Destination: Three Bears Acres' fall fun

For three years, the spot has offered a place for kids to run wild across 50 acres in northern Wake County. Mixed in among the tall trees are kid magnets such as a jumping pillow, a mud kitchen, pedal boats, a tree house playground and a giant slide.

But kids, if my kids and my friends' kids are like most others, get just as much of a kick out of running across the hills and valleys, getting dirty and feeling free. Each time we go, my kids spend hours running and complain when it's time to leave.

"It's an easy day," said Melinda Kinsel, a Raleigh mom and one of the founders. All you need to do is dress your kids in old clothes and let them explore at their own pace, she said.

Each year, Three Bears has added more attractions and amenities, including the PAWS Cafe, which will serve snacks on weekdays and meals on weekends and permanent restrooms. A sprayground is popular in the summer. (It's closed for the season).

Its field trip offerings, led by a teacher, also have grown to include a variety of subjects including one that focuses on Native American life with opportunities to see artifacts found on the land.

And, it's becoming a popular place for school fundraisers and big events - even a company picnic that drew 1,000 people.

The fall season starts this Sunday (but be sure to call ahead if the weather is rainy).

For the fall, Three Bears will add hay rides, hay forts, pumpkin bowling, archery and a brand new activity - the corn cannon, which involves launching ears of corn at fall-themed targets with a hydraulic cannon. A free pumpkin is given away for each paid child admission.

It's been a lot of work, but Kinsel said she loves it.

"I am still having fun," she said. "I can still be a mom. I can still get to the soccer and all that kind of stuff."