The Sussex County Fairgrounds host the annual New Jersey State Fair and many seasonal events on a sprawling rural property. Outside of fair week the grounds are spacious and quiet, while the fair itself brings animals, exhibits, and classic county-fair fun. It is a flexible destination that families can experience at very different energy levels. (37 Plains Road, Augusta, NJ 07822) 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 non-fair weekdays; early hours during the annual fair when crowds are thinnest. Confirm hours on the official site before you go.
What to expect
During the fair expect heavy crowds, loud rides, music, and strong food and animal smells, which can be overwhelming, so early-day arrival and a planned quiet zone help. Outside fair season the open grounds are calm and uncrowded, offering a peaceful place for a walk near the animal barns.
A few things your child may enjoy:
- Animal barns and livestock displays
- Open fairgrounds and walking areas
- Seasonal fair with rides and exhibits
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 Sussex County Fairgrounds (New Jersey State Fair) 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 Sussex 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.
In-home ABA therapy in Sussex County — no waitlist
BCBA-led, in-network care (NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid & commercial). We'll verify your coverage for free.
Schedule a free consultation ABA in Sussex County →