If you live anywhere near Omaha, you already know what happens when the first hint of fall hits Nebraska.
The hoodies come out. Pumpkin spice starts appearing everywhere. And suddenly, everyone you know is making plans to head to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard.
And honestly? We get it.
Vala’s has become one of those fall traditions that just feels like part of living in the Omaha area. But calling it a “pumpkin patch” almost doesn’t do it justice anymore. With more than 50 attractions, food around practically every corner, live entertainment, apple picking, pumpkin picking, rides, cider and enough activities to keep your family busy for hours, Vala’s is basically a full-blown fall theme park.
The catch?
You need a plan.
So before you load up the family and head toward Gretna, here’s our updated 2026 guide to surviving Vala’s Pumpkin Patch.
First Things First: Vala’s 2026 Dates & Hours
Vala’s is celebrating its 42nd year in 2026!
The 2026 season begins with an exclusive Season Passholder Day on Thursday, September 3, followed by regular admission beginning Friday, September 4. Vala’s will then be open every day through Sunday, November 1.
2026 Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 9 AM–9 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 9 AM–10 PM
Vala’s operates in most weather, so a little Nebraska drizzle doesn’t necessarily mean the farm is closing. For severe weather, check Vala’s directly for the latest updates before heading out.
Let’s Talk Tickets
This is one of the biggest things to know before you go because the day you choose to visit can make a BIG difference.
General admission for 2026 is listed at:
Monday–Thursday: $26.99 per person
Friday–Sunday: $45.99 per person
Kids ages 2 and under are free.
Vala’s also offers discounted pricing when tickets are purchased online, so buying ahead is definitely worth checking before you leave.
If you’re one of those families that says, “We’re only going once this year,” and then somehow ends up at Vala’s four times before Halloween, you may want to look at a season pass instead.
Rule #1: If You Hate Crowds, Go During the Week
We need to get this one out of the way.
A beautiful 65-degree Saturday in October at Vala’s?
You and approximately every other person in eastern Nebraska had the exact same idea.
If your schedule allows it, Monday through Thursday is your friend. Not only is general admission less expensive, but you’ll typically have an easier time getting around and fitting more into your day.
If the weekend is your only option, get there early.
Vala’s opens at 9 AM, and those first couple of hours can be golden. Hit the attractions you absolutely don’t want to miss first and save the wandering, eating and shopping for later.
What’s New at Vala’s for 2026?
Even if your family goes to Vala’s every single year, there are some brand-new reasons to visit in 2026.
Ahoy! Explore the NEW Captain Elias’ Shipwreck Cove
One of the biggest additions this year is Captain Elias’ Shipwreck Cove, an all-new pirate-themed area that’s bringing a whole new adventure to the farm.
Inside Shipwreck Cove, families can check out several new experiences, including:
- NEW Pirate Ship Ride
- NEW Putt-Putt Golf Course
- NEW Interactive Bubble Wands
- NEW Build A Buddy
- Plenty of pirate-themed fun to explore along the way
Basically, your peaceful little trip to pick pumpkins may now involve joining a pirate crew.
We’re not mad about it.
If you’ve been bringing your family to Vala’s for years, Shipwreck Cove should definitely be on your 2026 must-do list. It’s an entirely new area to explore and gives even longtime Vala’s visitors something they’ve never experienced before.
And while you’re over there, you may want to arrive hungry. Vala’s also has Pirates’ Cove Grub & Grog, serving tacos, loaded nachos, quesadillas and rice bowls on limited nights and weekends.
Saddle Up for the NEW Pony Express
Pirates aren’t the only new adventure this year.
Vala’s has also added the Pony Express, a brand-new family spin coaster featuring plenty of twists, turns and mild drops.
It’s designed to be a family-friendly ride, although height and rider restrictions apply.
So yes.
Vala’s has pirates AND a coaster now.
Remember when we just came here for pumpkins?
At this rate, we’re approximately three years away from needing a Vala’s FastPass.
