Helpful Tips for Visiting Vala’s Pumpkin Patch!

September 14, 2012

$A close up of a sign for Vala\'s Pumpkin Patch.$

My family and I love visiting Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. It is one of the best Pumpkin Patches in the country and we are lucky to have it right here in Gretna! Last year, we purchased a family pass and visited at least once/week with my two young children. My kids love it, although I am not sure who is more excited when we visit!

There is so much to see and do, be sure to plan several hours (if not the entire day!) to experience Vala’s. Free parking is available, although it is best to arrive early on the weekends to avoid long lines. Enjoy!

Be sure to also see:

Highlights $A group of people playing on a court at Vala\'s Pumpkin Patch.$

There are many activities for all ages to enjoy. 44 Attractions and 3 Live Shows Daily all included in the admission price.
My young children love the Storybook Barn, Hayrack ride, the huge slide, petting corral, Bunnyville, Ducky Derby, Pedal Trikes, and the Barnyard Adventure Ride.
My favorites are the Pumpkin Jump, Corn Maze, Lost Pumpkin Mine, and Family Pedal Carts (I cannot stop laughing when I ride those!)
Older kids and teens enjoy all of the above plus Pumpkinapolis 500 Extreme track and Haunted Farmhouse
Many Play Areas are available including the Applewood Play Area, Hackberry Hideout, and the Corn Wagon Play Area.
Live Shows add to the fun! The Pig Races (listen closely for the pig jokes!), Pumpkin Cannon, Pumpkin Eating Dragon Show, and the Barnyard Animal Band (my kids favorite!) are all enjoyable.
Ample shopping for pick-your-own pumpkins, gourds, jams, cider, candy, and baked goods (you get to smell these on the way out!)
Reserve a campfire and cook your own dinner or s’mores!

What to Bring

Sunscreen, water, good walking shoes, and a jacket for the cooler evenings.

Strollers – If you have little ones, it is a good idea to bring a smaller stroller for when they get tired (since there is a lot of walking). It is a little difficult to move the strollers through the dirt walkways, and so a lightweight stroller is best.

Admission and Special Events $A large colorful wooden shoe with cut out windows at Vala\'s Pumpkin Patch.$

Current 2012 Admission:

Mondays – Thursdays – $9.99/person
Fridays – Sundays – $13.29/person
Ages 2 and under are FREE to enter Vala’s
Purchase tickets online here.
Season Passes are also available for $29.00/person. A great option if you visit several times like we do!

Additional Costs:

Quarters for food in petting areas.
Pumpkin Creek Railroad Train Ride $3.00 per person
Pony Ride $5.00 per child
Paint Ball Shoot-out $2.00 per person, 10 shots $5.00 per person, 30 shots $7.50 per person, 50 shots
Apple Sling Shot $1.00 per person, 3 apples $5.00 per person, 18 apples
Water Blasters $1.00 per shot

Available Discounts and Coupons

Pinpoint Rewards (an awesome free discount and rewards program in Omaha) has been running special Vala’s promotions all season. Follow Pinpoint Rewards on Facebook for details.

SUPERPASS: Purchase tickets to Vala’s at any No Frills Supermarket or Bag ‘N Save for $13.29 each. They contain a coupon for $2.50 off a pumpkin and a “Vala Buck” for $1.00.

Half-Price Tickets will be sold on local radio stations throughout the season (Sorry – all of these have sold out)! Check here for more dates on Vala’s Promotions Page.

September 21st and 23rd – Military Appreciation Day. Show your active military ID and each family member will receive a discounted admission price of $7.39 per person ($6.00 off the General Admission price).

September 29th – Q98-Five and No Frills Supermarkets are giving you the chance to win No Frills Super Passes to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch with fun games. Join Sparker at No Frills on Saturday, September 29th, 10am-12pm. Location TBA.

October 31st – Happy Halloween Special: $7.00 per person admission

Check Vala’s Promotions Calendar for Military Appreciation Days, Girl Scout Days, Home School and Home Daycare Days, and other special discounts.

Details

Where: 12102 South 180th Street, Gretna, NE 68028 (South of Highway 370 on 180th Street –Directions)

Contact: (402) 332-4200, [email protected]

When: Friday, September 21st through Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

Hours: Open 9am – 9pm Sunday-Thursday. Open 9am – 10pm every Friday & Saturday.

What do you love about Vala’s Pumpkin Patch? Do you have a helpful tip to share? Please leave a comment below!

Free Fall Family Activities in Omaha

September 13, 2012

I love Fall in Omaha! Perfect weather, changing colors, Football, Halloween events, Pumpkin Patches, Hayrack Rides, and campfires all make wonderful family memories. What do you love most about Fall?

