SHERMAN, Ill. (WAND) — Pumpkin Creek Farms is in its 13th season offering fall activities in central Illinois, and owner Curt Fleck says the weather is a big predictor of how the season will go. Since opening, he’s tracked temperatures and visitor numbers, and knows lower temperatures mean higher traffic.

“That makes sense because people don’t want to sweat at the pumpkin patch,” said Fleck. “They want to put a hoodie on. They want to drink a hot chocolate or hot cider.”

The farm opened in early September. Fleck said business slowed during a stretch of above-average temperatures earlier in the season but picked up as the weather cooled.

His staff has noticed a trend. Guests consume about the same amount of apple cider a day, but numbers will vary between cider slushies, cold cider and hot cider based on temperatures.

Fleck is excited to see feels-like fall weather on the horizon, and hopes families take advantage of the forecast.

“You pick pumpkins, hay rides, the corn maze, all of that,” Fleck said. “We also put in a 180-foot farm slide last year. We have a tractor pull. We have about 20 attractions, so a lot of activities to do.”

While some activities require a fee, you can visit the farm, pick pumpkins, visit the store, or buy food without paying admission.

Pumpkin Creek Farms is open from just after Labor Day to Nov. 1. Fleck says now is the time to plan your trip.

“October is that is prime time,” Fleck said. “This is when everybody wants to come out and enjoy a farm in the fall. And it’s what Central Illinois has … it’s one of the neater things we have as a community is several apple orchards and pumpkin patches.”

To learn more about Pumpkin Creek Farms, or purchase tickets, visit its website.