Until Halloween These 8 Nebraska Pumpkin Patches Let You Pick Pumpkins

Two different pumpkin patches sit in the same tiny Nebraska village, and both let you ride out and pick your own. I had to read that twice.

It gets better. One farm on this list hosts pig races.

Another runs an antique shop right beside its pumpkin field.

I love that the simple job of grabbing a pumpkin can turn into a whole afternoon. You climb on a wagon, roll out to the vines, and hunt for the one that looks right to you.

Maybe it’s round and tall. Maybe it’s lumpy and odd, and that’s the charm.

The catch is the calendar. These patches run on fall time, and the vines won’t wait forever.

So which one is closest to you, and which one is worth a longer drive before Halloween shows up and the fields go quiet for another year?

1. Vala’s Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard

Pig races and pumpkins on the same ticket? Gretna clearly knows how to throw a fall party.

Vala’s is a family-run pumpkin farm that mixes classic harvest chores with plenty of extra fun. You can pick apples, cheer on racing pigs, and let the little ones ride the kiddie train.

The main event still happens out in the field, though. A hay ride carries you to the pumpkin patch, where you choose the one you like straight off the vine.

That vine-picking moment matters more than you’d think. A pumpkin you cut yourself just feels more like yours, even if it’s a little lopsided.

Hunger will find you eventually on a farm this busy. Casual dining on site means you don’t have to cut the day short for lunch.

Timing is friendly here too. The farm keeps long daily hours through October, with later evenings on Fridays and Saturdays.

That makes it easier to squeeze in a trip after school or work. You could even plan a weekend visit that stretches past sunset.

For many Omaha-area families, Vala’s is the big, all-in fall outing of the year. Pack patience, comfy shoes, and room in the trunk for your field-picked prize.

Address: 12102 S 180th St, Gretna, NE 68028

2. Martin’s Hillside Orchard

Apples, flowers, and pumpkins walk into a farm in Saunders County. No punchline, just a pretty great fall day.

Martin’s Hillside Orchard is a family-owned farm that opens each fall for u-pick fun. You can fill a bag with apples, gather flowers, and head out for pumpkins all in one stop.

The pumpkin patch has more range than you might expect. You’ll find decorative pumpkins, gourds, pie pumpkins, and classic jack-o’-lantern types ready for carving.

That variety is handy if your household argues about pumpkins. One person wants to carve, another wants to bake, and someone else just wants a bumpy gourd for the table.

The orchard side brings plenty to the party too. A long list of apple varieties means you can taste your way to a favorite.

Kids get their own playground of farm-style activities. Think a corn box, a kid-sized corn maze, and a tire mountain built for climbing.

Group tours are available as well, which makes it a fun pick for classes and clubs. The farm keeps daily fall hours, so weekday trips are possible.

Ceresco sits an easy drive from both Lincoln and Omaha. That might settle one Nebraska rivalry, at least for an afternoon.

Address: 2024 Ashland Rd, Ceresco, NE 68017

3. Helgoths Pumpkin Patch

Ziplines in central Nebraska farm country might sound like a typo. At Helgoths, it’s simply part of the fall plan.

Tiny St. Libory punches far above its size this time of year. Helgoths Pumpkin Patch is a kid-friendly stop built around picking your own pumpkin, with some extra thrills mixed in.

The pumpkin part feels like the real deal. You ride a wagon out to the actual patch and choose a pumpkin to bring home.

No staged pile by the parking lot here. You get the dirt, the vines, and the fun of comparing your find with everyone else’s.

Hayrides add to the farm feel, giving you a slow, bumpy look at the fields. It’s a nice break before the kids beg for one more zipline turn.

Those ziplines are what set this patch apart from the classic corn-and-wagon routine. Brave kids get a rush, and nervous parents get great photos.

Parking is free, which helps when you’re hauling a heavy pumpkin back to the car. Grand Island folks can reach it with a short country drive.

For central Nebraska families, it’s a fall outing that doesn’t require heading east. That alone earns it a spot on this list.

Address: 121 Eagle Rd, St Libory, NE 68872

4. Homestead Pumpkin Patch

Out west, where the sky gets huge and the drives get long, North Platte keeps its own pumpkin tradition rolling.

Homestead Pumpkin Patch gives western Nebraska families a fall stop without crossing half the state. It’s a seasonal, family-friendly farm with pumpkins, a corn maze, and hay rides.

The best part is the variety in the field. You can head out and pick from a wide mix of pumpkins, not just one standard orange type.

That makes it fun to hunt for something with personality. Tall, squat, pale, or warty, your pick is up to you.

The corn maze adds a little friendly chaos to the visit. Expect at least one family member to insist they know the way out.

Hay rides offer a slower pace if you’d rather sit back and take in the open land. It’s a simple pleasure, and that’s the point.

