I don't want grass in my yard anymore. What else is there?

By the way, I have 2 toddlers so I don't think rocks would be good. And I have 2 cats, so I am hoping to stay away from things that remind them about their litter box. I.E. sand. The ground is very hard and dry, so for the past 2 yrs I have struggled miserably to grow beautiful grass. Are there any alternitives I can do that is good with cats and kids. Oh yea, and I have a dog that that does it's business out there so it has to be cleanable. Thank you in advance to everyone.

Answers:
If it's a small area, a thyme lawn would work well. It takes awhile to fill in, but afterwards if absolutely breathtaking. I'm putting in a thyme lawn in my own lawn. The best part is, once it's established, not much watering is required. Here's a link:

I am after a tree with orange flowers, similar to a silky oak. Does any one have any ideas?
  • If you pull weeds from your garden and throw them on the lawn and mow them, will the mowed weed "spread"?
  • Ive got rabbits eating all my flowers?
  • My rose bush, What animal would eat it?
  • What kind of bug is this and is it friend or foe?
  • How do you make english ivy grow better?
  • Do dragonflies/damselflies prefer certain flowers?
  • Could someone tell me how to get rid of ant hills?
  • How do i remove mushrooms growing subsequent to a plant?