You are going about this the right way by asking and researching. The two seaters are nice but your kid at three will have a hard time holding on by himself and it will be a few years before he can do so by himself. When you ride him in front of you make sure you get a full faced helmet or the back of his head will give your chin a workout. He will also get to wanting to push all of the buttons in front of him, including the throttle. Just trying to give you some things to expect. My nephew is now riding a Suzuki 50 by himself. You would probably do fine on a 250 (Bayou, Recon) 2x 4, provided that your terrain is not too extreme. You mentioned going to some mountainous region. These machine will generally go up pretty steep places but you will have to be going fast to make it to the top and without a front differential your front end will be lighter than a bigger 4x4. I have been there and done that and I like to be able to crawl up the steep places. You just have too carry too much speed to make it up for me. I could not wait too get something more powerful. My Grizz (and all the new I.r.s. big bores) make everything easier and way more comfortable. If I were you I would look to something in the 400 to 500cc range. Rubicon, foreman, Big bear, kodiak, Vinson, Eiger, Sportsman, Outlander. Irs or straight axle . Irs will give you a lot and I mean a lot better ride, but also give you more working parts. I have rode quite a few of the machines that are out and my body cries out No! when I get on a sra machine. Some say sra pulls better, not true in my experience. You might have to stiffen up your springs but they all will pull. Spend the money if you can to get something with a selectable 2/4 wheel drive. Even if you don't need it all the time, you will be glad to have it. If any thing it will help you from tearing your grounds or roads. 2x4 will go, but they will rut up places in a hurry. I wont recommend one machine because they are all good but different. They feel different, wieght, ergos, features, price, etc. Do your best to ride before you buy. Most people that I have come in contact who dont own a bigger machine say they wished they have gotten a bigger atv(power). Good luck.
