REI050

The winner of our 2008 Parents' Picks quest to find the best shoe store for teens in Austin, REI is the place to outfit the family for a foray into the outdoors, whether it's cross-country skiing or camping or just venturing to the park in the rain.

REI is a local business gone big; it started out in 1938 as a humble cooperative and has evolved into an upscale megastore for people who demand the best in outdoor gear. Baby and kid stuff abounds: look for high-quality baby joggers, bike trailers, and trail packs; family camping gear; kids' bikes and helmets; performance footwear; skis and snow gear; rain gear, outdoorsy toys, and rugged, stylish clothes for kids of all ages (Patagonia, Cherry Tree, Gramicci).

Rent children's downhill skis, snowboards, and snowshoes, children's and toddler's cross-country skis, gear sleds, and tents, backpacks, mountaineering gear, and sleeping bags/pads at area stores. Not all stores carry all gear; check on availability by clicking on "Stores/Events" at the website, then by choosing an individual store and looking in the box on the right for a gear rental link.

Stores have a full schedule of outdoor-related talks and programs, but these are primarily geared towards adults (although there is an occasional family-related event; check REI's website for details.)