Don’t Try to Do Everything
This may be the single most important piece of advice in this entire guide.
You do not have to do everything at Vala’s.
There are more than 50 attractions.
You’re going to see the Pumpkin Creek Train Ride, jumping pillows, Egg Scramble, the Big Slide, Stalk Cars, Graveyard Golf, Pumpkinapolis 500 Carts, the Barnyard Challenge Course and Zip Line, Pirate Maze, Storybook Barn, Spook Shed, Haunted Farmhouse, Pumpkin Lights Trail…
…and somewhere in the middle of all that, someone in your family is going to want a snack.
Pick your must-dos and consider everything else a bonus.
Your feet will thank you.
Get Lost in the Corn Maze — But Do It Before 6
Need a little break from the main action?
Head to the 3-acre corn maze.
The design changes each year, so even Vala’s veterans get a new maze to tackle.
Just keep an eye on the clock because the corn maze closes at 6 PM.
And yes, intentionally getting lost in a cornfield is apparently considered family entertainment.
We’re not questioning it.
Take the Classic Hayrack Ride to the Pumpkin Field
You can’t go to Vala’s and skip the classic hayrack ride.
Admission includes the hayrack ride out to the pumpkin field. You can stay aboard just for the ride or hop off and search for your perfect pumpkin.
Just remember: the pumpkin itself is not included with admission.
For 2026, pumpkins are 59 cents per pound, and Vala’s grows around 30 varieties across approximately 55 acres.
And if your child selects a pumpkin roughly the size of a Volkswagen?
Congratulations on your new financial investment.
There are also pre-picked pumpkins available near the exit if you’d rather skip carrying one around.
Apple Picking Deserves Its Own Trip
Vala’s isn’t only about pumpkins.
The apple orchard is another huge part of the experience, and if you’ve never done the U-Pick orchard, it’s worth adding to your fall bucket list.
You’ll purchase a U-Pick bag before boarding a hayrack to the orchard, where you’ll be dropped off near varieties that are currently ripe.
Orchard hayrack rides generally run from 9 AM to 6:30 PM daily, so don’t wait until the very end of your visit if apple picking is high on your list.
Pro tip: If your family REALLY loves Vala’s, consider making apple picking and pumpkin picking separate visits. Trying to conquer the orchard, pumpkin field and the entire farm in one day can turn your relaxing fall outing into an endurance sport.
Let’s Discuss the REAL Reason We’re Here: The Food
Sure, there are pumpkins.
Sure, there are rides.
But have you smelled Vala’s apple cider donuts?
Exactly.
Food is basically an attraction of its own here.
Some classics worth putting on your list include:
- Apple cider donuts from Harvest Barn Donuts
- Mini chocolate chip cookies from Bob’s Cookie Coop
- Homemade pies from The Pie Barn
- Fresh apple cider
- Hand-dipped caramel apples
- Kettle corn
- Funnel cakes
- Soft pretzels
- BBQ from Ethan’s Applewood Smokehouse
- Burgers and shakes from the Dairy Barn
- Fudge from Lolo’s
- Pumpkin bars and baked goodies to take home from the Big Barn Bakery
Our advice?
Pace yourself.
You have hours of eating ahead of you.
Pig Races + Cookies = A Perfect Break
At some point, everyone is going to need to sit down.
That’s when you find the pig races.
Grab a bucket of cookies, find yourself a spot and let the racing pigs provide the entertainment while everyone gets a much-needed break.
It’s one of those classic Vala’s combinations that somehow makes perfect sense once you’re there.
Kids get pigs.
Parents get to sit.
Everybody gets cookies.
No notes.
Apple Blasters Are Still Worth a Stop
Feeling competitive?
Head over to the Apple Blasters, where you can fire apples from an air cannon toward targets.
Apple Blasters are one of the attractions that cost extra beyond general admission, along with activities such as Farmageddon Paintball Shootout and Gemstone Mining.
Think of these as bonus activities rather than something you need to squeeze into every visit.