Enjoy these free or inexpensive family attractions and events this Fall in Omaha!

Concerts

Omaha Music in the Parks – May 7th – September 26th, various locations around Omaha

End of Summer Concerts at Midtown Crossing – August 31st-September 28th, 7pm, Friday evenings in Turner Park.

Especially for Kids

Home Depot Free Kids Workshops and Lowe’s Free Build and Grow Clinics for kids are great for learning new skills and working on a project together.

Westroads Kids Club and Shadow Lake Towne Center Kids Club offer kids a different activity each month for free!

Rec’s Kids Clubhouse is a year-round youth program for kids 6-12 that encourages active healthy lifestyles through crafts, games and sports, swimming, drama, special events and field trips. It is held every day after school, with extended hours when school is out.

Nature Nook at Hummel Park Nature Center – Join us for class to learn about bugs, trees, and animals while doing a craft, singing songs, and exploring outside! All ages welcome. Every Wednesday and Thursday 10:00-10:45am, September 5th – December 20th. Fee: $1.00 drop in per child (2 and older).

Jr. Adventure Club at Hummel Park Nature Center – Every Saturday morning, staff will lead kids in a variety of adventures that include hiking, games, stories, crafts, and more! All ages welcome. Saturdays 10:30-11:15am, September 8th – December 22nd. Fee: $1.00 drop in per child (2 and older).

Farmer’s Markets

Omaha has several Farmers Markets, where local vendors sell fresh, locally grown produce, baked goods, and flowers. ”Buy local and eat fresh.”
- Village Pointe Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8am-1pm. April 28th – October 6th
- Main Street Market, Council Bluffs – Thursdays, 5pm-8pm, May – September (9th Avenue and Main Street, Council Bluffs)
- Benson Farmers Market – Saturdays, 8am-1pm, May 5th – September 29th (Military Avenue at Maple Street)
- Omaha Farmer’s Market – Old Market – Saturdays, 8am-12:30pm. May 5th – October 13th
- Omaha Farmer’s Market – Aksarben Village – Sundays, 9am-1pm. May 6th – October 21st (67th and Center, Omaha)
- Bellevue Farmers Market / Flea Market – Saturdays, 8am-12pm. Begins May 26th (Washington Park, Franklin and West 20th, Bellevue)
- Florence Mill Farmers Market – Sundays, 11am-3pm, June 3rd – September 30th (9102 North 30th Street, Omaha)
- Brentwood Square Farmers Market – Thursdays, 4:30pm-7pm, June – September (84th Street and Giles Road, LaVista)

Fall Festivals and Special Events

Applejack Festival – 9/14-9/16

ARTsarben – Inaugural Event! – 9/15-9/16

Brass in Blue free concert, Family Fun and Fireworks at Midtown Crossing – 9/21, 5-9pm

River City Rodeo and Stock Show – 9/27-9/30

Museum Day Live! – 9/29 – Free Admission to Participating Museums with ticket

First Friday Old Market – Held the first Friday of each month, 6-9pm, First Friday is a free event celebrating local creativity in Omaha’s most historic neighborhood.

Touch-A-Truck – 10/6, 11am-3pm

Papillion’s First Annual Kite Fly – 10/7, 12-4pm

Midwest Winds Kite Fliers Fall Festival – 10/14, 12-5pm

Food Day Omaha – 10/21, 9am-1pm, at the Omaha Farmers Market at Aksarben Village

Free Family Fishing – 10/28 – Benson Park 12-3pm

Halloween Hoopla at Shadow Lake Towne Center – 10/28, 1-3pm (see more Fun Halloween Events here!)

Veteran’s Day at the Zoo – 11/11 – Free gate admission to all veterans and their immediate families on Veteran’s Day.

Joslyn Art Museum offers free general admission every Saturday morning, 10am-noon. While there, be sure to stop by the Joslyn Art Museum’s Peter Kiewit Foundation Sculpture Garden which is open year-round from 7am-11pm each day, and admission is free.

Outdoor Activities at Gene Leahy Mall – Mondays – Thursdays, 5/7-9/27

The Omaha Downtown Improvement District Association (DID) will offer FREE activities and mini events all summer at the Gene Leahy Mall! Activities will be held from 5:30-6:30 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays during the months of May, June, August and September at 14th & Farnam Streets.
- Mondays – Family Fun
- Tuesdays & Thursdays – Boot Camp Exercise Classes
- Wednesdays – Arts & Culture

Special Events at Pumpkin Patches

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch – September 21st and 23rd – Military Appreciation Day. Show your active military ID and each family member will receive a discounted admission price of $7.39 per person ($6.00 off the General Admission price).

