Quick, what do you think of when you hear the two words Riva Row? Me too! I always think about the boat house and the kayaks that you can rent!

Yes it’s true, you can rent kayaks, and you can also rent paddle boards, aqua bikes, and swan boats, and you should certainly try it out sometime.

But aside from the boat house rentals, and aside from the Riva Row townhomes, there’s actually a Riva Row Park. Have you taken the time to notice?

I bet you know where the boat house is, but the park is all of that area surrounding the boat house, and let me tell you, this space is such a delight.

I adore this park so much, because like so many of the other special spots throughout The Woodlands, this one can really be a place of comfort and relief, especially when you’re needing a bit of mental respite.

Riva Row Park Features

These beautiful cascading fountains are one of my favorite features of the park. The water isn’t trickling, it’s rushing down in a sudsy frenzy, and the sound that it makes is just comforting and peace-inducing. I can get lost in a daydream just sitting and listening.

Gosh, I’m pretty sure this isn’t called a “rotunda,” but I’m not sure what else to say besides this “circular sitting area.” I’ve seen playgroup moms get together with their children and use this space to open lunches and sit around and mingle. I’ve watched a suited gentleman use the space as his outdoor office, setting up a tripod and Zoom call to take a professional meeting. I’ve personally used the space as a resting spot from my long walk from one end of the lake near Waterway Square, down to the other near Whole Foods. However you use it, there’s no judging.

There’s also artwork to enjoy. Look at these sculptures:

OK, so the crown jewel of this area, are you ready for this? There is a beautiful sitting garden, and I’ve only recently discovered it within the past year or two. It’s the loveliest little area, and it’s adjacent to some apartments and the walking/running path, so it really is a wonder no one else is ever out here enjoying this space. It’s a gold mine that no one seems to know about or care about. Look how pretty! (But let me say this: I'm not certain this is an actual part of the "park", as the sign for the park is just beyond this area, on the other side of the bridge. But that's besides the point.)

This pond area has fountains, a variety of foliage, and several benches for sitting and taking in the fresh air and scenery.

If you’ve been missing this spot, it’s probably because the elevation is a little lower than the main path, which gives you a sense of privacy.

I really believe a space like this can do wonders for your mindset and mental health, if we would only take the time to sit still for a while.

What can this space be for you? A place to meditate? Read your Bible? FaceTime with your husband who’s traveling? Maybe it’ll be a space to bring your little one when he’s having a rough day. Or bring your art supplies, your sketch journal, or your diary, and just have a creative release.

There’s no playground here for the kids, but that doesn’t matter. Of course, you’re just a few jumps away from the grassy fields of Town Green Park, which is an obvious spot for little ones to run around. But also, it’s okay to teach your child to enjoy a calm, peaceful, serene setting like this one, without the running around. Pack a snack and enjoy uninterrupted conversation. Or bring a portable speaker to listen to your favorite calming melodies as you sit.

So back to the boat house. At Riva Row, you can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboats, swan boats, and water bikes. The rental process is easy and convenient, and as long as you’re appropriately dressed, then you don’t really have to plan anything in advance. Watercraft rental is the perfect activity for spontaneity when the weather suits your fancy. 

I’ve personally tried out the kayaks and the swan boats, and all the experiences were fun for me and my family. You can make an appointment ahead of time (recommended), but each time I’ve visited I’ve just walked up and there was availability. You have to sign a waiver, and you leave your driver’s license with the attendant while you take the rental out, and you can pick up your license when you return. Life vests and dry bags are available to you at no additional charge.

Riva Row Park is located at 2101 Riva Row Dr in The Woodlands. For best access, parallel park on Riva Row Dr as close to the park area as possible.

I hope you can add this special spot to your Woodlands parks “rotation.”