That's a tough question. I'd need to back up a few steps before contemplating it - why is this the right solution regarding the kids? If they're small, I'd sooner put a fence there, and if they're older, I'd think they could be taught to behave in the yard as you want them to. Also, if the wall faces into your yard, how do the kids get to the top of it... I'm confused, in short, and need to understand the assignment better before I can offer any suggestions :-)

I was sort of joking about the kids but we do have nieces/nephews that love to play superman off the wall! Also, I thought the rugosas would help with the strong south wind that we sometimes get in the back yard. Hopefully the picture I've added will clear things up.
Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:15517}}

Ah yes, that helps.

The idea of the roses doesn't appeal to me. That might be just because I'm not a rose person, but also it seems to me that wind would be most bothersome in winter when the rugosas would have no leaves - wouldn't evergreen be better? Also, if kids are going to play there, I'd sooner they just jumped or at worst (if their parents can't watch them:-)) fell without getting caught up in brambles.

A weeping juniper, I suppose a blue rug type, would look fabulous spilling down the wall, and something taller behind it would look more natural, and visually lower the wall better, than something tall right next to it.

Thanks for the suggestion of the weeping juniper. You're right, that would look good spilling down the wall. I hadn't given anything like that a thought.
Thanks again!