Van Saun Park in Paramus NJ: Toddler Playground & Splash Pad Review
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable summer activity with toddlers in Bergen County, Van Saun Park in Paramus, NJ is definitely worth checking out.
We recently visited Van Saun Park with my 3-year-old son and spent the day exploring the playground and splash pad. Here’s our honest review, including parking, picnic areas, what to bring, and whether I think Van Saun Park is worth visiting with a toddler.
Here’s our honest review from a mom with a toddler!
📍 Van Saun Park
Location: Paramus, New Jersey
Van Saun Park is one of the larger county parks in Bergen County, and there is plenty to do for families.
Besides the playground and splash pad, the park also has walking paths, picnic areas, a zoo, a carousel, and other family-friendly attractions.
For this visit, our main goal was simple:
Playground + splash pad! 💦
And my 3-year-old had a great time.
Parking
Van Saun Park has three large parking areas—P1, P2, and P3—and parking is free. There are also EV charging stations, which is a nice bonus!
P1 is closest to the Bergen County Zoo and train ride.
P2 has a spacious picnic area, although it’s a bit smaller than the one near the playground. There was also a small food or coffee truck along the way to the zoo from P1, which was perfect for grabbing a quick snack.
P3 had a carousel and an ice cream truck, which my son definitely noticed! 😂
🛝 The Playground
Spacious & Clean Playground
The playground is spacious, clean, and well-maintained, with four separate play areas that can accommodate lots of kids.
We arrived around 11:30 AM, and it was surprisingly quiet, probably because it was lunchtime. By around 1 PM, families started pouring in, and the playground quickly became busy.
There are also plenty of large trees, so many parents set up their wagons and chairs under the shade while watching their kids play.
💦 Van Saun Park Splash Pad
The splash pad is smaller than the ones in Teaneck and some other nearby parks, but it looked perfect for toddlers.
My son wasn’t very interested this time—maybe because we had just gone swimming the day before! 😂 I saw kids around six years old having a blast, though.
Maybe he was just missing his little friend. Yesterday, he had so much fun at the pool with a friend, but today it was just Mom and Dad. 😂
Picnic Area
The picnic area is huge, with plenty of tables and open space. When we visited, one section near the playground was being used for a workshop, so we couldn’t use those tables. We also noticed several families having birthday parties!
The bathrooms weren’t the cleanest, so just keep that in mind.
Overall, Van Saun Park is a great spot for a family picnic. With a huge park, a large playground, a splash pad, and plenty of space to run around, you could easily spend the whole day here.
We’re definitely planning to come back next time for a BBQ! 🍖
I love places where kids can run around and enjoy nature.
Well… maybe I’m the one who loves it more than my son. 😂
🦁 Other Things to Do at Van Saun Park
- Bergen County Zoo
- Mini Train
- Carousel
Note: Hours, admission fees, and seasonal splash pad operations can change, so check the official Bergen County Parks website before your visit.
Next time, we’re planning to visit the Bergen County Zoo, so I’ll share another post after our visit!
Unfortunately, we couldn’t ride the little train because my son got scared and started crying, saying he didn’t want to go. 😭 Hopefully, we can give it another try next time!
The same thing happened with the carousel. He was way too scared to ride it. Who does he take after?! 😂😭
💡 What to Bring to Van Saun Park Splash Pad
Bring a complete change of clothes!
Even if you think your child is just going to “get a little wet,” chances are they will end up completely soaked. 😂
I recommend bringing:
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Water shoes or sandals
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Extra diapers or underwear
- Water bottle
- Snacks
A waterproof bag or plastic bag for wet clothes is also very helpful.
Is Van Saun Park Worth Visiting?
For families with toddlers, Van Saun Park is definitely worth visiting!
The playground and splash pad make it a great summer outing. My 3-year-old had a great time playing, cooling off in the water, and enjoying the outdoors.
Play → get soaked → go home tired and happy. ❤️
If you’re in Bergen County, NJ, and looking for an easy, toddler-friendly summer activity, I definitely recommend adding Van Saun Park to your list!
Would I take my 3-year-old back?
Absolutely! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love that Van Saun Park is affordable, family-friendly, and perfect for spending a whole day. It’s honestly so nice to have a park like this so close to home. ❤️
We’ll definitely be back!
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