Depending on your budget, the most practical (easy-care) surfaces are laminate (very inexpensive), granite (prices vary), and engineered quartz (quite expensive). Wood can be a problem, as it does not react well with water and it can become nicked and scratched, so if you do not like a distressed look, you will not be happy. Marble is a porous stone that reacts with many kitchen ingredients (coffee, tea, berries, lemons, vinegar, etc.) and develops a "patina" with age and use. Many homeowners do not like this patina, seeing it as dirty or marred. On the other hand, Carrara marble is not very expensive.

You can start researching these materials on the internet, but the best way to determine your likes and dislikes is to visit kitchen design centers and stone yards to see them in person.

How long do you expect to live there! Most people stay in a house less than 10 years. Do you like your kitchen layout? If not, granite, quartz or marble is throwing money away.
I would look for some Wilsonart HD that looks like Carrera and costs about $20/SF. Don't get integrated backsplash. It's an affordable and durable choice that looks nice. I would be nervous about marble, especially with younger kids.

Thanls Hal! I just searched for the Wilsonart HD and i love it! I had never heard of it. Thank you for the suggestion.