Bloom Where You’re Planted Pumpkin Patch – September 22nd – Military Family Day. FREE admission to military personnel and their immediate family when presenting a valid military ID.

Ditmar’s Orchard and Vineyard – September 22-23: Midwest Winds Kite Fliers

Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze – October 21st – Toys for Tots – Bring a girls or boys new toy valued at $5 or more and get free admission! One toy = one free admission. Marines will receive toys 2-5 pm.

See All Omaha Area Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals here!

Storytimes

Story Adventures at the Joslyn Art Museum – 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/18
Barnes and Noble Preschool Storytimes – Enjoy preschool storytime every Tuesday and Thursday at Barnes and Noble stores nationwide. Times and dates may vary. Please verify withyour local store before visiting. In Omaha, storytime is at 11am at the Oakview store.
Pottery Barn Kids Storytimes are held every Tuesday from 11-11:30am. Special events are also held throughout year. Time and Date may vary by store. Please call your local store to confirm.
Preschool Storytime at The Bookworm – Thursdays at 10am
There are many Public Libraries in Omaha and the surrounding communities which host wonderful storytimes, fun programs for children and teens, classes for adults, and special events throughout the year!
- Omaha Public Libraries – Check out their event calendar under Events and Programs: Calendar, for all of the latest details.
- Bellevue Public Library
- Gretna Public Library – Kids Korner, Teen Zone, and Adult Services
- LaVista Public Library
- Sump Memorial Library in Papillion
- Baright Public Library in Ralston

Fall Printables

12 Free Fall-themed Printables

75 Free Pumpkin-Carving Templates

Check out my Fall Fun board on Pinterest for many more Fall recipes, crafts, activities, and a Fall Bucket List printout!

It is always a good idea to verify the information with the business before visiting.

Do you have a Free Fall Activity to add? Please leave a comment below and I will add it the list!

Other helpful resources:

Family Friendly Halloween Events in Omaha
Omaha Area Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals
Upcoming Free Family Events in Omaha and Nationwide
Omaha Attractions
Free Kids Programs in Omaha
Free Family Activities in Omaha
Event Calendar – Free Family Events in Omaha

Omaha Area Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals

September 5, 2012

Visit updated Omaha Area Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, and Fall Festivals here!

It is that time of year! Cooler temperatures. Changing colors. Pumpkin patches, apple orchards, corn mazes, hayrack rides, and Fall Festivals have become a favorite Fall tradition for many local families. There are so many to choose from in the Omaha and surrounding areas with something for everyone. As always, it is a good idea to verify with the business before visiting.

If you know of any locations not on this list, or available discounts or coupons, please leave a comment below and I will add it to the list. Enjoy!

See also:

Arbor Day Tree Farm Adventure

Where: 2611 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410 (Directions)

Contact: (402) 873-8717, [email protected]

When: Open daily.

Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00pm, Sunday: 10:00am – 6:00pm

Admission: Adults $6.50, Children aged 3–12 $4.50, Children 2 and under FREE (includes a tree seedling to plant at home and your choice of a tree identification guide or children’s activity guide) Buy Tickets Online here.

Highlights: Includes 260 beautiful acres to enjoy. Here you can climb a treehouse 50 feet high, hike miles of scenic nature trails, pick apples at apple orchards, walk through corn maze, enjoy the Discovery Ride, or stay at the Lied Lodge.

Special Events: September 15-16: Applejack Festival in Nebraska City

Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch

Where: 11001 South 48th Street, Bellevue, NE 68133 (just off of S. 48th Street between Cornhusker & HWY 370 – Directions)

Contact: 402-331-5500, [email protected]

When: September 23rd for daytime hours, September 28th for evening hours, through October 31st

Hours: Mondays- closed except Columbus Day 10 a.m – 8 p.m., Tues-Thursday- 10am till 8pm, Fri- Saturday- 10am till 6pm (daytime) 6pm-11pm (nighttime), Sundays- 10am till 6pm (daytime) 6pm-10pm (nighttime)

Admission: Daytime admission is $6/person weekday, $8/person weekend with kids 2 and under free. This includes everything the farm has to offer plus a hayrack ride. Check website for evening packages.

Highlights: Old West ghost town, tree house, Ranch of Terror Haunted House, pumpkin picking, Pirate Caves, train ride, corn maze, pirates swing, and Pirate Ship. The kids will enjoy How the West Was fun play area featuring a fun barn, slides, zip lines, climbing nets and swings. See answers to your Frequently Asked Questions here.