Stay After Dark
Vala’s feels completely different once the sun goes down.
If your kids can hang, staying into the evening is worth it.
One attraction to check out is the Pumpkin Lights Trail, where you’ll find lights, fog and plenty of fall atmosphere—including a giant Jack-O-Lantern that’s perfect for a family photo.
The spooky attractions also hit a little differently after dark.
Just know your audience.
The Spook Shed is designed with younger kids in mind, while the Haunted Farmhouse and Haunted Trail can be a little spookier.
Parents: Yes, There Is Hard Cider
We haven’t forgotten about you.
Vala’s produces its own hard cider using apples from its orchard, and you’ll find cider available at several spots around the farm, including the Cider Mill, Barrel Barn, Cider House, Cider Silo and Cider Wagon.
The Cider Mill is especially worth visiting. You can see where orchard apples are stored and pressed, grab sweet or hard cider and take a break overlooking the pond and water wheel.
Vala’s also has special Sunset Orchard Cider Tastings on select Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during September and early October for guests 21 and older. These require a separate tasting ticket in addition to general admission or a season pass.
Bring a Wagon or Stroller
If you’re bringing little kids, trust us on this one.
Bring. The. Wagon.
Vala’s does not rent strollers or scooters, and you’re going to do a LOT of walking.
Even kids who insist they are “NOT TIRED” at 2 PM somehow become physically incapable of taking another step approximately seven minutes later.
A wagon also comes in handy for jackets, water bottles, purchases and all the other random things your family will accumulate throughout the day.
Wear Shoes You Don’t Care About
Vala’s is a farm.
Dress accordingly.
Nebraska weather can turn a perfectly innocent patch of dirt into ankle-deep mud surprisingly quickly.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes are your best bet, especially because some attractions specifically require them.
This is not the day to break in your brand-new white sneakers.
Unless you enjoy living dangerously.
Know Before You Go: Vala’s Is Mostly Cashless
Don’t show up with a wallet full of cash and assume you’re set.
Vala’s operates primarily as a cashless farm. Food locations and most areas accept major credit cards and digital/contactless payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Cash can still be used at the main admission windows, and certain locations allow guests to purchase or reload a Vala’s gift card using cash.
Planning ahead will save you some frustration once you’re inside.
Have Teenagers? Know the Chaperone Policy
Families visiting later in the day should also know about Vala’s chaperone policy.
From 9 AM–4 PM, there is no chaperone policy.
From 4 PM until closing, guests ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 19 years old for the duration of their visit.
Keep that in mind if you’re dropping off older kids or coordinating a group visit.
What Should You Bring to Vala’s?
Here’s our unofficial survival kit:
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
- A wagon or stroller for younger kids
- Layers — because Nebraska
- Sunscreen for warm September days
- A water bottle
- Phone charger or portable battery
- Credit/debit card or digital payment method
- A plan for your must-do attractions
- Enough phone storage for approximately 4,000 pumpkin pictures
- Patience
That last one is especially important.
One Last Tip: Your Car Is Going to Need Some Help
Between the pumpkin field, corn maze, apple orchard, snacks, dirt and whatever your kids managed to bring back with them, your vehicle may look a little different than it did when you arrived.
That’s part of the Vala’s experience.
Fortunately, once the fall adventure is over, you can always give your vehicle a little reset at H+H Shine Shop.
Because the pumpkin belongs on your porch.
Not ground into the floor mats.
Ready for Vala’s 2026?
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard is located at 12102 S. 180th Street in Gretna, Nebraska.
The 2026 season runs September 4 through November 1, with the special Season Passholder Day on September 3.
Whether you’re going for pumpkins, apples, rides, cider donuts, family pictures or simply an excuse to eat your body weight in fall food, there’s a reason Vala’s has become an Omaha-area tradition.
Make a plan, wear comfortable shoes, arrive hungry and accept the fact that you’re probably not going to see everything.
There’s always another Vala’s day.
Happy fall, Omaha! 🎃🍎
