I suppose you could leave the raisins out but there won't be much pie left. I guess I think of it as a raisin pie with no raisins. Hmm. Try it. I can't think of what you could substitute that would be as tasty.
Our family always puts raisins in our enchiladas. It's just the way we've always made them. My daughters usually end up picking the raisins out while I chastise them! It's become a family tradition now! Let yours pick the raisins out of the pie. :lol: Tell them try it, you'll like it!
P.S. Our mother had a saying, "If they like it they'll eat more. If they don't they'll eat a little less." I think I have picked up her attitude!