It was good enough for the kids but it was sad that we couldnt feed the farm animals as other zoos had. But at least we got to feed the parrots with sticks and that was a unique experience for the kids. The only things that they need to get rid of is the bushes that prevent us from seeing the animals very well behind the cages.

Great small zoo and its free from November but due to covid-19 you will have to make reservations online.

The Bergen County zoo was always a favorite place to go with my children. The train ride is so much fun and the carousel ride is just beautiful. It’s right across from a beautiful park and they also have picnic tables and barbecue areas. There is a dog run area, pony rides in a different section and a beautiful pond to walk around with a stop on each side for taking photos or just enjoying nature and the pond.

Everything is good but most of the cages are empty. Only some birds one yak, couple of cows, goats and one lioness

A lovely and well maintained local zoo that is great for kids or adults. We saw so many animals like horses, monkeys, owls, mountain lions, prairie dogs, bison and more.

Nice Zoo little zoo its no Bronx Zoo but still very nice. My inlaws live nearby will definitely be stopping by here more often with the kids now that wee know about it.

Cute small zoo.. definitely worth to try if you are county resident. Good for under 3 years old though.

Today we went to the zoo instead of staying home. It’s a good size zoo and we had a fun time walking around. The pricing was very affordable and my child was free. The zoo has a great assortment of animals of all shapes and sizes. They have some extras including a train ride, carousel and a bird exhibit. If you haven’t been I would encourage you to come visit.

I havent been there in a long time. What a fun day today enjoying family time together. Unfortunately, we were not able to get to ride the train due to their cleaning rules and didnt want to wait till 2pm for reopening, and just got in to the zoo. Gonna be back soon.

Poor animals such as the lions hardly have any room to walk. I mean its a cheap date at $4 per person but come on for the large animals. Give them space like the American Bisons have.

Same as other reviews, its a nice place for young kids. Prob not more than an hours visit. Nice playground across the street.

Nice small zoo. Funny and educational for kids and adults as well.Free the whole month of April. Used to have more animals and house of butterflies.Situated inside van Saun park, so after finishing the zoo enjoy the kids play ground or barbecue area.If zoo parking is full ( weekends or holidays) use other parking areas in the park and take a nice walk. If you park illegally you will get a ticket.

Small and low key alternative for New Yorkers with small children to the crowded mobs at like the Bronx or Central Park Zoo. Short drive (< 30 min) from Manhattan. Great for small kids who get just as excited by a horse or a cow as by something more exotic. Kids especially love the carousel and the train. The zoo itself is super affordable (free in winter!). Super short drive to kid friendly Paramus malls.

Went to the zoo for the first to be a part of the Zoo Boo in October. We were part of the crew and we had so much fun. Then we were able to ride the train and see what it was like and it was awesome. Even though I worked in the crew and k we what to expect it was still terrifyingly fun. Definitely going back next year to help again.Also had the opportunity to see some of the animals and check out the education center. I also need to come back there on a regular day to check it out.

Bergen County Zoo, is alway a great place to go with small childrens. My sons love the train ride.You can get the tickets online. Be aware of hrs of operation. There is a morning session and afternoon session, they close at 12:30pm for disinfection due to CORONAVIRUS.Visit the zoo and help them continue serving the community!!!!! You can also make a small donation online.

We were pleasantly surprised by the wide range of animals here. The whole family will enjoy it. My only hope is that the animals are all treated well.

A great experience as always. I love the precautions taken to keep both animals and people safe during the pandemic.

Nice place to see animals and get kids out of the house for an hour. Highly recommend esp during covid-19.

Great for kids! very nice staff and very good prices!

An inexpensive zoo (completely free during parts of the winter) that has a collection of animals primarily from the new world. During the summer months when all locations are open the zoo can provide 2 to 3ish hours of child entertainment or 90 minutes for adults who want to see a zoo randomly. Well worth price of admission

Asika little cave no one knows about the animals are so beautiful so well capped staff is friendly so is a nice hidden zoo

Well organized, very clean, family oriented kid friendly plenty of children activities, fun for the whole family. Will return.

