The Earth has hundreds of rivers and streams. Rivers are made of freshwater. Some rivers flow into an ocean or a sea. Rivers have currents. Some currents can be strong and dangerous. You can't always see the current so be careful when you swim in a river.
Some rivers flow into a waterfall. This is Angel Falls in Venezuela, South America. It is the tallest waterfall in the world. It is 979 meters tall! Look at all the mist at the bottom. The falls are so tall that the water turns to mist before reaching the ground. It is not easy to visit these falls, but I would love to see them.
Rivers are full of life. Many plants and animals live in rivers and streams. Alligators and crocodiles live in rivers and streams. Some hippos live in rivers. Hippos are quite dangerous. You should keep away from hippos, alligators, and crocodiles. Many fish and some shellfish live in rivers. You can even find some lobsters in certain rivers. Frogs, turtles, and even some snakes live in, or near rivers.
What can we do in or on rivers? There are so many fun activities to try if you like water sports. You can take a cruise down a river on an old steamboat. Steamboats are usually docked at a jetty. A jetty is a wooden walkway that is over water. You can see many fantastic sights as you cruise along a river. Steamboats were used a long time ago for traveling. We use powerboats more these days.
If you want something more exciting you can try rafting. Rafting is an exciting river sport. When you're in the calm part of the river it is a gentle ride. When you hit the rapids, it is bouncy, exciting, and a little scary. Everyone has to use their paddle to move through the rapids. You have to wear a life jacket and a helmet if you go rafting. I like gentle rafting, with a few rapids.
Have you ever been tubing? Tubing is so much fun. You sit in an inner tube and float down the river. It is quite relaxing. It is my favourite river activity. What would you like to try?