Plan around the schedule, since the patch runs weekends only. Friday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons are your windows before Halloween.

For anyone traveling Interstate 80, it’s a handy reason to pull off and stretch. You’ll leave with a pumpkin and a story about that maze.

Address: 6459 S Homestead Rd, North Platte, NE 69101

5. Bloom Farm and Pumpkin Patch

Antique hunting and pumpkin hunting rarely share a driveway. In little Avoca, they do, and it’s a fun combo.

Bloom Farm and Pumpkin Patch is a family-focused farm in rural Cass County. Hayrides, playgrounds, and an antique shop all sit on the same property.

Getting to the pumpkins costs you nothing extra. A free tractor ride carries you out to the field, where plenty of pumpkins wait.

Not up for picking in the dirt? You can also choose from pre-selected pumpkins, which is a lifesaver with toddlers or tired legs.

That flexibility makes Bloom easy on mixed groups. Grandparents can browse the antique shop while the kids burn energy on the playgrounds.

The farm also covers some practical bases. Changing tables, a gender-neutral restroom, and free on-site parking make the visit smoother.

Dog lovers, take note: dogs are allowed here. Your pup can join the pumpkin hunt instead of waiting at home.

Hours run Friday through Tuesday, with longer days on weekends. Midweek closures mean you’ll want to check the calendar before heading out.

For a slower, small-town fall outing, Bloom hits a sweet spot. You might leave with a pumpkin and a vintage find.

Address: 911 108th St, Avoca, NE 68307

6. Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch

Most hayrides are relaxing. At this Papillion ranch, yours might come with spooky sound effects even in broad daylight.

Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch is a family-friendly farm known for pick-your-own produce and seasonal events. In fall, the spotlight lands on pumpkins.

To reach the patch, you hop on a daytime hayrack ride. The route features the same animatronics and sounds used for the nighttime attraction.

Some riders love that dramatic touch, and some little ones may grip a parent’s arm. Either way, you’ll arrive at the pumpkins with a story to tell.

Once you’re in the field, the mood shifts to picking. Wander, compare, and haul your favorite back to the wagon.

The schedule is generous through October. The ranch opens seven days a week, with late nights on Fridays and Saturdays.

Those late hours make it a strong pick for teens and older kids. A later visit can feel completely different from a sunny morning trip.

Families on the south side of the Omaha metro can get here quickly. That short drive leaves more time for the fun stuff.

If you like your pumpkin picking with a side of spooky, this is your stop.

Address: 11001 S 48th St, Papillion, NE 68133

7. The ScareCrow Patch

Remember that tiny village with two pumpkin patches? Welcome to round two in St. Libory.

The ScareCrow Patch is a seasonal farm built around pumpkin picking and family-friendly activities. It gives central Nebraska another reason to brag every October.

Having two patches so close together opens up a fun idea. You could make a full day of it and compare pumpkins from both farms.

Here, the pumpkin selection is a highlight. You’ll find a great range to choose from, whether you want a carving giant or a small porch accent.

Beyond the field, there’s plenty to keep a family busy. Kids can roam and play while adults debate which pumpkin deserves the front step.

The schedule follows a weekend rhythm. The patch opens Friday through Sunday, with Sunday starting at noon.

Free on-site parking keeps arrival simple. That matters when you’re unloading strollers, wagons, and a carful of excited kids.

Grand Island families have an easy trip out here. Folks from farther away can turn the visit into a scenic country drive.

Small-town Nebraska does fall well, and this patch proves it. Bring a camera, because that name practically begs for a scarecrow photo.

Address: 574 Denton Rd, St Libory, NE 68872

8. Pearson’s Pumpkin Place

If you think pumpkins only come in one shade of orange, Eagle is ready to change your mind.

Pearson’s Pumpkin Place is a seasonal farm made for families. You’ll find a corn box, a pumpkin patch, hayrack rides, and plenty of other activities.

The pumpkin harvest is the star. You can head out and pick from many unique types of pumpkins and gourds.

That variety turns picking into a treasure hunt. Bumpy, striped, pale, or oddly shaped, there’s a strong chance something will catch your eye.

Kids won’t run out of things to do between pumpkin finds. The corn box alone can swallow an hour of happy digging.

The food and drink menus lean creative, so snack time feels like part of the fun. Live music adds a nice soundtrack to the afternoon.

Parking is free and well organized, which helps on busy fall days. A gender-neutral restroom is on site too.

Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, with the longest stretch on Saturdays. Plan ahead, since Mondays and Tuesdays are closed.

Eagle sits between Lincoln and Omaha, so both cities can claim it. Grab your pumpkin before Halloween sneaks up on Nebraska again.

Address: 1357 N 6th Rd, Eagle, NE 68347