Is Vala's Pumpkin Patch worth the $$?

[bethany]

We went to Big Red Barn and Pumpkin Farm out by Bennington today. We had a coupon to get in so admission for our family of three was $8 (our 2-year old was free). We enjoyed it, and our daughter is already begging to visit another pumpkin patch. She really enjoyed the pony ride, which was an extra $3.

I have heard a lot about Vala's but I was a little taken aback by the admission charges - $8.25/per person (!) on weekdays when you include tax, more on weekends. Pony rides are $3.50. Is it really worth the dough?

My daughter is primarily interested in pony rides, petting animals, and exploring the stuff geared towards the younger kids.

[Rhonda Dunaway]

Hi, Bethany.

We have gone to Vala's every year since my son was 2 (he's 6 now) and have had a blast. It's pricey, yes, but definitely worth an annual visit. If you could visit only one pumpkin patch during the season, Vala's is it! If you decide to go, go at a time when your kids are well-rested. Vala's is huge, and there's so much to see and do that you need to have lots of energy. There's plenty to do for all ages -- even the adults I know all love it.

Rhonda Dunaway

[tammywk]

It's a little expensive if you have a big family but ok for a annual outing. Kids really do like the tractor ride out to the field to pick their own pumpkins and there are a lot of different things to keep thementertained for hours.

[drobyn]

I like it okay. Kids of most any age can find something they like there and they do try to intorduce new things each season.

[Unregistered]

My family and I have gone to Vala's since my 16 year old was about 1 year old. We only missed 2 years because we had moved. I love Vala's but I think the pricing is too much. It would be ok if they didn't charge for everything else like the Train and Pony rides and if they lowered the price of the Pumpkins for sale. I know you can't give food away free but even that is pricey. For an annual outing once it is ok but I think they need to remember the economy and what people are going through right now and lower their admission prices even more.

[shooterstrigger]

We never felt that Valas was worth the money especially for younger children. Valas has gotten too big; I don't like such busy full of people places. Since your child likes the animal aspect I would recomend pooley's. It is more laid back there. They have lots of animals to touch; my son goes just to hold the chicks. He wouldn't care if we did another thing. They also have Jeff quin out on the weekends.

[Rhonda Dunaway]

I just looked back at my previous post in this thread and realized it's from 2007 - 4 years ago! Egads! Sometimes it's startling to realize I've been doing this for that long!

My opinion of Vala's has changed somewhat over time. I still think it's a fun place, but I have to agree that it has become way too expensive. If you've never been there before, it's definitely worth a visit, but check your budget carefully before you go and plan to shell out some major money. We have only one child, and I consider it a very expensive outing, so I can only imagine what people feel like if they have 2, 3, 4, or more kids they want to take.

And for my family's and my taste, Vala's has also grown too big and too overwhelming. We are definitely not a theme park family (we've never been to Disney and have no desire to go), so I do have a different perspective on things than a lot of other people might have. But I hate the traffic jams, the long walks to the admission counter, the lines, the crowds, and most of all, I hate the feeling of not being able to keep track of the kids in our group because of the crowds and because of how spread out everything is. This last concern is what can make Vala's very difficult to navigate for moms with strollers and/or small kids. Anyone who's planning an outing to Vala's should make sure everyone in the family is well-rested because you're going to need the energy. Also, make sure that you come well prepared with everything you're going to need for yourself and your kids, especially diapers, wet wipes, water, sunscreen, and cell phones.

Several years ago when my son was younger, we had a couple of his birthday parties at Vala''s. While my son and his guests had fun, I was very disappointed in the experiences because so many mistakes were made, and a couple of things were completely botched. I had a lot of difficulty finding a staff member who was willing to help me, and the ones I did talk to were extremely rude, unresponsive, and unapologetic. Those experiences have probably affected my overall opinion of the park, but that's what happens. I would be interested in hearing about the experiences of other people who have had their kids' birthday parties at Vala's. I hope things have changed in that regard and become better organized.

In conclusion, if you're interested in a BIG Halloween experience with a lot of impact and if you don't mind crowds and lots of walking, by all means, visit Vala's. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more relaxing outing and want to take things in at a slower pace, try visiting one of other smaller pumpkin patches listed on this site. I am thinking of trying Camp Fontanelle this year for a family outing. (Yay for the little guys out there who are fighting to hold their own against the giants!)

[Unregistered]

Yes, I agree with the crowd and parking issue ,having 5 kids. Last year we visited Skinnybones pumpkin patch, and we were very pleased with the experience. The parking was close, not so crowded and it is a fun place to bring the whole family. We will be returning there this year. It is not nearly as big as Valas, but we had alot of good family fun.

[KristaF]

You would think that as much as Vala's makes in their 2 month time span, that they would widen the road into their spot - that is the worst thing about going, is actually getting into there.
My son is 10 & still likes to go, but I try to plan a day off & go during the weekday so the crowds aren't as bad.

[Unregistered]

They actually have alot of half price sales going on for tickets right now on radio station websites, etc. You have to buy 4 tickets and after shipping/handling you pay $28.75 for the 4 tickets.

http://ketv.halfoffdeals.com/

I know they have a few upcoming sales, but they go fast so be ready!

I for one, LOVE vala's and think it is totally worth the money for a once a year treat :) I don't think I could afford more than that, but it's something that my husband and I, as well as our children all enjoy and look forward to every fall! You can stay there all day and make great memories!

[Rhonda Dunaway]

Thanks for letting us know about the discounts!

[Unregistered]

I would also check out Bellevue Pumpkin Patch. Things they offer, per their website: "Back to when the old west outlaws and gunslingers were around every corner, we have recreated a real Old West ghost town where spirits of the past are alive and well. Take a tour of the ghost town, then explore the mines and caves. You can even hide out in our huge tree house. The kids will enjoy How the West Was Fun play area featuring a fun barn, slides, zip lines, climbing nets and swings. New this year is our 50 foot obstacle course bounce house, a kids train ride, corn maze, pirates swing, and new and improved haunted walk, and haunted hayride thru our woods, also the remodeled Pirates Cove area featuring two life size pirate ships that will be sure to have your group saying Arrgh! mate. We are convinced that you will get an experience here that you can’t get anywhere else. "

Price: "Admission is only $8 on weekends and $6 on weekdays and includes everything the farm has to offer plus a hayrack ride through our spooky forest on your way to acres of home-grown pumpkins. Pumpkins are priced by size - not by the pound - so you're sure to get a great price!" It also mentions getting $1 off if you bring a can of food for the food bank, but not sure if this is good during the day or only at night when they have their haunted house and hayride.

Maybe a good alternative to Vala's? Looks like no pony rides, though.