How do I start to revive a yard that has weeds & many bare spots?

I think I'd hand remove the larger weeds, then chemically treat it with weed and feed, then after a time for that to work, seed over the existing grass, concentrating on the bare spots.

So was mine. I killed it off and started over. Here are some things you can try!

https://www.familyhandyman.com/landscaping/restore-a-weedy-patchy-lawn/

https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/how-to-reclaim-a-weedy-yard

http://www.yourepair.com/48/how-to-reclaiming-your-lawn-from-weeds.html

try this to kill weeds and grass permanently: https://www.craftylittlegnome.com/permanently-kill-grass-weeds/

Hi Marj, I have to do this every spring in my back yard because the lawn winterkills due to being in the shade, wet weeds to make easier pulling, or use a broad leaf weed killer. Spread a thin layer of black dirt over the dead area, sprinkle grass seed on that, then another thin layer of black dirt and a tiny bit of peat moss over that, keep it watered and you will have beautiful grass in 3- 4 weeks depending on your climate, soon if warmer