About Bergen County Zoo
Bergen County Zoo offers a charming and affordable experience for families, particularly those with young children. The zoo features engaging activities like train rides and seasonal events, making it a delightful outing without overwhelming crowds.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a quick and affordable outingParents with young children who prefer less crowded environmentsToddlers (2-4 years) enjoy short walk-throughs and train ridesPreschoolers (4-5 years) can appreciate interactive experiences
Why families love it
- Beautiful light displays during special events like the Holiday Lantern Spectacular
- Toddler-friendly activities and short walk-throughs suitable for young children
- Free parking and low admission fees ($4 for residents, $8 for non-residents)
- Friendly staff willing to share information about the animals
- Flat terrain ideal for strollers and wheelchairs
- Nearby picnic areas, playgrounds, and splash pads for additional family fun
Insider tips
- Dress warmly for evening events as temperatures can drop
- Check if specific animals are on exhibit before visiting
- Bring snacks or plan to purchase food separately, as not all items are included
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak hours or special events when crowds may be larger
- Expecting to see all advertised animals, as some may be off exhibit
- Reports of inadequate animal enclosures and poor treatment of some animals
- Many animals were 'off exhibit' during visits without prior notice
- Inconsistent information regarding included amenities like s'mores
- Crowds
- Can get busy during special events and weekends; visiting during weekdays may offer a quieter experience
- Value
- Admission is $4 for residents and $8 for non-residents, providing good value compared to larger zoos. However, be aware of additional costs for food and activities not included in the ticket price.
- Food
- Food and drink options are available for purchase, but not all advertised items are included with admission
- Accessibility
- The zoo is flat and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs
- Safety
- Staff presence to assist visitors and provide information about animal safety
What parents say
"We went for the glow show last night - took my 2 y/o and he loved it. It was super cold so be sure to bring an extra jacket. The walk-through was pretty short but just enough for a 2 y/o to enjoy :). Lights were super beautiful of course! We especially enjoyed the train ride and seeing the farm animals! (The other animals were out away because we have bookings from 5-6pm). Definitely recommend!"
a month ago
"Went for the Holiday Lantern Spectacular & it was a great experience. It's toddler friendly and caters to different age ranges. Ticket says s'mores come along with it that's not true - you have to purchase that apart. Other than that there's a lot to see and the train ride was the highlight of the trip. Highly recommend."
2 months ago
"Quaint little zoo. Very reasonably priced. Nice and flat, great for strollers/wheelchairs/people who can't walk on lots of hills. You can see everything in an hour. And if you have more time, you can have a picnic in the park nearby, go to the playground, tennis courts, splash pad. The staff are nice and will tell you about the animals if you have questions, like about their names and breeds. They have both more familiar animals and ones you've never heard of!"
5 months ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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