What's a good alternative to the lawn?

Sure, many of us use some of our lawn for playing and resting. But in the suburbs I am familiar with, the only time most people step foot on their front lawn is to maintain the lawn.

We have these huge, unused patches of grass. These lawns need to be perpetually maintained, and in the process result in large amounts of water use, noise pollution (mowers, leaf blowers), and fertilizer. And in many communities, not “properly” caring for your lawn can result in fines.

Fine. We all know how ridiculous and embarrassing suburbia’s obsession with the front lawn can be. But what are the alternatives, and what are the pros/cons of each?