Bergen County Zoo Review: Affordable Family Fun at Van Saun Park, NJ

Looking for affordable things to do with toddlers in New Jersey? Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun Park in Paramus, NJ, is a great spot for a family outing!

After visiting the Van Saun Park playground on our previous trip, we decided to explore the zoo this time. I thought it might be small with only a few animals, but I was pleasantly surprised!

Affordable Admission for Bergen County Residents

One of the best things about Bergen County Zoo is its affordable admission.

• Ages 3–14: $4
• Ages 15 and older: $6

These were the admission prices for Bergen County residents during our visit. It’s a budget-friendly way to spend quality time with your kids!

Check the official website for current admission prices before visiting.

More Animals Than I Expected!

Honestly, I wasn’t sure how many animals we would see because Bergen County Zoo is smaller than some of the other zoos in New Jersey.

But I was wrong!

We saw cows, horses, donkeys, pigs, a tiger, and even an anteater. Seeing an anteater up close was a first for me, too! I had never seen one in person before. 😂

There were also some adorable, monkey-like animals that my little one enjoyed watching.

Some animals were housed behind glass, though, and the sunlight reflecting off the glass made it difficult for younger children to see them clearly from certain angles. That was one small downside of our visit.

Since fall was beginning, a few animals also seemed to be unavailable during our visit. Even so, we still got to see plenty of animals, and there was more than enough to keep us entertained.

For a toddler, I think the experience was just the right size. We could explore without feeling overwhelmed by an enormous zoo.

Easy to Explore With a Toddler

One thing I really appreciated about Bergen County Zoo was the relatively flat walking paths.

There weren’t many steep hills to worry about, which made walking around with my toddler much easier.

When you’re visiting places with little kids, the walking conditions can make a big difference. I didn’t have to worry much about navigating steep slopes, and we could take our time looking at the animals.

If you’re searching for toddler-friendly activities in New Jersey, I’d put Bergen County Zoo on your list.

Of course, comfortable walking shoes are still a good idea, especially if you plan to explore the entire zoo.

A Toddler-Friendly Zoo With a Train Ride

One thing I loved was how easy it was to walk around with my toddler. The paths were relatively flat, so we didn’t have to worry about steep hills.

There’s also a zoo train that takes visitors around the zoo, which is a fun bonus for little ones who love trains!

After exploring the animals, you can head to the spacious playground and ride the carousel at Van Saun Park. It’s easy to turn a short zoo visit into a full day of family fun.

If you’re planning a visit, check out my previous post about the [Van Saun Park in Paramus NJ Review]

Halloween Fun at Bergen County Zoo

The zoo already had Halloween decorations up, making our fall visit feel extra festive!

Special Halloween events were also scheduled for October 16 and 17, including a nighttime train experience and daytime trick-or-treating at different stations on October 17.

I wanted to try the night train, but I thought it might be a little scary for my son just yet. So, we’re planning to visit again during the day on October 17!

Check the official zoo website for event details and advance ticket requirements before visiting.

Is Bergen County Zoo Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Bergen County Zoo is an affordable, toddler-friendly destination with a surprising variety of animals, a train ride, and a playground nearby.

Although a few animals weren’t visible and some glass enclosures had glare, we had a wonderful time.

If you’re looking for family-friendly activities in Bergen County, NJ, add Bergen County Zoo at Van Saun Park to your list!