Pretty good. Wish there was more to see though

Okay size zoo with close view of animals.

Its a great place for young kids... Not the biggest zoo out there but people are nice, close to home, and just big enough where you can bring a 3 year old and they can see the whole thing

Theyve done an excellent job for sanitary protection during these troubled times

Fun place for the smaller kids.. does not have the big cats or wild animals making it less attractive for bigger kids. My 3 old daughter loved it more than my 9 year old son who is used to seeing larger zoos with more animals.Still to have a zoo close to where we live and not so expensive to visit is a big plus and the kids will enjoy for sure

My kids loved. ...

Great little place. I love that its a local zoo. If you have kids. Please take the time to bring them here to have fun. On the immediate outskirts of the zoo is a playground for the kids, as well as, picnic area for lunch. Spend some time here in Bergen County, NJ.

Good place to go with toddlers and kids. Its a pretty small place, more like a small cozy park with animals than a full out zoo. Most interesting animal there was the mountain lion. They have a little train that runs but that is seperatly priced and you have to make sure it runs that day if you want to ride it. When I was there the train was not running. Townspeople get a certain price and if youre not, the price is higher.

We love this place... its small enough that you can enjoy it all... and the train ride my daughter loves with a passion.

Awesome zoo. Saw exotic animals that I havent seen in other zoos. Definitely will be revisiting!

I think the Bergen County Zoo does everything it can to provide an excellent experience for every person that walks through there. My kids always enjoyed going to the Zoo and so do me and my wife. I hope they continue to get funding so they can continue to provide wonderful memories for many years to come. Id like to give a big thank you to the staff and volunteers for all they do. Truly Appreciate it.

Cute zoo, nice park. Free on veterans day. Very small and most animals were not on display but there is a great play area for kids across the parking lot

A great little zoo! No exotic animals but a very clean, well kept zoo. Convenient reentry in case you wanna play at the park and then come back. Entry is $8 for non Bergen county residents and $4 for residents. Kids under 3 =FREE

Overcrowded no control. Shabby group of people.

This is a relatively small and relaxed atmospheric zoo. There are no big lions nor giraffe. But small kids under 6 or so will definitely enjoy it. But after mid November, there are not many animals is exhibited. Train and carousel are in operation until mid November.

Always loved this zoo...so close to home ...

Nice place to bring kids. Great rides for little ones. And, dont forget to bring your grill to make kabobs.

Amazing playground, splash pad, carousel and train rides (except Monday) and thats without even going in the zoo.

Had a fabulous day at Vansaun Zoo w family

Great local low priced zoo.

The Bergen County Zoological Park is located at Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey. It was the first zoo in New Jersey to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo is open seven days a week. Hours of operation are from 10:00 am until 4:30. Many visitors to the New York City area do not realize that a lovely, well-maintained small zoo exists just 30 minutes from Manhattan. Located in Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey, the Bergen County Zoological Park (co.bergen.nj.us) is open year-round and offers a quieter alternative to the Bronx Zoo. Children can enjoy other attractions at Van Saun Park, including pony rides, a carousel and a playground, and the entire family can enjoy the beauty of the gardens or the tranquility of the parks Walden Pond.

This zoo is Bergen county secret.Its a year round year round facility within the Van Saun county park. The park is fantastic in that besides the zoo it has a tennis center, pony rides, carousel, kiddie play area, ball and soccer fields. Loads of picnic tables, benches, fishing pond, open spaces and, I believe, 12 main parking lots. The zoo is probably the biggest single draw. It has a narrow gauge railroad that circles the entire zoo. Its parking lot is often full, but there are others nearby. Best to visit on weekdays when it is relatively uncrowded. Not as many animals as in the big city zoos but this one is nice in that you can get around the whole thing without wearing yourself out. Lower rates for Bergen county residents but the prices for everyone are a bargain. No restaurants in the zoo or park except theres a Callahans food truck in the zoo area on the weekends..

