The school day might end around 3 o’clock, but for kids in the Rivertowns, the fun — and the learning — are just getting started. Right here inside Hudson River Landing, our home here on the Dobbs Ferry waterfront, a whole lineup of after-school programs is helping kids explore their passions, build confidence, and try something new.
And here’s a bonus for parents—while your kids are in class, you can browse the shelves at Picture Book, or sit in the café in HudCo’s coworking space. Think of it as turning after-school pickup into your own productive mini-retreat.
For the artists to the martial artists, these programs make Hudson River Landing a one-stop destination for young minds and busy parents.
Keep the Beat with Ed Bettinelli
If your child is always tapping out rhythms on the kitchen table, Ed Bettinelli’s studio The Art of Drumming in the lower level of Hudson River Landing is the place to be. A professional drummer with decades of experience, Ed teaches in a space outfitted with dual drum kits, mirrored practice stations, talk-back headsets, and even video feedback — so students can watch themselves improve in real time.
Lessons are tailored for all skill levels, so whether your kid is picking up sticks for the first time or dreaming of joining a band, they’ll find their groove here. HudCo co-founder Christy has sent her 10-year-old son Grey to drum with Eddie for years!
Focus, Fun, and Confidence at Edge Martial Arts
Also down in the lower level of the building at Edge Martial Arts, kids as young as three can start their journey toward discipline, focus, and self-confidence, all while having a blast. The school offers a variety of programs for children and teens, including preschool martial arts, youth classes, birthday parties, and school break camps. Instructors focus on developing respect, resilience, and strength, both inside and outside the studio.
Extra! Extra! Join Story Salon’s Newspaper Club
Budding journalist or illustrator at home? The Story Salon Newspaper Club, hosted in the HudCo conference room, transforms kids into reporters, editors, and artists. They learn interviewing, creative writing, drawing, and layout, and often see their work published in the Rivertowns Dispatch.
Create at Art Academy of Westchester
The Art Academy of Westchester (in suite 401) offers drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and sculpture classes. All materials are provided, and small class sizes ensure personalized attention as kids develop their unique artistic style.
Through the eyes of masters from Michelangelo to Pollock, Helen Elliott’s Multimedia Classes (ages 6–12) explore art movements while encouraging personal expression. Students try drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, and 3-D work in a supportive environment.
Vicente Saavedra’s Young Academists program is an advanced art class for children that are enthusiastic and strongly interested in drawing and painting. In this class students learn how to draw and paint from direct observation and from photographs.
Why Hudson River Landing Is Perfect for Parents
Hudson River Landing’s after-school scene means no extra driving between activities. While kids are in class, parents can browse books at Picture Book and work from HudCo’s coworking space — all in the same building. And check out the HudCo event calendar, you never know what might be popping up when you’re here for class.
Whether your child dreams of becoming a rockstar, martial arts master, journalist, painter, or filmmaker, Hudson River Landing has a program to spark their curiosity and confidence.