Van Saun County Park

Description

I’ve gotta tell ya, Van Saun County Park is one of those gems that really surprised me when I first visited. It’s not your typical run-of-the-mill park – this 146-acre wonderland in Bergen County is basically like five different parks rolled into one awesome package. Ya know what’s cool? It’s actually way more than just a place to have a picnic (though the picnic spots are pretty sweet).

First time I went there, I was blown away by how much stuff there was to do. The Bergen County Zoo might be compact, but it’s got some really interesting residents – from farm animals that my kids absolutely adore to some pretty fascinating North and South American wildlife. And don’t even get me started on that carousel – it’s not just any old merry-go-round, it’s one of those beautifully restored pieces that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Key Features

• Bergen County Zoo (seriously, the river otters are total characters!)
• Historic carousel with hand-painted horses
• Multiple walking and hiking trails for all skill levels
• Tennis courts that are actually well-maintained
• Modern playground equipment that my kids can’t get enough of
• Train ride that loops around the park
• Seasonal pony rides
• Winter sports area for sledding
• Multiple picnic areas with tables and grills
• Beautiful pond with resident waterfowl
• Sports fields perfect for impromptu games
• Educational nature center with interactive exhibits

Best Time to Visit

Okay, so here’s the deal – this park is pretty amazing year-round, but I’ve found that each season offers something special. Spring is incredible when everything’s blooming and the baby animals are out at the zoo. Summer’s great for early morning visits before it gets too hot – perfect for hitting the playground or having a picnic under the shade trees.

Fall? That’s when the park really shows off with gorgeous colors, plus the weather’s just right for hiking those trails. And don’t write off winter! The sledding hill is a total blast when it snows, and the zoo’s still open – most of the animals are actually more active in cooler weather.

Pro tip: If you’re bringing kids, try to get there right when the park opens at 10 AM. That’s when the animals are most active, and you’ll beat the crowds at the carousel and train ride.

How to Get There

Getting to Van Saun isn’t complicated at all, whether you’re driving or taking public transport. If you’re coming by car, there’s plenty of parking – though it can fill up quick on nice weekend afternoons (been there, learned that lesson!). The park’s easily accessible from major highways in Bergen County, and you’ll spot clear signs leading you right to it.

For folks using public transportation, there are several NJ Transit bus routes that’ll drop you pretty close to the entrance. Just make sure to check the schedule beforehand cause weekend service can be a bit different.

Tips for Visiting

Listen, after countless visits with my family and friends, I’ve picked up some pretty useful tricks. First off, bring cash – some activities like the carousel and train ride need separate tickets, and while there are ticket machines, sometimes they can be finicky (learned that one the hard way!).

Pack a picnic if you can – while there’s a seasonal concession stand, having your own food means you can eat whenever and wherever you want. The picnic areas near the playground are great, but my secret spot is actually over by the pond – way more peaceful.

Wear comfortable shoes cause you’ll do more walking than you expect. The trails aren’t super challenging, but they’re long enough that flip-flops aren’t gonna cut it. And speaking of preparation, bring sunscreen and water bottles – there are fountains around, but it’s better to have your own, especially during summer.

If you’re planning to visit the zoo (which you totally should), try to catch one of the keeper talks – they happen throughout the day and they’re super interesting. The keepers really know their stuff and sometimes share funny stories about the animals’ personalities.

During peak season (summer weekends and holidays), try to arrive early or later in the afternoon. Between 11 AM and 3 PM can get pretty crowded, especially around the carousel and train ride. Oh, and if you’re coming in winter, the sledding hill is awesome but gets packed after fresh snow – early morning is your best bet for finding a good spot.

One last thing – check the park’s event calendar before you go. They often have cool seasonal events like harvest festivals in fall or winter wonderland activities that can make your visit even more special. Sometimes they even do evening events in summer, which are pretty magical with all the lights on the carousel.

Location

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