, Puerto Rico
Se ve muy bueno me gusta mucho los sitios para compartir en familia.
Monica C
Wallkill, New York, United States1 contribution
Is there anything to do there in the winter?
375evelynec
31 contributions
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.
Catrine m
Stony Point, NY289 contributions
Is there somewhere to buy food?
bmwm3e30
New York City, NY15 contributions
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?
Does it have barbecue and grilling area..
gladustoppedby1
22 contributions
Yes but get there early especially on the weekend.
Trips2009
New Jersey1 contribution
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?
Kathy527
Fair Lawn, NJ15 contributions
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.
Trips2009
New Jersey1 contribution
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...
Barbara M
Saddle Brook, NJ12 contributions
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.
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