Jack's Boathouse rents canoes, single and tandem kayaks, and rowboads. Paddles and life preservers are provided (they have life vests for infants on up). Individual lessons are available upon request at no charge.

Middle C Music sells or rents just about anything your budding musician might need - and offers private lessons as well. The store carries print music, musical accessories, music-themed gifts, books on music, CD's, magazines, rental instruments and more, including a wide range of books, tapes, videos, and CD's designed to encourage kids' love of music. Middle C has one of the best selections of high quality starter guitars in the region.

An ever changing selection of wind, brass, string, and percussion instruments can be purchased up-front, or parents can pay over time with a rent-to-own plan. And there is always the option to return instruments at any point with no extra charges - which helps keep your home from turning into a music studio too!

Private music lessons are offered for acoustic and electric guitar, piano, cello, violin, saxophone, bass, harmonica, percussion, voice, clarinet, flute, and recorder. Lessons are available for all age and skill levels, and are held weekly in one of Middle C's five studios. There is even a rock band class, and parents looking to let out their inner diva can now take private lessons in guitar, piano, or voice in the mornings while the kids are at school. Call 202.244.7326 for more details.

This is the place to outfit the family for a foray into the outdoors, whether it's planning a ride on the C&O towpath, visiting Great Falls, or hiking through Shenandoah National Park. REI started out in 1938 as a humble cooperative and 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 tents, backpacks, sleeping bags/pads, and other camping gear at the store. (Not all stores carry all gear.) Pay a one-time membership fee of $15 and receive a host of benefits, including reduced equipment rental charges and a yearly patronage refund on purchases.

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

This is the place to outfit the family for a foray into the outdoors, whether it's planning a ride on the C&O towpath, visiting Great Falls, or hiking through Shenandoah National Park. REI started out in 1938 as a humble cooperative and 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 tents, backpacks, sleeping bags/pads, and other camping gear at the store. (Not all stores carry all gear.) Pay a one-time membership fee of $15 and receive a host of benefits, including reduced equipment rental charges and a yearly patronage refund on purchases.

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

This is the place to outfit the family for a foray into the outdoors, whether it's planning a ride on the C&O towpath, visiting Great Falls, or hiking through Shenandoah National Park. REI started out in 1938 as a humble cooperative and 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 tents, backpacks, sleeping bags/pads, and other camping gear at the store. (Not all stores carry all gear.) Pay a one-time membership fee of $15 and receive a host of benefits, including reduced equipment rental charges and a yearly patronage refund on purchases.

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

This is the place to outfit the family for a foray into the outdoors, whether it's planning a ride on the C&O towpath, visiting Great Falls, or hiking through Shenandoah National Park. REI started out in 1938 as a humble cooperative and 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 tents, backpacks, sleeping bags/pads, and other camping gear at the store. (Not all stores carry all gear.) Pay a one-time membership fee of $15 and receive a host of benefits, including reduced equipment rental charges and a yearly patronage refund on purchases.

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

The Traveling Baby Company is a full service baby and toddler equipment rental agency. The extensive product listings range from the basics - cribs, strollers, high chairs, and car seats - to items that offer comfort, fun, and convenience, including Boppy pillows, exersaucers, Diaper Genies, and baskets of toys catered to your child's age and interests. Products are ordered online and delivered to your location. The company is rapidly expanding, so check the website to find out if they've arrived at your destination.

The Boat Center is operated by Guest Services, Inc. for the National Park Service and is a hub for regattas and racing throughout the region. Georgetown University, George Washington University, and many local high schools and clubs, store sculls here for practices and races.

Bicycle rentals are first-come, first-served. The Center rents all-terrain bicycles, which have 21 speeds, hand-brakes, and racing seats, and are available in both 16" and 18" frames; cruiser bicycles, which are single-speed bicycles with coaster brakes and wider, more comfortable saddle seats; kid's bicycles; and children's trailers. Helmets and bike locks are also available. Rental season begins in March and runs through October.

Boat rentals begin in March and run through October, or when the water temperature drops below 55 degrees. Four types of boats are available: kayaks (single and double), canoes, rowing shells (single recreational and single and double racing), and Sunfish.

A wide variety of instructional and competitive rowing programs are offered, including instructional programs in single person (sculling) boats and 8-person (sweep) boats, as well as competitive progams for every age and experience level.

The Boat Center is operated by Guest Services, Inc. for the National Park Service and is a hub for regattas and racing throughout the region. Georgetown University, George Washington University, and many local high schools and clubs, store sculls here for practices and races.

Bicycle rentals are first-come, first-served. The Center rents all-terrain bicycles, which have 21 speeds, hand-brakes, and racing seats, and are available in both 16" and 18" frames; cruiser bicycles, which are single-speed bicycles with coaster brakes and wider, more comfortable saddle seats; kid's bicycles; and children's trailers. Helmets and bike locks are also available. Rental season begins in March and runs through October.

Boat rentals begin in March and run through October, or when the water temperature drops below 55 degrees. Four types of boats are available: kayaks (single and double), canoes, rowing shells (single recreational and single and double racing), and Sunfish.

A wide variety of instructional and competitive rowing programs are offered, including instructional programs in single person (sculling) boats and 8-person (sweep) boats, as well as competitive progams for every age and experience level.