This riverside historic site preserves several 18th-century Dutch stone houses, including the 1752 Steuben House where General Washington briefly made his headquarters. The grounds and swinging bridge over the Hackensack River make for a short, story-rich outing. Open hours are limited, so it rewards a planned visit. (1201 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661) With a little planning, a visit can be a calm, joyful day for an autistic child. Here is a sensory-friendly guide from our BCBA-led team — what to expect, the quietest times to go, and how to prepare.
The best time to visit
Ask the venue about quieter days or low-sensory hours, and aim for weekday and non-event open hours; check the schedule before visiting when crowds are thinnest. Confirm hours on the official site before you go.
What to expect
The outdoor grounds are calm and open, while the historic houses are small, quiet, and best explored a few people at a time. It is rarely crowded outside of special events, which can be louder and busier. Expect old wooden floors, tight historic rooms, and uneven outdoor footing near the river.
A few things your child may enjoy:
- 1752 Steuben House, a Revolutionary War landmark
- Historic Dutch stone houses and a swinging bridge
- Riverside grounds maintained by the Bergen County Historical Society
How to prepare your child
- Preview it. Look at photos or a map together beforehand so the visit feels predictable (a simple “social story”).
- Use “first–then.” “First we look around, then we get a snack.”
- Pack comfort items — noise-canceling headphones, a favorite fidget, water, and a familiar snack.
- Plan a quiet exit — pick a calm spot for a break if your child gets overwhelmed.
How ABA therapy makes outings like this easier
Community trips are exactly where ABA skills pay off. A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can help your child practice the very skills a visit to Historic New Bridge Landing (Steuben House) demands — waiting, transitioning between activities, asking for a break, staying close in crowds, and tolerating new sights and sounds. At Autumn ABA, our community-based and natural-environment sessions build these skills in the real settings where they matter. Many Bergen County families work on exactly these goals so days out become something to look forward to. Learn more about our in-home, school, community, and telehealth ABA programs.
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