Really good for a day trip with kids

Small zoo with a bit of education and lots of fun exploring animals inside.In winter exhibition is smaller but the admission is free. In summer time there is a train going around the park so you could see big animals from the other side of their aviary.Also there is a small garden with lots of flowers with the description what is that and where does this grow. Very interesting for young kids.

Fun zoo for little kids

Love bringing my daughter here. Great for small children. Very reasonable pricing.

First time at this zoo for the autism awareness event and it was a wonderful experience. We will surely come back to see what a normal day at this zoo is like.

Theres not that many animals, buts it perfect for kids and parents to spend some family time together.

Not the largest or most expansive zoo weve been to but i was a ton of fun and the train conductor was super sweet.

Not overly crowded. train nd carusel to keep little ones entertained.no elephants or girafes. it is a county zoo

Nice small zoo ...with in less amount you can enjoy your day ..they have few animals, small train ride and marigoround...they also have a big playground and water splash area

Little but mighty! This Zoo is ideal for toddlers and young kids. You wont find elephants and giraffes there, but youll see a decent amount of animals in a very walkable and pleasant space. Theres also a train ride (apparently only during summer and special events).

It is a delightful experience on the train, the carousel, and particularly inside the bird exhibit where we feed birds via a special stick filled with seeds. The children loved it and so did the adults. Reasonably priced as well. Only regret: the gift shop was closed on our Sunday noontime visit. We wanted gifts! This zoo is great!

Full day of entertainment! Zoo, sprinkler playground, pony rides, train ride and carousel. All within easy walking distance. Park by the pony rides, closest to the entrance to the park. Theres ample shaded parking there which you wont find in the other lots. Note that rides and zoo cost $. But the playground and parking are free.

This place is amazing for kids of every age.

Nice place to spend a half day or so without a lot of walking. Kids love the mini train and carousel. Not expensive. So dont expect a lot of animals like a big zoo.Food options in October were limited to vending machines and one food truck.

Its an acceptable zoo. Its tough to consider in a vacuum as there are several zoos in the area. Of the zoos nearby I would put this in the lower portion. They have some great animals and it is well laid out, but its small. The biggest areas are for farm animals which are at every zoo and the other animals can be found at most of the others too. The enclosures are on the smaller side but not exceptionally so.The price is the big draw here. It is $4 for residents of Bergen County (a good price for size...train not included) and $8 for non-residents (less great price for size...train not included). For comparison, there is a much larger park about 20 minutes away for $15.Finally, Ill say that its a fairly busy zoo. Its typically busy, even during the week, as its part of the best park in the area. This means mothers bring children of all ages during the week and weekends alike. Its a smaller park with less space but typically has a pretty decent number of people.Again, its a decent park. If these arent deal breakers then youll enjoy it, just keep in mind that there are two excellent zoos nearby which arent much more expensive.

Great zoo for kids and family.

Cool place to visit even off season. Huge playground nearby completes the great experience.

It is a nice place to go to with your children for the park and the zoo they also have a merry-go-round there. But I wish parents would pay more attention to their children instead of the cell phones and when they have stuff to eat they should put it in the garbage can out on the playground but all in all the places a great place to go for the family

Small, quaint and fun.

Lots of fun for small children. Make sure you pack a lunch and drinks. The carousel across these street is so nice as well as the playground area.. the staff is very friendly and everything is always clean. In the summer there is also a splash area.

Nice place for small children. It is relatively small, however there is quite an abundance of different animals. They also have a train that circles the campus and a merry go round. Admission is cheap for out of county residents as well.

