It’s 9 a.m. on August 22nd. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is about to open for the 2025 fall season, and a line of hundreds of people snakes through the queue and spills into the parking lot. Residents have anxiously awaited the seasonal opening of one of Omaha’s best pumpkin patches. Excited customers sprint through the gates as they’re opened.
But before you rush to this iconic Omaha fall destination, here’s everything you need to know about Vala’s Pumpkin Patch.
- Inside Nebraska’s Largest Pumpkin Patch
- New Attractions at Vala’s
- Classic Attractions at Vala’s
- Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Ticket Prices
- How to Lower Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Cost
- Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Hours
- Food at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
- Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Policies
- Getting to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
Inside Nebraska’s Largest Pumpkin Patch
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch was founded in 1984 by Tim Vala. After struggling to find work during a recession, Tim decided to buy 10 acres of land in Gretna, Nebraska to plant strawberries and other crops for a u-pick farm. After accidentally growing too many pumpkins, Tim put an ad in the paper and organized hayrack rides to get rid of his excess harvest. Families loved it. For more than 40 years, the farm has grown from a small operation to a large fall attraction in Omaha.
Today, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is a family-owned business, ran by Tim’s three daughters, Kirsten, Kyla, and Kelsey. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is over 450 acres, 55 of those acres dedicated to pumpkins. Annual attendance at Vala’s is often around 300,000 people annually. No other pumpkin patches in Omaha can beat its scale of operations.
While many local patches focus on pumpkins and small activities, Vala’s offers more than 50 attractions, daily shows, and a full apple orchard. Here are more ways Vala’s sets itself apart from others in the area:
- Rides: Over 50 attractions during the fall season, including carnival-style rides, antique-style drive cars, a classic carousel, and more.
- Live Entertainment & Shows: Four live stages with shows happening daily, seasonal festivals, and evening events (like Fireworks Fridays).
- Variety of Food: Visitors have more than 20 options for drinks and food at Vala’s, like the Cider Mill or Poutine Porch, to get everything from snacks to full meals.
- Diverse Activities: Beyond pumpkin picking, visitors can grab apples at the orchard, walk through themed areas like the Storybook Barn and Garden, and more.
New Attractions at Vala’s
Each year the Vala family tries to add a few extra perks to make the experience feel even more special. This fall, guests will be treated to four new things to do at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch:
- Apple Swing Ride: This thrilling spinner twirls riders while giving them sweeping views of the gorgeous apple orchard.
- Slide Mountain: Guests race down the farm’s fastest slide on giant inner tubes.
- Poutine Porch: Located just east of the entrance, this eatery serves beds of French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds alongside floats and cider sodas.
- Drone Show: Tuesday through Saturday nights, guests can watch hundreds of drones fly high above the flower fields in the Cider Mill area.
Classic Attractions at Vala’s
While Vala’s Pumpkin Patch doesn’t have a roller coaster, there are still plenty of things to do, from watching pig races to braving the haunted house. Here are a few of the classic Vala’s Pumpkin Patch attractions and activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Included with General Admission
- Hayrack Ride to the Pumpkin Field (approximately 45 minutes round-trip)
- Hayrack Ride to the Apple Orchard (approximately 45 minutes round-trip)
- Pumpkin Creek Train Ride (approximately 15 minutes)
- Corn Maze
- Cousin Lauren’s Racin’ Pigs
- Jan’s Carousel
- Barnyard Adventure Ride
- Stefan’s Country Drive
- Freya’s Egg Spinners
Extra Cost
- Apple Blasters & Farmageddon Paintball Shootout: $18.99
- Campfire Rentals: $65+
- Pony Rides: $5+ for ages 12 and under only
- Pumpkins for Purchase: $0.59/pound or $35.99 if over 80 pounds
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Ticket Prices
The cost of Vala’s Pumpkin Patch tickets depends on the day of the week, whether you buy tickets online or in person, the type of season pass you choose, and more. The admissions barn and pony rides accept cash, but the rest of the farm is cashless. Read below to learn more about tickets to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch.
General Admission
- Monday – Thursday: $24.99 (in person), $22.49 (online)
- Friday – Sunday: $42.99 (in person), $38.69 (online)
Season Pass
- Everyday Pass: $99.99 (in person), $89.99 (online)
- Monday-Friday Pass: $64.99 (in person), $58.49 (online)
Every guest age 3 and older must have their own season pass or general admission ticket. Passes are nontransferable, and guests 16 and older must show a valid ID at the entrance.
How to Lower Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Cost
These are a few options to cut your cost of admission at Vala’s, along with tips from frequent visitors to help you get the most value out of your experience.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Deals & Discount Tickets
Along with buying tickets online, here are some more ways you can reduce the price of Vala’s pumpkin patch tickets:
- Military Discount: Discounted Military tickets can be bought at the Offutt AFB ITT office on base by active-duty military and their families.
- Discount Days: Vala’s offers several group discount days for visitors.
- Group Rates: Discounted ticket prices will begin for groups of over 25 people.
- Seasonal Promotions: Follow the Vala’s website for information about flash sales. They offer Labor Day sales each year at a 35% discounted price.
If you have additional questions about pricing and discounts, contact Vala’s!
Smart Ways to Save Once You’re at Vala’s
Visitors are allowed to bring in their own food and drinks, so you can always pack snacks and skip buying meals at Vala’s. Or opt out of any paid add-ons not covered by general admission—there’s still plenty to do without spending extra.
To get the most out of your ticket:
- Arrive Early: You’ll make the most of the day and avoid the late-afternoon crowds. Visitors typically spend anywhere from three to eight hours at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch.
