Bergen County Zoo
A charming local zoo in Paramus, NJ, featuring spider monkeys, alligators, and live animal shows, perfect for family outings.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easy parking
Bergen County Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easy parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming local zoo in Paramus, NJ, featuring spider monkeys, alligators, and live animal shows, perfect for family outings.
"Surprised by how excellent the zoo was even during off season (some of the animals were not in their habitats)."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase your tickets in advance online to streamline your entry.
🚶 Stroller Friendly Paths
The zoo is well-maintained and easy to navigate with strollers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spider Monkey Exhibit
Watch these agile primates swing and play in their habitat. A favorite for many visitors!
Alligator Encounter
Get a glimpse of these ancient reptiles. A thrilling sight for all ages.
Live Animal Shows
Enjoy a rotating schedule of engaging and educational presentations featuring various animals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Animal Availability
Consider Off-Season Visits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
"Let It Glow” holiday light show and event is back at the Bergen County Zoo
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase your tickets in advance online to streamline your entry.
🚶 Stroller Friendly Paths
The zoo is well-maintained and easy to navigate with strollers.
Bergen County Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park in Paramus is back for 2025 2026
Visiting from Canada
🚂 Train Ride Fun
Don't miss the paid train ride that circles the zoo for a different perspective.
💡 Check Exhibit Status
Inquire about which animals are off-exhibit before or upon arrival.
Winter activities for younger children
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Purchase your tickets in advance online to streamline your entry.
🚶 Stroller Friendly Paths
The zoo is well-maintained and easy to navigate with strollers.
🚂 Train Ride Fun
Don't miss the paid train ride that circles the zoo for a different perspective.
💡 Check Exhibit Status
Inquire about which animals are off-exhibit before or upon arrival.
🌟 "Let It Glow" Event
Experience the magical holiday light show with animal lanterns and train rides.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Bergen County Zoo to be a pleasant and manageable experience, especially for families. While the variety of animals isn't vast, the exhibits are engaging, and the zoo is noted for being clean and stroller-friendly. However, some recent reviews highlight concerns about the size of certain animal enclosures, particularly for mountain lions, and the impact of animals being off-exhibit on the visitor experience.
"We usually have a blast every time we come here. But when 1/2 the animals are off exhibit, that becomes frustrating for children & parents. We purchased tickets online, and there was no announcement as to which animals were not available for viewing. But if you buy tickets on site, there is a list of animals that you won't be able to see depending on the weather.
We went around 60°+ weather, and we saw the mountain lions, condor / vultur (he was hiding), llamas (only from the train), rhea / ostrich, pigs, goats, horse, sheep, donkey, goose, buffalo & elk. The main attractions for my kids, alligators, the indoor birds with turtles exhibit, owls, macaw, and so many more were unavailable.
Thankfully our kids are easily distracted & were just happy to be spending time with their cousins. But when that many animals are off exhibit, I definitely think the prices should be adjusted or the zoo should be free.
Parking was easy to find at 10:45am on a Sunday morning, and the zoo was pretty empty."
Ammarah Asghar
"Surprised by how excellent the zoo was even during off season (some of the animals were not in their habitats). Lots of great art everywhere - and a train you can take that circles the zoo (paid). Staff were all super friendly."
Joseph Alminawi
"It was good. Since I went in fall, some of the animals were not for exhibition and housed inside. The admission was free. The restroom was clean and the whole zoo was stroller friendly."
Tsering Sherpa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bergen County Zoo is located in Paramus, NJ. It's accessible by car, with parking generally easy to find, especially on Sunday mornings. Public transportation options may vary, so check local transit schedules for routes serving Paramus Park.
Yes, parking is available at the zoo. Visitors have reported that parking is usually easy to find, particularly on Sunday mornings.
The Bergen County Zoological Park is located within Paramus Park. For specific driving directions, it's best to use a GPS navigation system with the address 'Paramus Park, Paramus, NJ' or 'Bergen County Zoo, Paramus, NJ'.
While specific bus routes can change, it's advisable to check with local transit authorities for the most up-to-date information on public transportation options serving the Paramus area and the zoo's vicinity.