New this year: Visitors can enjoy a new Carnevil Area (full of games and halloween fun).

Bloom Where You’re Planted Pumpkin Patch

Where: 911-108th Street, Avoca, Nebraska 68307 (35 miles south of Omaha, Directions)

Contact: (402) 267-4104, [email protected]

When: Sept. 15 – Oct. 28, 2012

Hours: Fridays 1-6 p.m. Saturdays & Sundays 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Admission: $4.75/person (includes tax). Ages 2 & under FREE.

Highlights: Enjoy family fun at this pumpkin patch and educational farm with activities including Hayrides, Nature Trails, Farm Animals, Corn Box, Play Areas, and Swings in a beautiful seasonal setting.

Special Events: Sept. 22 – Military Family Day. FREE admission to military personnel and their immediate family when presenting a valid military ID, plus Doggy Day (10/6), Ag Day (10/13), Goblin’s Egg Hunt (10/27), and Halloween Party (10/28).

*** Read the Review of our fun visit to Bloom Where You’re Planted Pumpkin Patch!

Camp Fontanelle Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Where: 9677 County Road 3, Fontanelle, NE 68044 (Directions)

Contact: General Hotline: (402) 478-4294, Phone: (402) 478-4296, [email protected]

When: Sunday September 16, 2012 – Sunday November 4, 2012

Hours: Saturdays and Sundays: 1 pm to 7 pm

Admission: Children ages 3-11 $4.00, Adults ages 12+ $6.00, Cash or Check Only

Discounts / Coupons: Coupon available by completing this form.

Highlights: Farm animals, campfires, sandbox, hayride, trikes, and jumping pillow.

Special Events: Movie nights, Haunted maze, and Toys for Tots

Ditmar’s Orchard and Vineyard

Where: 19475 225th Street Council Bluffs, Iowa (Directions)

Contact: 712-256-7053, [email protected]

Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 10AM-6PM, Friday – Saturday: 10AM-8PM, Sunday: 11AM-5PM. CLOSED MONDAYS

Admission: Wristbands are $4 for children and $2 for adults. Wristbands are required for access to the kids activities at Ditmars Orchard.

Highlights: From their website, “Experience good old-fashioned outdoor fun at the Orchard. Of course, coming to pick fruit and pumpkins is always a favorite activity, but we also offer several fun attractions that will entertain “kids” of all ages.” Highlights include a 5-acre Corn Maze, Mini Maze, Prarie Ponies, Tractor rides (available on weekends only), corn box, and playground. Check out a review here from a local family!

Special Events: September 7-9: Fields of Flight Hot Air Balloon Festival; September 22-23: Midwest Winds Kite Fliers

Gifford Farm Fall Festival

Where: 700 Camp Gifford Road, Bellevue, NE 68005

Contact: (402) 597-4920

When: Saturday, October 6, 10AM – 4PM; Sunday, October 7, 11AM – 4PM

Admission: $5 includes hay rack ride and Gifford Farm programs. All proceeds go towards Gifford Farm Missouri River Flood fund.

Highlights: Enjoy a day of old fashioned fun on the farm! Friendly farm animals, games, raffle prizes, pony rides, hay rack ride, food and much more! Come and play in our brand new Outdoor Nature Classroom, too!

Kimmel Orchard

Where: 5995 G Rd, Nebraska City, NE 68410 (Directions)

Contact: (402) 873-5293, [email protected]

When: Now through November 15, 2012

Hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00

Highlights: U-pick or pre-picked apples. Applejack Festival, September 14-16th.

Martin’s Hillside Orchard

Where: 2024 Ashland Road, Ceresco, NE (about 45 miles west of Omaha, Directions)

Contact: 402-665-2140

Hours: Fall Hours (Sept 4-end of Oct) Tues- Sat – 10 am-6 pm, Sundays – Noon-6pm

Admission: Orchard Entry Fee – $4/person; $15/family (Under 2 yrs free). Cash or check only.

Highlights: Pick your own fruit, butterfly garden, discovery trail, corn maze, gourd cave, straw tower, tire mountain, bear tunnel, tractor trike track, corn tepee, climbing fort, tire swing, and wagon rides.

Pioneer Trail Orchard and Pumpkin Patch

Where: 21534 Chestnut Rd, Council Bluffs Ia 51503 (Directions)

Contact: (712)366-1505, [email protected]

Hours: Wednesday through Thursday – 5 pm to 9 pm, Friday – 5 pm to 10 pm, Saturday – 10 am to 10 pm, Sunday – noon to 7:00 pm

Admission: Admission $5.00 per person, age 2 and under free

Highlights: Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch, Haunted House & Barn, Hay Rack Rides, Play Areas for the Kids, plus more.

