Child friendly garden lawn ideas please

[MrsI13]

Hello. Being a new mum, I'm new to mumsnet, but I'm hoping for some gardening advice please......Since being a bit over-enthusiastic with the weedkiller a two years ago, the lawn I had in the garden has turned into a mess of weeds with not much grass left. Added to that we now a big climbing frame that seems to take up half of what was the lawn!
I'd like a nice space for bub to play in the summer, but wondering what the options are......Do I replace the weeds with artifical grass, or is that still high maintenance (there are several trees overhanging the garden)? Do I create a soft fall area with bark or rubber chips, or will they just be used the local cats? Are there any alternatives to grass that could cope with a toddler running around on it? Do I just returf the garden and hope for the best?
Any advice or experience would be appreciated. Thanks

We had artificial grass laid a few years ago and I would definitely recommend it. Low maintenance and it doesn’t get muddy so they go out a play as soon as it stops raining.

We are about to get artificial grass. The trampoline has killed the grass and we get thistles and all sorts. I’ve had enough and don’t have the time nor inclination to spend hours sorting the bloody thing.

I've got 2 toddlers. We have artificial grass too and I love it. We are in the garden as often as possible because of it and my parents got it too as they liked ours so much.

We had the garden done a few years ago and put new turf down. It's been great.

Personally I don't really love artificial grass, I just think it looks unnatural, and my kids enjoy lying on real grass looking for bugs etc.

If you put down wood chippings, you risk them going everywhere, especially if it's at all wet outside, so I would definitely avoid those.

Grass is hardy and plenty able to cope with a toddler running round on it,you only have to look at how grass has recovered from last year's heat wave. I'd just look at improving your existing lawn or if you're impatient have turf laid.

Don't put down artificial grass - it's shit

I agree,it really is.

Thanks for your thoughts, it seems like there's a bit of a split as to love or hate artifical grass, but it's good to have ruled out the option of chippings. Much apprecaited!