Here is a photo showing the whole area better

What a lovely patio area! It sounds like you aren't wishing for more seating or dining capacity. I would make this a garden extension with pots or a long bed and taller plants growing up that wall to meet the trailing vines. Consider a hammock, Adirondack, or other cozy reclining seat for one, for a great solo reading/napping spot. And a very minimalist recirculating fountain. The water sounds would magnify the sense of garden lushness. I would put any water feature up on the brick pavers behind the stair railing, so it isn't in the kids' traffic path.

We have a creek in the backyard so hear water all day long already. It is quite lovely but no more is needed. I do like the idea of this being garden or a nice cozy hammock for reading!

Oh, right, missed that. Then plants, plants, plants, and a hammock!

Wow, that's too bad, what a perfect spot for a hot tub! Not sure I understand why thats not allowed. I would put in a built in planter box the length of that wall and add some climbers. Fill the other area with lots of potted plants. Hammock idea sounds great too!

Might include a retractable awning or a small pergola over the area to break it up.

@Sandybean our city has a rule that you cannot have a pool or hot tub within 15 metres or the creeks highest bank. So there isn’t enough space sadly.

How much distance is there? Is the creek at the other end of the lawn?

It looks like the perfect area for outdoor movies.

Olychick do you mean how big is the patio? It’s 18x17 so a good size

This is the site plan. We cannot build a pool within 15 m of the creek as marked on the plan. We hadn’t ever considered doing it on the concrete area because it’s so close to tue basement and there is a rockpit just beyond for storm water drainage. I guess we could consider a hot tub on the concrete?

I don’t know much about portable hot tubs, but it looks like there are lots of options for your patio.

I would consider a hot tub tucked into the corner of the concrete patio where the plant material is drooping down. I think it would look fabulous there!

We did used to have an above ground pool in the spot which is why I didn’t consider it for hot tub but we got rid of the pool. Hmm lots to think on!

What a great spot! I have teens so am always looking for things for them to do so I went right to an outdoor ping pong table -

Hmm this is interesting too! We have two teens and a tween. Right now they kick the soccer ball around down here.