September and October are beautiful times to be outdoors in Omaha. The trees become rich with red and orange leaves, the weather cools to a crisp but is comfortable, and as the season progresses a number of spooky and cozy-fun autumn attractions open. From corn mazes and hay rack rides for picking the perfect pumpkins to campfires and plenty more opportunities to soak up the season, each place below offers entertainment for the whole family.
So begin planning your family’s fall trip to Omaha, so the only item left on your fall bucket list will be a pumpkin spice latte (and we’ve got those too).
Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard
Many think of Vala’s as the area’s unofficial autumn amusement park. The attraction sits on a 400-acre farm where the Vala family grows pumpkins and 30 varieties of apples. Thousands of people travel from across the region in the fall to spend a day (or more) enjoying caramel apples, turkey legs and kettle corn while taking in more than 50 attractions and shows, including live pig races, Duck Derby, the massive Egg Scramble, and more.
Chrysanthemums, pumpkins, and spooky-fun décor add to the attraction’s delight. Visitors will also love multiple photo backdrops to share the fun with friends and family on social. And as the sun sets, crisp autumn nights cast a glow with orange lights illuminated throughout. Speaking of a glow, fireworks are set off every Friday night in-season.
The fall food options are endless here, but especially don’t skip a stop at the Pie Barn where pies are prepped before your very eyes. These seasonal comfort food favorites are all handmade from scratch and are a local tradition. While you can’t go wrong with traditional apple, their Salted Honey Pie is truly something special.
General admission and season passes are available to purchase online or upon arrival. Get an early taste of fall during their Cider & Sunflower Festival prior to the opening day of their fall season Friday, September 24, 2021. Bonus: Check out this special offer including hotel and tickets to Vala’s.
Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch
For a rural-rustic autumn adventure, check out Skinny Bones. Make your way through a 10-acre corn maze (made even more spooky at night when guided by flashlight), Tornado Alley, the crazy tall Frankenslide with amazing panoramic views, pedal karts, and the jump pillow especially for kids, and plenty more old-fashioned fun.
Tip: Don’t leave without a bag of their tasty kettle corn. Purchase one-day and season passes through the end of October. Open now for the 2021 season.
The Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch
Berry-picking in summer leads into pumpkin selecting in September and October at The Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch. Kids will love exploring Pirate’s Cove, the Barn Yard, and Wild West Towne at this Old West-themed ranch. Hit up the Harvest Barn, stocked with tasty seasonal treats like preserves, honey and fresh-baked treats.
Stay tuned for part two, where we share even more ways to experience fall magic in Omaha. Meanwhile, head to VisitOmaha.com for more ideas and to plan your next weekend getaway.
