Help! what to do with bare land

Hello! the previous owners of the acreage I just moved onto had left a huge pile of trees and debris behind. My husband spent some time this summer clearing it all away and now we have a huge dirt field left. Its about 1 acre of space and its right off our house so we would like to use it as our "family/kids" area. my husband just wants to throw some grass seed down and have a big yard but im wondering if there are some better ideas out there from a permaculture view that would be better.

What (Permaculture) Zone is it in (1, 2, or 3)? Or, what Zone could it become depending on choices you make? That's the first question I would ask to brainstorm useful possibilities.

Maybe put in a tiny bit of lawn, but the possibilities range far beyond that, as you've pointed out!

Since you posted this in the "Greening the Desert" makes me think you might be in the mountains of New Mexico.

Knowing a general area you are in might help with plant selections.

We have members all over the world.

Or as Rachel has suggested what is your USDA Growing Zone?

Tell us what your hopes and dreams for that area might be.  A market garden? A garden just for the family?  Lots of pollinator flowers?  There are so many options.