Bergen County Department of Parks

Bergen County Zoo Links

• Van Saun Fee Schedule
• Education Programs
• Education Program Reservation Form
• Education Programming Fees
• Tips for a Successful Class Trip
• Bergen County Zoo Docents
• Bergen County Nursing Homes
• Zoo Camp
• Birthday Parties
• Story Time
• Volunteering at the Zoo
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Bergen County Zoological Park

* The zoo charges seven days a week. The Train and Carousel are both closed on Wednesday.

Tips For a Successful Visit or Class Trip to the Zoo

* The Bergen County Zoo exhibits animals from North and South America. (That's why you won't see any tigers, giraffes, or elephants.) As you enter the zoo, the North American Great Plains exhibit is to your left. To the right is our farmyard. Beyond the farm, over the bridge, are the Central and South American animals and the North American Wetlands Aviary. Restrooms are available outside the Parkside Cafe, in the zoo (near the farm area,) and near the playground.

* The zoo charges seven days a week. The Train, Carousel and Budgie Exhibit are closed on Wednesday.

* Your education program will last approximately 45 minutes (1/2 hour for pre-K, Kg., and scout groups.) The rest of the time you spend in the zoo and park is on your own. If you will be breaking up into smaller groups to walk around the zoo, be sure each chaperone knows your schedule - lunch time, program time, departing time, etc. The zoo will schedule your program time only. You are responsible for scheduling the rest of your day.

* The Bergen County Zoo does not provide an area to store lunches. If you plan to leave your lunches on the bus, check with your driver to be sure the bus remains in the lot during your visit.

* The Bergen County Zoo does not provide chaperones. Please follow your school's guidelines for the number of chaperones for your group. While you may need more chaperones for the park and zoo visit, please be aware that no more than three chaperones (including teachers) will be allowed in the classroom during the program. In addition, children of chaperones (siblings of children in the class) will not be admitted in the classroom, regardless of their age. Our classroom is small, and we must reserve the space for the students, their teacher, two additional chaperones, and zoo staff. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

* To enjoy your trip to the Bergen County Zoo, please observe the following:
1. The zoo is open from 10 am - 4:30 pm. We invite you to visit the zoo during those times. The park, playground, and picnic areas are open from dawn - dusk.
2. The entire zoo is a smoke-free area. Please extinguish all cigarettes before entering the zoo.
3. Children must be accompanied by adult chaperones at all times.
4. Please walk through the zoo. Rollerblades, bicycles, and skateboards are prohibited.
5. Visitors must remain on designated paths; please observe all barriers.
6. Do not climb on fences, rocks, or benches.
7. Food must be kept in the designated picnic areas.
8. Do not feed any zoo or wild animals. Zoo animals are on special diets, and other food may be harmful to them. Feeding wild animals (including the ducks and geese) is prohibited in Van Saun County Park.
9. In general, touching the farm animals is not recommended, especially for young children or people with compromised immune systems. If members of your group do touch one of the farm animals, they should immediately wash their hands with soap and warm water.

* For teachers: you can prepare your students for their class trip by discussing the details with them. Where are they going? Have they been there before? What is the title of the program they will attend? How are they expected to behave during a zoo program? How much time will they get to spend "just looking" at the animals in the zoo? Will they be in small groups with a chaperone, or will the whole class stay together in the zoo? Will they get to ride the train and carousel? Play on the playground? Buy something in the gift shop? What should they bring for lunch, or will they buy it at the zoo? What should they wear? Can they bring cameras? By discussing these issues with your students (and chaperones!) in the weeks and days before the trip, you will eliminate much confusion on the day of the trip.