Van Saun County Park and the Saddle River County Park pathway system are anchoring a shift in how regional visitors view Paramus, transforming the borough from a pure retail hub into a premier summer day-trip destination. While the municipality is nationally recognized for its major shopping corridors, its preserved green spaces, agricultural history, and family-friendly attractions offer a robust itinerary for those looking to spend a full day outdoors.
For families traveling with young children, Van Saun County Park on Forest Avenue serves as the ideal morning anchor. Spanning more than 130 acres, the park features the Bergen County Zoo, which is nationally accredited and showcases a wide variety of North and South American wildlife. Children can board the miniature train that loops around the zoo's perimeter or ride the historic carousel. During the peak summer heat, families frequent the massive playground complex and splash pad area to cool off before lunch.
Couples looking for a more active, nature-oriented excursion can pivot to the Saddle River County Park pathway. The Dunkerhook Area, accessible via Paramus Road, features a scenic multi-use paved trail that winds alongside the Saddle River. This path connects multiple municipal parks and is highly favored by local cyclists, runners, and walkers. The shade from mature oak and maple trees keeps the path comfortable even during mid-summer afternoons, and the historic waterfall near the Dunkerhook bridge provides a scenic backdrop for photographs.
To incorporate local culture and history into the day, the Fritz Behnke Historical Museum on Paramus Road offers a look into the borough's agricultural past. Before the construction of the Garden State Plaza and Route 4, Paramus was a vital farming community. The museum preserves this heritage through exhibits of antique farming equipment, household items from the 19th century, and vintage photographs detailing the area’s rapid post-World War II suburbanization.
Rounding out the day trip requires sampling the local culinary scene, which extends far beyond mall food courts. For an upscale dinner, couples often head to Biagio’s on Paramus Road, a long-standing Italian institution featuring an outdoor terrace that overlooks the adjacent golf course. Families may prefer the casual, retro atmosphere of the Suburban Diner on Route 17, a classic New Jersey staple known for its extensive menu and quick service, making it a convenient final stop before heading home.