Line it and make it into a huge sandbox for the kids.

how does water get out of it?

Pebble pond

@ Revolutionary Gardens

There isn’t any waterline to or from this area. It was all contained in the above ground spa

A fountain would be lovely.

That hot masonry box could desperately use some cool green something. Depending on your water restrictions, it could be a nice little kitchen veggie garden or a great succulent garden.

Your budget, environment, style, preference, HOA/no HOA, etc. Those all come into play so keep that in mind as far as ideas moving forward.

What comes to mind immediately is a Japanese garden with koi pond. You can even do additional masonry work to have a waterfall effect into the koi pond. I know you mentioned babies so you would have to work with your specialist on coming up with ideas to baby proof the area. I'm sure they will suggest a filtration system as well, one that does not require an active water line. I've also seen koi ponds that are not exposed and the top layer is covered with plastic or glass so that people can walk on it.

You can also do a Japanese sand garden.

Another idea is to fill up the hole with sand and put in a big fire pit for cooking/entertaining. You can outline the are with large stones if you want to make a barrier so the kids don't play with the fire pit along with a protective cover when you are not actively using it. A lot of HOAs will not allow fire pits so be sure to check if you have an HOA.

It’s a good Chinese Feng Shui to have water and fish.

Looks like you could install a wooden "deck" about 6 inches below the top edge. Have a one corner access for a sump pump, use the water changes for landscape watering. Great splash pool for kids...they won't always be very young. Never "fill in", it's always best to "cover" as a cover allows for changes as life changes.

some ideas (the fountain shown uses a pondless waterfall system)

Great design Doug!

I like the idea of a pond/water feature, but with small children, I'd advise against it - unless it is very shallow. If they can drown in a bathtub, they can drown in a pond.

Sunken trampoline!

I would agree with that, that's why I would suggest some kind of barricade OR you can cover it with glass/plexiglass.

I like the sandbox as long as there is a cover to keep cats out of the sandbox. Nothing is better for keeping kids occupied.

I agree the kids would enjoy a sandbox. After they get older you can make it a fire pit.

Generally speaking I would introduce more greenery and gardens in the back yard. I can’t really see the entire yard but from the vantage point it does seem like it would be more children friendly as well. It would also help if you posted photos from inside looking out as it would aide on the design

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other ideas based on sand box comments

Sandbox would be an awesome idea!!

Cover when not in use, or make sure neighborhood cats can't access the huge litter box.