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Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard

📍 12102 S 180th St, Gretna, NE 68028🗓 September 15 – October 31, 2026🏷 Pricing TBD

One of Nebraska's largest fall agritourism operations, spanning 400 acres with 50+ attractions, 25 food locations, and extended daily hours (9am–9pm/10pm)—a full-day destination for families willing to manage large crowds and separate pumpkin/apple purchase costs.

Aerial view of Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard in Gretna, NE

What you get for the price

Included with admission

Pick Your Own PumpkinsPick Your Own ApplesHayridesCorn MazeLive ShowsFood CourtBarnyard Obstacle CoursePhoto Opportunities

Admission not specified; separate charges for pumpkins and apples

Our take

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is one of Nebraska’s largest fall agritourism destinations, operating 400 acres with 50+ attractions, 25 food locations, and extended daily hours. It is a full-day destination, not a casual afternoon stop. Peak crowds hit mid-October; plan for a late September or weekday visit if you prefer shorter lines.

The 400-acre property and 50+ attractions

The sheer scale sets Vala’s apart. Fifty attractions span pick-your-own pumpkins and apples, hayrides, corn maze, barnyard obstacle course, live entertainment, photo opportunities, petting areas, and carnival games. The property is large enough to absorb crowds across multiple simultaneous activities, but mid-October peak season will still produce 45-minute-plus lines for the most popular draws.

Food court and on-site dining

Twenty-five food locations from casual (corn, candy, popcorn, corn dogs) to sit-down options mean you can spend an entire day without leaving the property. This is convenient and an expense — budget $15–30+ per person for food if eating on-site is your plan. Alternatively, bring a picnic lunch and save significantly.

Pumpkins, apples, and purchase costs

Pick-your-own pumpkins and apples are available but carry separate charges beyond admission. The research notes note that pumpkins and apples are purchased additionally, so you may want to bring your own wagon or rent one on-site rather than hand-carrying heavy pumpkins across 400 acres.

Admission not detailed online

The research notes and VisitNebraska listings do not specify Vala’s 2026 gate admission price. Call (402) 332-4200 or check valaspumpkinpatch.com to ask current rates before the drive.

Crowd timing and the mid-October peak

Mid-October is peak season, with significant crowds (entire weekends can see 45-minute-plus lines). Late September and early October weekdays are substantially calmer. If you have schedule flexibility, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday in late September or the first two weeks of October. Evenings (after 5pm) and weekday visits tend to see shorter lines than midday Saturday/Sunday crowds.

Location and Omaha area accessibility

Vala’s is in Gretna, southwest of Omaha, 15–20 minutes from downtown. It is the flagship operation for the Omaha/Lincoln region. The research notes mention many four-hour round-trip visitors from Lincoln (30+ minutes south), making it a regional draw.

Hours and extended access

9am–9pm (Sun–Thu), 9am–10pm (Fri–Sat) means you can visit in late afternoon/evening and avoid midday crowds. A 5pm arrival and 8pm departure gives you three hours of exploration without the morning/early-afternoon crush.

Weather and gear for a full day

October in Gretna (south-central Omaha region) is mild to cool. Layers and comfortable, closed shoes are essential for six hours of walking and activity participation. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is helpful, as much of the 400 acres is open field.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

Mid-September through October 31, 2026, daily 9am–9pm (Sun–Thu) and 9am–10pm (Fri–Sat). Peak crowds hit mid-October; avoid that window if possible. Late September or early October weekdays are the most relaxed timeframe. If you have schedule flexibility, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit cuts crowds dramatically.

How long to budget

Four to six hours minimum, or a full day. With 50+ attractions and 25 food locations, most families spend half to full day. The sheer size means you will not hit everything, so prioritize before arrival.

Crowds

Mid-October is peak season; expect 45-minute-plus lines for popular attractions on October weekends. Late September and early October weekdays are significantly calmer. Fridays and Saturdays fill faster than weekdays. The farm's extended hours (9pm/10pm closing) allow evening visits, which tend to be lighter than midday.