- Use Re-Entry to Your Advantage: You can leave and come back the same day, so consider grabbing dinner elsewhere and returning for the fireworks or evening shows.
- Plan Your Route: With 50+ attractions, it’s easy to lose track of time (and money). Hit the must-dos first, then decide what’s worth the extra cost.
- Go During Off-Peak Days: Weekdays are cheaper and less crowded—meaning shorter lines and better parking spots.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Hours
- 2025 Season: August 30th – November 2nd
- Daily Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The best times to go to Vala’s are typically on weekdays, in the mornings, during Nebraska football games, or after Halloween to avoid large crowds. Because Vala’s opens daily at 9 a.m. and stays open as late as 9 or 10 p.m., you have all day to explore the many rides, shows, and food spots this Omaha pumpkin patch offers.
Consider this before planning your day at Vala’s:
- If you care about the Vala’s corn maze, it’s best to go earlier in the season before it gets trampled by thousands of visitors.
- Not all attractions may be open if you visit on a weekday or in the mornings.
- On busy days during peak season, try going through popular attractions first.
- Check Vala’s events calendar for special events like Halloween at Vala’s, when you can take your little ones trick-or-treating during the Pumpkin Harvest Festival.
Food at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
If you come hungry, you’ll have plenty to choose from—Vala’s has more than 20 food stands and restaurants scattered across the farm. Classic fall treats like apple cider donuts, caramel apples, funnel cakes, and roasted corn are fan favorites, but you’ll also find full meals like BBQ, turkey legs, poutine, and wood-fired pizza. My favorite? Apple pie at the Pie Barn. And you can leave with a bag of kettle corn and a bucket of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
Vala’s food prices range from about $5 to $15 depending on the stand, with combo meals on the higher end. For anyone who wants to try a little bit of everything, the Vala’s Food Passport is a prepaid punch card that lets you sample different snacks and drinks across the park.
No trip to Vala’s is complete without a stop at the Cider Mill. Their fresh-pressed apple cider is the star—available hot or cold. You’ll also find cider slushies and seasonal drinks like pumpkin spice lattes and hot chocolate on chilly days.
For adults, Vala’s serves alcohol like hard cider and flights of local craft beers in designated areas, including the Applewood Smokehouse and The Cider Shed.
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch Policies
Does Vala’s Take Cash?
Vala’s is a cashless farm, except for the admissions barn and pony rides.
Does Vala’s Allow Dogs?
No, pets aren’t allowed on the farm grounds unless they are trained service animals.
Can You Bring Food into Vala’s?
Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks into Vala’s. Picnic areas are available if you’d rather not buy meals inside.
Does Vala’s Sell Alcohol?
Yes, Vala’s serves hard cider and local craft beer in select areas of the farm.
Does Vala’s Charge for Parking?
No, Vala’s parking is free and first-come, first-served. The earlier you get there, the closer you’ll be able to park towards the entrance.
What Is Vala’s Rain Policy?
Vala’s will remain open unless the weather creates unsafe conditions. No refunds will be given if you attend and there is bad weather.
Are Vala’s Tickets Refundable?
No, tickets are nonrefundable and expire at the end of the 2025 season on November 2.
Can You Reenter Vala’s After Leaving?
Yes, you may ask for a wristband if you need to leave Vala’s and intend to return. When you get back, just show your wristband to the employee taking tickets at the entrance. The wristband will change colors every day.
What Ages Need Tickets at Vala’s?
Everyone aged 3 and older requires a general admission ticket to Vala’s. Guests ages 2 and under are free and do not require a ticket or season pass.
Are There Supervision Rules for Kids at Vala’s?
Yes, from 4:00 p.m. to close, visitors ages 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 19 or older at Vala’s.
Getting to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
If you’re planning your visit, here’s everything you need to know about Vala’s Pumpkin Patch directions—including its exact location and the easiest routes from nearby cities.
Where Is Vala’s Pumpkin Patch?
Vala’s is located at 12102 S 180th St in Gretna, Nebraska, right along I-80. It’s about 25 minutes from Midtown Omaha, 35 minutes from Council Bluffs, and 45 minutes from Lincoln.
Locals will recognize Vala’s at S 180th St and Schram Rd, about 5 miles East of Nebraska Crossing, not far from Omaha’s western suburbs, Papillion, Elkhorn, and Bellevue.
Driving Directions to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch
From Bellevue
Drive south on Fort Crook Rd. Take the NE-370 W exit. Merge onto Harlan Dr. Turn left onto S 180th St. Turn right onto Schram Rd. Vala’s will be on your left.
From Council Bluffs
Drive west on W Broadway. Take the I-480 W Exit. Take Exit 452C. Take Exit 439. Turn right onto NE-370 W. Turn left onto S 180th St. Turn right onto Schram Rd. Vala’s will be on your left.
From Downtown Omaha
Drive south on S 13th St. Take the I-80 W exit. Take Exit 439. Turn right onto NE-370 W. Turn left onto S 180th St. Turn right onto Schram Rd. Vala’s will be on your left.
From Lincoln
Drive east on I-80 E. Take Exit 432. Turn left onto NE-31 N. Turn right onto Capehart Rd. Turn left onto S 204th St. Turn right onto Schram Rd. Vala’s will be on your right just before the Schram Rd and S 180th St intersection.
Looking for more Omaha fall activities? From Omaha’s most haunted places to more ways to celebrate Halloween near you, check out Hurrdat ONE’s guides to the best local events, restaurants, and more things to do in Omaha!
