List: Milwaukee-area pumpkin farms open this weekend; expect changes due to pandemic 🎃

NEW BERLIN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Pumpkin farms in southeastern Wisconsin are asking for patience as they prepare to open for the season this weekend.

Families will still be able to pick the perfect pumpkins, but they can expect to see some changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At Lindner's Pumpkin Farm and Corn Maze in New Berlin, the typical pumpkins, corn stalks, fall decorations, jams and jellies will be available for purchase. Families will be able to play pumpkin bowling, and go on a one-way route through the petting zoo and corn maze.

However, the Big Backyard playground and Pumpkin Express Barrel Train will not be open this year. Owner Diane Lindner said it's not a decision that was made lightly.

"I'm hoping (families) can come and enjoy what we do have to offer. I'm hoping they can understand why we're doing what we're doing," she said.

Employees will be wearing masks, and they recommend that customers do so, as well.

"We have signage everywhere explaining to people that this is how it's going to be for the safety of themselves and their families ... We're going to encourage social distancing. I'm going to have sanitizer everywhere. Other than that, we're hoping for good weather and good turnout and some good family fun. People need to get out," Lindner said.

Lindner's is just one of the farms in the area that opens for the season on Saturday, Sept. 19. Others include Swan's Pumpkin Farm in Franksville, Cedarburg Creek Farm in Cedarburg, Creekside Valley Farm in Mequon, Jerry Smith Country Store & Pumpkin Farm in Kenosha and Simon's Sunny Side Produce in New Berlin. Pumpkin Fest at Basse's Taste of Country Pumpkin Farm in Colgate begins Saturday, Sept. 19.

Meadowbrook's Haunted Cornfield in West Bend started selling pumpkins on Sept. 13, and the corn maze will open Oct. 3.

The pick-your-own apple season at Apple Barn Orchard and Winery in Elkhorn starts Saturday, Sept. 19. The pick-your-own apple season at Apple Holler in Sturtevant began in August.

Jim's Pumpkin Farm in Germantown, Schuett Farms in Mukwonago and Land of the Giants Pumpkin Farm in Sturtevant open Sept. 26. Cozy Nook Farm in Delafield will open its fall market on Sept. 26.

Green Meadows Petting Farm in East Troy opens for the fall season on Sept. 23.

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