This is the first time when Im giving 5 stars to a zoo. I almost visited lots of zoo but this is the best in my list. Even I strongly want to rate as 10 stars but there is no any option i found. By the way great place to visit. I would like to recommend!!!

Very small zoo not worth for USD 8

Nice place for kids and for the price totally is worth... Too bad I couldnt see birds due to cold nights... A train is in the place and children loved it!

Perfect place for a short day trip with young kids. The zoo is just the right size for kids 5 and under, the train and carousel are cheap and an added bonus. There are also picnic tables, a playground, and I believe pony ride if you are truly adventurous!

Nice yo enjoy whit kids

Just go. If a Bergen County resident with some free time during the week, look into the free day. The train is a hoot in season, and there are definitely animals here you will not see on Route 17.

Small but super nice

Love it here.... favorite local place for my children!

Went here for almost every week to ride carousel and train, having fun by walk across the zoo to the van saun park with pretty playground and sprinkle, but remember that the sprinkles hours us follow the zoo hours

I hadnt been here since I was a little kid, and I just took my two kids here today. We had a pretty great time. The zoo is small, but they have a neat variety of farm animals and exotic animals, including monkeys, exotic birds, and reptiles (in the summer). We got in for free, but Im not sure why that was the case. Normally, there is a nominal fee. We rode the train around the park, and the carousel. Both are cheap enough that you may as well just do it. The zoo is inside Van Saun park, so when you are done you can go play some more. It does not take long to see the whole zoo, but it is worth spending part of your day here too check it out.

Very nice and clean zoo my daughters loved it and had a great time. Like other people say bring a lunch and if its a hot day drinks. The train was very nice. The only down fall was the gift shop was not open and someone who worked there said it hasnt open at all. When i go to a zoo i liked to buy something for my kids but couldnt this day

Beautiful time at the zoo.

Nice park, we enjoyed the train ride and caruosel

Beautiful zoo. Lots of shades in the zoo. Bring plenty of snacks because we have to leave early due to kids are hungry. Wish there is a place to buy food.

Small Zoo! U can see whole animals within 30 mins... maybe perfect with kids.

Nice outing for families. Great for the kids to learn and explore

Nice Zoo for little kids

Nice and small zoo where kids will enjoy watching the animals like snowy owls,mountain lion

It is always very fun. Lots to do. There is not much to do in November if it is cold. But overall super fun as always.

Delightful little zoo with a wide assortment of animals, both domestic and from other parts of the world. Delightful for kids; charming and relaxing for adults.

This zoo is amazing. I used to live in Brooklyn and this puts the prospect Park zoo to shame. Theres so many animals, theres a train for kids to ride around, and everything is really really cheap. Perfect way to spend time with kids.

Cute little zoo. We come here mainly for the train ride. You dont have to buy zoo entrance for the train ride but you probably should. Perfect for an easy, no frill Sunday afternoon family outing

Awsome Little Place with Train rides and Carousel!

Great place to go with the family

Great place for the family

Good place for quick visit and there is park outside for good small picnic

Clean, neat and had tigers, lions and bears!! Plus much much more.

What? Such a lovely place so close? Its perfect for a half day activities and part of a larger park where you can do SO much more. Be aware there is no food available so go prepared

Very Nice, Beatiful Place

Amazing zoo! My son loved it

Nice small zoo. Kids loved it. There is a park surrounding it in case you want to have a picnic.

This zoo is a great value. Its only 4 bucks for Bergen county residents. Also my friend Doug tried to kiss me here. That was wackadoo. There was also a cool bird feeding house!

This place is amazing! It has great service and other places where i have gone have lousy tour guides and employees but here everybody is so jolly and happy! I also loved the animals here.

A great experience for my husband, son and I. It was a bright and sunny day, and the zoo gave our 19 mo old his first introduction to a variety of animal life. The facility was small, and easy to navigate, just the right size for the attention span of a little one. We finished with a train ride that was a nice cap to a fun afternoon.