Some people enjoy raking leaves (I'm not "some people" in this case). Maybe your kids like to jump in the piles, and that's fine. But if it's just work, there's an easier way to deal with them. And it's actually better for your lawn.
"Popular Science" just did a big write-up on why it's better to hit all those dead leaves with your LAWNMOWER a few times.The idea is to basically turn them into mulch. Then over the winter, tiny microbes eat the carbon and create nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorous, and sulfur (ooohhh... science). Which are all good for your grass.
You might have to mow over them more than once to really chop them up. But if you do, you'll end up with a thicker, healthier lawn in the spring. And it might save time, especially if you have a big yard and a riding mower.
People in areas with a lot of snow (aka Wolf Country) just have to make sure they do it before STEADY snow starts to hit. Because when full, unmulched leaves get covered in snow, it can KILL your grass.Once they're wet, they matte together. Then sunlight can't get in, and it's like a permanent layer of shade. So you just can't wait too long.