Ask the admissions office for a schedule of classes you can visit. Classes should be lively with plenty of discussion, and even in lecture courses, professors should be relating well to students. Ask students if it's easy to talk to professors and get help when they need it. The best colleges will have programs that allow students to do independent study or to work with faculty members on research projects. Science departments should have advanced equipment that undergraduates are allowed to use.
Colleges vary widely in their emphasis on computers and advanced technology.
Some even require students to bring their own computers to campus. If your child has a particular interest, go talk to the appropriate department. For instance, people who want to participate in a choir or theater but not major in music or drama should make sure that is possible. You will probably be able to tell if the admissions counselors have your child's best interests in mind. Good colleges conduct their selection of students with care, and lavish attention on their students after the recruitment process, too.