The yard could definitely stand to be more private and upgraded in terms of luxuriousness. You'll need to devote a strip of about 6' depth, all around the perimeter, to planting. Tree form shrubs, with their foliage above the fence, will not consume as much yard space as would large shrub form plants that maintained foliage all the way to the ground. There could be more planting room in the yard corners, allowing for larger plants there, if the inside bed line was semi-circular.

With a family, your patio space could probably be doubled. It would be nice to use a more durable, permanent patio floor as opposed to patio blocks set unevenly. Consider a portable fire pit for greater flexibility on placement. For a better look, consider growing something on the arbor, even if it is only annual vines for the summer. Gourds give super fast cover and are fun for everyone, especially kids, to watch.

You should have made this a Design Dilemma question, NOT a poll. The poll suggests you want either a deck or storage. Your question, however, says you want to know how to make the yard more inviting for both you and your children.

Start by making a list of what you want from your backyard: to grow flowers or vegetables, read or reflect, entertain or cook out, etc. Don't allow fantasies of a backyard oasis to carry you away, though. Keep your list practical. Then ask your husband and each of your children what they want. Your children's wants may be impractical, but look for a compromise. If DH says he doesn't care, take his word for it. But, engage him with your ideas and he will likely let you know, at the least, what he doesn't want. This process will allow you to figure what's most important to your household.

I would extend your current patio along the side of your house past the window wells. It looks like the gravel fill doesn't allow grass to grow there, so might as well cover the area with pavers. Use large containers against the house between and on either side of the window wells. You can't block them, but you can make them less noticeable and prevent people from walking too near them. A storage shed could go at the other side of the house.

How old are your children and what do they like to do? How much sun do you get, is heat an issue? I don’t see anything for kids in your yard, no wonder they don’t want to be there. Seating, cooking and eating, play areas, maybe a veg garden if you wanna get enough sun.

my kids are 4 and 8. they just to the yard and sit on chairs backyard is facing north east so we usually have sun until 3ish. for now we got paving stones and pergola done by previous owner.. I like deck and sinterlock mix but not really sure how to design. for kids some activities which will attract them. shurbs is good idea but do think it will leave enough space rest of list items.

not sure why this is poll:) but really I wanted to get advice in designing