Driving is generally the most convenient way to reach the Bergen County Zoo in Paramus, NJ, due to ample parking availability.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary. It's recommended to check the official Bergen County Parks website or purchase tickets online for the most current pricing and to potentially secure them in advance.
Yes, you can typically purchase Bergen County Zoo tickets online. Buying in advance can save time and ensure entry, especially during peak seasons.
There are instances of free admission, particularly during the fall season. It's best to check the zoo's official schedule or local announcements for any free admission days.
Zoo hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the official Bergen County Parks website for the most accurate and up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Admission costs for the Paramus Zoo (Bergen County Zoo) can fluctuate. Refer to the official zoo website or ticketing platform for the latest admission prices.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Bergen County Zoo features a variety of animals including spider monkeys, alligators, mountain lions, llamas, pigs, goats, horses, sheep, donkeys, geese, and buffalo. However, availability can change based on weather and season.
Yes, the Bergen County Zoo is noted to be stroller friendly, making it easy for families with young children to navigate the grounds.
The zoo hosts special events, most notably the 'Let It Glow' holiday light show in November, featuring animal lanterns and a nighttime train ride.
The zoo offers a paid train ride that circles the park, providing visitors with a different perspective of the exhibits and grounds.
While not directly within the zoo, there is a nice splash pad and playground located right behind the zoo, which is a great addition for families.
📸 📸 Photography
The spider monkey exhibit and the 'Let It Glow' light show offer visually striking opportunities. Capturing the animals in their habitats, especially during lively moments, can yield great shots.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use at the Bergen County Zoo. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or restrictions near certain exhibits.
The 'Let It Glow' holiday event provides a unique nighttime photography experience with illuminated animal lanterns.
A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for the 'Let It Glow' event. For daytime visits, a standard DSLR or even a good smartphone camera will suffice for capturing the animals.
Be patient and observe animal behavior. Try to capture them in natural poses. Using a zoom lens can help get close-ups without disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the animals, the paid train ride offers a fun way to see more of the zoo, and the adjacent playground and splash pad are perfect for extending the fun. Visiting on a Sunday morning often means fewer crowds and easier parking.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pack your own snacks and drinks to save money on concessions. While the train ride has an additional cost, exploring the zoo on foot is a rewarding experience that doesn't cost extra. Keep an eye out for any special discount days or promotions that might be offered throughout the year.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For a truly unique photographic experience, plan a visit during the 'Let It Glow' holiday light show in November. The illuminated animal lanterns create a magical, albeit challenging, nighttime photography environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Animal Welfare Concerns
It's important for potential visitors to be aware of these concerns. While the zoo offers a variety of exhibits and educational opportunities, the welfare of the animals is a significant aspect of the visitor experience for many. Checking for updates on enclosure improvements or considering the ethical implications might be part of a visitor's decision-making process.
Despite these concerns, many visitors still find the zoo to be a good experience, especially families with young children who enjoy the accessible layout and the presence of many animals. The zoo's commitment to providing a positive experience for visitors, alongside efforts to address animal welfare, will be key moving forward.
Seasonal Events and Experiences
Beyond the holiday season, the zoo may offer other seasonal activities or educational programs. These events can provide a fresh perspective on the zoo and its inhabitants, making repeat visits worthwhile. It's always a good idea to check the zoo's official calendar for any upcoming special programming that might align with your visit.
These events not only enhance the visitor experience but also contribute to the zoo's operational funding, supporting their efforts in animal care and conservation. Planning your visit around these special occasions can add an extra layer of excitement to your trip to the Bergen County Zoo.
Family Fun and Amenities
Beyond the animal encounters, families can enjoy the paid train ride that circles the zoo, offering a different vantage point. Adjacent to the zoo, visitors will find a well-regarded splash pad and playground, providing ample opportunities for children to play and burn off energy after exploring the animal exhibits.
While some visitors have noted that certain popular animals might be off-exhibit, the overall experience for families often remains positive due to the accessible layout, the variety of animals present, and the additional amenities like the playground. The zoo's manageable size ensures that children can see a good portion of the exhibits without becoming overly tired.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit