Geographical location?

The branching height is more a function of pruning than kind of tree. You buy one already pruned and trained to have an elevated head or you do it yourself, over a period of years after planting.

japanese maple. Best wishes!

Not sure of your USDA Zone designation but you might consider Amelanchier x 'Cumulus'. Unlike most serviceberry cultivars which are multi-trunk, this one is consistently grown as a single stem tree. Cornus mas 'Golden Glory' is another small tree that might work nicely for you. This dogwood can be found as both multi-stem and single stem and is a bit broader than Cumulus serviceberry.

Amelanchier x grandiflora 'Cumulus'

Cornus mas 'Golden Glory'

I have two sons ewood trees and I love them. Long blooming and great fall color.

Basic structure (shrub vs. tree habit) of all Amelanchier x grandiflora cultivars offered is determined by how they are handled at the production facility. So that a particular cultivar may appear on the market in both versions. What differentiates Cumulus(R) specifically as far as growth is concerned is it being vigorous and upright. With a vigorous nature of course lending itself to development of a tree shaped specimen.

Cornus mas produces a significant fruit drop which should be considered when mulling over this possible choice. In my area the ground beneath the trees is often peppered with spoiling fruits during late summer, at a time when usage of a play area might be particularly frequent.

Sourwoods (Oxydendrum) are lovely trees but will get far larger than the OP wants, both in height and spread.

All trees will have some sort of drawback......nothing is perfect (unless made out of plastic :-)) It is just a matter of determining what you are willing to put up with. The Japanese maple, a small flowering dogwood or even a crabapple would stay in relative scale to the size of your property and could offer multiple seasons of interest.

Go for a medium-sized tree or one that will eventually give you a bit of shade

Cultivated sour woods typically max out at 25 to 30 feet tall. I planted them 22 years ago and both are about 18 feet tall and 15 feet wide. They were about 5.5 feet when planted. I researched carefully as I planted one close to the house.

Japanese maple and/or possibly a couple apple trees (I get the sense you need two compatible but different varieties so they can cross-pollinate). Dunno if you want to deal with fruiting orchard trees though.

But yeah, I'll be getting a Japanese maple for our front yard, and eventually a couple apple trees for the backyard. I'm in 6b so very close.