From what you describe, I’d probably look at a hardtail 29er, 1x for ease of use and versatility. You can get a nice hardtail with quality fork and drivetrain for $2k. I’d personally lean toward Cannondale and Salsa. For example, the Salsa XT is 2k and has a decent fork, dropper post, and XT components.

You may also want to consider a gravel bike if you’re on easy mtb trails as they are really versatile and you could also use it on the road.

This is exactly what I would say too. any company is going to have a nice bike in that price range and by avoiding their rear suspension you steer clear of a lot of extra maintenance. Make sure to leave enough money for pedals and shoes if you don't already own them. I bet you will really enjoy riding with your son in the woods.

They have a full-suspension Salsa Horsethief on sale if you're willing to shell out a bit extra. Full suspension is worth it IMO and the Horsethief is a great bike. Suspension is surprisingly well refined for a bike at this price point.

https://www.rei.com/...ethief-deore-29-bike

That horesthief is a great choice.
If you want to spend a bit less this would be a great choice.
https://www.rei.com/...mberjack-slx-29-bike
Or even this if you won't be getting rowdy
https://www.rei.com/...finder-deore-29-bike

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http://www.instagram.com/cyclewise

Also just overall since you mentioned it has been a while since you have looked at MTB's no matter how much or how little you spend, 2 absolute must have no question, dropper post and tubeless.

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http://www.instagram.com/cyclewise

Have owned both Cannondale and Salsa, currently ride the latter and it has been great quality bike. One thing to consider is where you ride and how long. Full suspension is awesome all the way around especially on long ride and super rocky, bumpy terrain. Considering with you son, a hard tail might just fit the bill, and, depending on how fast he grows and your size, may be his next mountain bike - in that case hard tail has less moving parts and less expensive, both in purchase and maintenance on the shock.

Also, as someone mentioned, some additional costs - shoes, pedals, camelback, saddleback that won't explode and launch all the contents in the bumps - yes, I have done this many, many times, helmet (I prefer an MTB design with more protection on the back of the head, GLOVES, and I personally always ride with glasses so if shady get a set of clear or ones that start clear and will darken if going from shade to sun.

Some of my best times with my kids have been on mountain bikes and totally improves bike handling skills when on the road as well. Enjoy!

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I miss you "Sports Night"

This is great info and I would not have thought of either. I appreciate the callouts.

Thanks for all the info and I am really excited to start hitting the trails with him. Being a dad just keeps getting better!

Salsa is a fantastic bike. Cannondale is good too. Give Ghost a try, they're a UK/European brand and not well known here. I demo'd one a few years ago and was VERY impressed with it. There are a few pro MTB women who race on Ghost bikes on the UCI world cup cross country circuit, so it's a legit brand.

Salsa timberjack is on my short list. I believe the COOP is the house brand.