Pooley’s Pumpkin Patch

Sadly, Pooley’s will not be open for the 2012 season.

Roca Berry Farm

Where: 16531 S 38th St, Roca, NE 68430 (South of Lincoln, Directions)

Contact: (402) 421-2255, [email protected]

When: Open daily Sept. 22nd – Oct. 31st

Hours: 9am – 7pm

Admission: Weekday: $6.50/person (Kids Under 18 months FREE Mon-Fri), Weekend: $9.00/person (Kids Under 2 FREE on Weekends)

Highlights: Farm Animals, 2 Trike Trails, Life-size Candyland Game, Bunnyville, Hayrack Ride to the Pumpkin Patch, Roca Berry Express Trackless Trains, Howling Hill 40 ft. Fun Slide, Corn Maze, Jumping Pillows, Racing slide, Prairie Dog Show, and Puzzle Mazes.

New this year: Apple House, New Roca 500, New Western Theme Trike Trail, Duck Races

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

Where: 3935 Hwy 133, Blair, NE 68008 (Directions)

Contact: 402-426-2295, [email protected]

When: Friday, September 14 – October 31, 2012

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 10am-3pm; Friday – Saturday: 10am-10pm; Sunday: 10am-7pm

Admission: General Pack $7, Bones Pack $13, Monster Pack $18. Special pricing after dark. See details here.

Highlights: Corn Maze, Hayrack Ride, Mad Cow Ride, Eerie Trail, Petting Zoo, and Bounce Castle.

Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

Where: 12102 South 180th Street, Gretna, NE 68028 (South of Highway 370 on 180th Street – Directions)

Contact: (402) 332-4200, [email protected]

When: Friday, September 21st through Wednesday, October 31st, 2012

Hours: Open 9am to 9pm Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday. Open 9am to 10pm every Friday, & Saturday.

Admission: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays – $9.99/person. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays – $13.29/person. Ages 2 and under are FREE to enter Vala’s. Purchase tickets online here. Season Passes are also available for $29.00/person.

Discounts / Coupons: Pinpoint Rewards (an awesome free discount and rewards program in Omaha) has been running special Vala’s promotions all season. Follow Pinpoint Rewards on Facebook for details.

SUPERPASS: You may also purchase tickets to Vala’s at any No Frills Supermarket or Bag ‘N Save in the greater Omaha area. These “SUPERPASSES” are $13.29 each and contain a coupon for $2.50 off a pumpkin and a “Vala Buck” for $1.00. Total value of the SUPERPASS is $16.79! For a listing of store locations, go to www.nofrillssupermarkets.com.

Check Vala’s Event Calendar for Military Appreciation Days, Girl Scout Days, and other special discounts.

Highlights: One of the best Pumpkin Patches in the country is right here in Gretna! This family business is a favorite fall tradition. Enjoy 49 attractions and 3 live shows daily, including Pig Races, Pumpkin Chuckin’ Cannon Show, Hayrack Rides, Barnyard Adventure Ride, Peddle Cars, Pumpkin Mine, Storybook Barn, 3-Acre Corn Maze, Applewood Play Area, Spook Shed, and the popular Great Pumpkin Jump. Plan to spend an entire day here, and try to arrive early. Great fun for the entire family!

Also see Helpful Tips for Visiting Vala’s and What’s New in 2012!

Wenninghoff’s Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Where: 6707 Wenninghoff Road, Omaha, NE 68122 (Corner of Wenninghoff Road and Sorensen Parkway – Directions)

Contact: 402-571-2057, [email protected]

When: Last weekend in September – October 31st

Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 10 am-7 pm; Monday-Friday: 9 am-7 pm. *Hayrides do not run during school hours unless field trips are scheduled.

Admission: $6 per person includes ALL activities plus a hayride, petting zoo, corn maze & playground

Highlights: From their website, “At Wenninghoff’s, the fall season is not about wicked witches, blood thirsty bats, or spooky goblins. It’s about the simple things in life like the fall harvest and having good old-fashioned, “playin’-in-the-dirt” kind of fun.” This is a great place for younger kids and their families. Some of the activities include a Dress Up Barn, Hula Hoop Toss, Bean Bag Toss, Hay Bale Climbing, Animals, Combine Slide, Tractors, and a fun Corn Maze.

If you know of any locations not on this list, or available discounts or coupons, please leave a comment below and I will add it to the list.

What are your favorite activities to do at the pumpkin patch?