Parking

Free on-site parking accommodated by 400 acres. Assume field parking; arrive early on peak weekends or plan to park on the periphery and shuttle in.

Strollers and accessibility

The farm spans 400 acres; most activities are outdoor terrain. Certain attractions (barnyard obstacle course, hayrides) may have accessibility limitations. Call (402) 332-4200 to discuss specific mobility needs; the farm is large enough to likely offer some accessible routes and attractions.

What to bring

  • Cash or cards for food (25 locations) and pumpkins (purchased separately); admission cost structure not specified
  • Closed shoes for all-day walking and obstacle course participation
  • Layers and a light jacket; October temperatures are mild to cool
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
  • Comfortable walking shoes — 400 acres means significant distance on foot

How to spend less here

  • Admission cost is not specified online; research notes note 'separate charges for pumpkins and apples,' implying admission is separate. Call (402) 332-4200 to ask about 2026 gate fees and package options.
  • Bring your own wagon or rent one on-site to carry heavy pumpkins; the size of the property makes carrying multiple pumpkins uncomfortable.
  • Budget for food; the 25 on-site food locations are a convenience and an expense. Eating lunch on-site adds $15–30+ to the day cost.
  • Peak midweek pricing or multi-day tickets may exist; call to ask.

Who it suits

Good for

  • Families with kids 3 to 12; the attraction count spans all ages (petting, obstacle course, slide, photo ops, carnival games, live shows)
  • Extended family or friend-group outings; 400 acres accommodates large groups
  • Visitors in the Omaha area (Sarpy County, south of Omaha); Vala's is the regional flagship operation
  • Anyone seeking a full-day outing with food and entertainment integrated into the patch experience

Worth pairing with

Vala's is in Gretna, southwest of Omaha (15–20 minutes drive). If you are in the Omaha area, combine Vala's with downtown Omaha attractions, the Omaha Zoo (when open), or a side trip to Lincoln (30+ minutes south). Many four-hour round-trip visitors from Lincoln drive down for the day.

Common questions

How many attractions does Vala's have?

Vala's advertises 50+ attractions across 400 acres. The count includes hay rides, corn maze, barnyard obstacle course, photo opportunities, live shows, petting zoo areas, and family carnival games. Attraction list is too long to detail here; call (402) 332-4200 for the complete current lineup.

Is admission included in the price, or do pumpkins cost extra?

Research notes indicate separate charges for pumpkins and apples, implying admission is separate. Vala's official website lists food locations but does not detail the entry fee structure online. Call (402) 332-4200 to ask current 2026 pricing and package options.

What food is available on-site?

Twenty-five food locations span casual (corn, candy, popcorn, corn dogs) to sit-down style. Bring your own picnic lunch as an option to reduce spending, or budget for on-site meals.

When is Vala's least crowded?

Late September and early-to-mid October weekdays (Monday–Thursday) are the least crowded. Mid-October weekends are peak and should be avoided if you prefer shorter lines.

When is Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard open in 2026?

September 15 – October 31, 2026. Daily, mid-September through October 31. Hours: Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm.

How much does Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard cost?

Admission pricing was not published when we last checked. Admission not specified; separate charges for pumpkins and apples

Where is Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard?

12102 S 180th St, Gretna, NE 68028, in Sarpy County. It is one of 5 patches we track in Omaha Region.

How Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard compares in Omaha Region

We track 5 patches in Omaha Region, 1 of which are free to walk into. The farm has not published a gate price, so it cannot be compared on cost — call before you budget.

Its season runs about 47 days against a regional average of 50, so it is broadly in line with the rest of the region.

What sets it apart locally: it has a corn or crop maze, which most Omaha Region patches on our list do not.

Other patches near Gretna

There is 1 other patch we track in Sarpy County. All Omaha Region patches →

Quick facts

SeasonSeptember 15 – October 31, 2026
Days openDaily, mid-September through October 31
HoursSun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm
AdmissionNot published
CountySarpy County
RegionOmaha Region

Sources

valaspumpkinpatch.com

Checked August 2026.