Pachysandra terminalis is the only thing that I have found that will grown under my maple, period. It flourishes and eats up leafs and requires no watering or fertilization. I doubt it can take foot traffic especially children playing. My suggestion is an area of pachysandra set into a definte constrained area with a six inch or more heavy duty edging, Roundup sprayed one or twice a year on the rhizomes that will eventually work their way under the edging and peastone or artificial grass for the kids.

The pachysandra, when constrained, will fill in very thick and will earn its nickname "green mulch". Left to wander it will look unkept and straggly.
That's my suggestion, good luck whatever you decide.

Jon

Thank you Jon - I have a lot of pachysandra near the tree already, it's doing great - of course ;)

If you take down the maple your options can expand to include grass. You could plant a better tree, one that can share.

Karin"