Family Activities:

Lakeside Chautauqua

Attraction

Lakeside Chautauqua

236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside, OH

All are welcome at this gated residential community, where activities, programs and recreation fill each day and night in the summer. The area focuses on the mind, body, spirit and the arts.

Perfect for multigenerational vacations, this large community was founded in 1873. It offers about 1,000 charming cottages of various sizes for rent, and there also two hotels and a few inns. Nearly 150,000 people come through Lakeside Chautauqua each summer and many are returning families.

Visitors maneuver around town on golf carts and bikes, as parking is extremely limited. There are shuttles that can take guests to different areas of the community, as well.
Families will love the small downtown area with its charming shops, restaurants and movie theater. The recreation is bountiful at Lakeside! There is shuffleboard, basketball, volleyball, playgrounds, sandy beaches on the shallow Lake Erie waters with lifeguards, fishing piers, mini-golf, boat rides, kayak and sailing rentals, yoga, tennis and soccer.

There’s an outdoor pool, kiddie pool and splash pad area overlooking Lake Erie, as well. Music and arts programs can also fill your day. Numerous art classes for all skill levels and ages like pottery, painting, stained glass and photography are available along with singing and instrumental classes.

The huge, 2,600-seat auditorium in the center of town features lecture series from visiting professors and religious leaders from all denominations for adults and children. Then in the evenings, the auditorium turns into a concert hall, with more than 75 shows held throughout the summer. The live evening entertainment includes acts like Broadway star Megan Hilty, the Lakeside Symphony Orchestra, Motown, the Rhythmic Circus, jugglers and a Beatles tribute band, to name only a few. Visit during the Fourth of July and families can enjoy a huge fireworks display and kids will love to decorate their bikes and participate in the bike parade.

Visitors are also welcome to stay at Lakeside Chautauqua and do absolutely nothing and just relax. Wi-Fi access can be found throughout the community, however, many visitors find it to be a nice place to unplug. Children enjoy the freedom of getting to roam around town while parents can feel secure knowing everyone is safe. Vacationing at Lakeside Chautauqua allows families to enjoy doing everything or nothing at all, and makes for a fabulous family vacation destination.

Cost
Daily, multi-day and season passes are available and vary in cost. Passes permit visitors to use all facilities, day and evening. A daily adult pass is $21.25 and a child is $14. A seven-day adult pass is $148.75 and a child is $98. Children under 12 years old are free. There is an additional cost for vehicles, and fees do not include accommodations.

Dining
Several family-friendly restaurants can be found throughout the community, such as ice cream and coffee shops and other casual dining options.

Parking
Parking is extremely limited on the narrow streets. There are designated parking lots on the outskirts of town and free shuttle buses can take families around town. Some of the rental cottages offer private parking.