For a limited time through January 26 (conveniently the end of Yeshiva Week break), Bergen County’s Van Saun Park is hosting its annual Winter Wonderland event, bringing festive cheer to the chilly season. Situated just outside the Van Saun Park Zoo, the Wonderland offers a variety of outdoor winter activities for all ages, including ice skating, marshmallow roasting, bumper cars, and more. My wife, Ahuva, and I visited the winter fest one afternoon and had a marvelous time exploring the activities.
Van Saun Park has plenty of parking, though it can require a bit of extra driving during busy times. When Ahuva and I visited, the lot near the Van Saun zoo was full, but we easily found a spot just two lots down. It was only a short, pleasant five-minute walk, taking us through a bustling playground and across a charming bridge overlooking a stream.
As we entered the Bergen County Winter Wonderland, I was struck by how much larger it was than I had expected. At the entrance, vibrant, rainbow-colored booths welcomed guests as they purchased their tickets. To the left, a classic carousel spun cheerfully, included with admission and drawing smiles from both kids and adults. To the right, a food truck added to the atmosphere with soothing music and the aroma of warm treats. Further in, a lively bumper car arena buzzed with excitement inside a white tent set up on what was once a tennis court. Straight ahead, the centerpiece of the park came into view: a bright and bustling outdoor ice-skating rink where skaters glided across the ice, soaking in the crisp winter air.
When we reached the booths, our pre-purchased tickets were scanned, and we received separate wristbands for the ice-skating rink, bumper cars, and a ticket for the carousel. (Note: the carousel ticket is included with ice skating, but the bumper cars are an additional $12 per person.)
Security then checked our bags, and we couldn’t help but notice the abundance of officers stationed around the park, which added an extra layer of comfort and safety. Ahuva and I headed towards the ice-skating rink since it requires a reserved time slot with a two-hour limit, unlike the other activities that can be enjoyed anytime throughout the day.
Just to preface, I don’t know how to ice skate. I never learned, and every time I’ve tried, I have not had success doing so. (Feel free to read my failed attempt to do so at Bryant Park—see issue #509.) Needless to say, I was nervous to give it another shot. But Ahuva had always wanted me to take her ice skating, and she was not about to let me off the hook this time. The rink itself was exquisite with the Bergen County seal depicting a European colonist shaking hands with a Native American painted prominently in the center of the ice. Behind the rink stood a towering Christmas tree and a large menorah, adding a festive touch to the holiday season.
To pick up our skates, we made our way to the back-left white tent. Inside, the heaters were on, warming up guests from the cold. Several flat-screen TVs near a bar selling snacks and drinks were showing various sports games. Ahuva and I showed our wristbands and exchanged our shoes for skates. When I have gone ice skating in the past, the skates usually had laces that required intricate knotting to stay tight. These skates, however, featured adjustable plastic straps, similar to zip ties. To put them on, I simply flipped the strap open, slid my foot in, pulled it to tighten, locked it in place, and pressed a button to loosen when done. For rent, animal-shaped skating aids were available for $10 per 25 minutes to help newer or younger skaters on the rink, but I decided not to get one and try skating on my own. With our skates on, we ventured onto the rink.
Upon stepping onto the ice, my legs began to quiver with nerves, afraid of slipping. Ahuva reassured me to stay close to the wall and reminded me that it was okay to fall. With her encouragement, I slowly but surely completed one full lap around the rink. The upbeat pop music playing in the background added to the carefree atmosphere, making the experience much more pleasant. Feeling content with my brief effort, I decided to step off the ice after finishing my lap, while Ahuva stayed on for one more lap just for fun. Although we only spent about 20 minutes on the rink, far short of the two-hour time slot, those who love ice skating would definitely have plenty of time to make the most of it.
After returning our skates in the tent, Ahuva and I strolled through the various areas of the Winter Wonderland, soaking in the festive sights and smells. The air was filled with the aroma of delicious foods from several food trucks, though Ahuva pointed out it was a missed opportunity that none of them offered kosher options. Nearby, families huddled around bonfires, toasting marshmallows on sticks and savoring the warmth of the fire. I would highly recommend bringing your own marshmallows and sticks to make the most of this cozy experience. We also stopped by the igloo near the ice rink, where kids were immersed in face painting and henna art, and winter-themed memorabilia was set up for guests to explore.
The highlight of the day for me was definitely the bumper cars. On the tennis courts, another large white tent was pitched, and over the pavement, a flat rubbery floor was placed to allow the bumper cars to glide smoothly. The bumper cars were shaped like oversized inflatable rings with a sturdy seat in the center for the rider. The inflatable outer ring provided cushioning for every bump, making collisions both fun and safe. Each car was controlled using two levers within arm’s reach, with both pushed forward to move straight, both pulled back to reverse, and each lever used individually to steer left or right.
For this experience, we only had to wait about 10 minutes before it was our turn. Soon, Ahuva and I, along with about a dozen other people, selected our vehicles. I chose a blue car, while Ahuva picked a green and orange one. For the next six minutes, we had a blast bumping into each other and crashing into the cars of strangers. I especially enjoyed heading to one of the corners to get as much of a running start as possible and then driving backward without looking until I hit another car (or a wall).
To conclude our visit, Ahuva and I made our way back to the front of the Winter Wonderland where the carousel was located. I have always enjoyed theme park rides, and carousels are no exception, so I was excited for this one. The carousel sat beneath a quaint wooden gazebo and was beautifully lit with ornate golden details and bright decorative lights. We chose horses next to each other, complete with sparkling gems by the reins. The carousel featured a variety of animals to ride on, including a zebra, giraffe, cheetah, rooster, and more, likely a nod to the neighboring zoo. The ride lasted a few minutes, and I found it relaxing as our horses bobbed gently up and down. On our way back to the car, we stopped at the playground we had walked through earlier and spent a few minutes on the swings, a fun and lighthearted way to end our day.
I would highly recommend checking out the Bergen County Winter Wonderland if you have an extra day in the tri-state area and are looking for an outdoor winter activity to enjoy with the family. Ahuva and I spent a few hours at the Wonderland, and if you visit the neighboring zoo, it easily adds up to a full day’s worth of activities for an affordable price. Even if you’re not into ice skating like me, getting to ride the bumper cars and carousel and strolling through the scenic winter setting is well worth the price of admission.
Wishing you and your family a winterful break!
Zachary Greenberg has been an avid reader of The Jewish Link since 2015 and a member of its staff since February 2022. He is currently seeking a new full-time role in a business or data-related field. Beyond writing for The Link, he works part-time as the director of the Keter Torah teen minyan for boys and as the TABC track coach. He recently watched What If…? Season 3 on Disney+. Zack is also featured in Teaneckopoly on a Chance card. Email him at [email protected] if you have any activity suggestions, and be sure to follow his Instagram page, @FunZacktivities, for more content!
