Reservations in Cinque Terre

That's peak season. Make reservations.

Do you have any thoughts on where to stay? Since we'll be travelling with a kiddo, I thought maybe Monterosso just for more stuff to see and a more accessible beach. If it were just adults, I'd pick Vernazza. Hotel Pasquale?

DEFINITELY make reservations - especially in June. It really is FUN to chose a place and know right where to go-that it will be there. Especially when there's kids involved, you certainly don't want to drag everybody around looking for a room/s to rent.
Vernazza would be cool for an 8 yr old - he/she can have fun in the inner harbor there - sand and water. Plus, there's a "cool" stone pirate lookout tower you can climb myriads of stairs too. Just the sort of "fantasy" fun for that age (any age really...). We stayed at francamariarooms.com (not sure if .com or .it. google it)

Kelly,

As the others have suggested, reservations would be a really good idea as that time of the year will probably be "busy" in the CT.

Regarding which town to stay in, they each have their own unique "personality". I'd suggest checking the Italy Guidebook to see which one appeals to you the most. The book also lists lots of lodgings in various price ranges along with their E-mail addresses and web sites.

I would probably suggest starting in Monterosso al Mare also, as that has the best beach of all the towns and the best selection of Hotels, restaurants, etc. Vernazza would be good also, but it's very popular (especially with Rick's readers) so you may have more difficulty finding a vacancy).

Good luck and happy travels!

I'm writing from Manarola, one of the 5 Terre.

On the link above you can find lots of information and hotel/B&B booking service.
I can suggest a bed and Breakfast in Manarola. they provide rooms and apartments, very good service.
Bye, have a nice holiday.
Andrew