Youth / Recreation/Additional Activities
Children enjoy a foam bath at Children's Beach courtesy of the Chautauqua Volunteer Fire Department.
In addition to the plethora of activities young people will find within the framework of the Boys' & Girls' Club, Children's School and Group One, there are a variety of other activities for them to enjoy—from tennis and golf to swimming and sailing and more.
CLSC Young Readers
The CLSC Young Readers Program encourages the enjoyment of good reading. The books have been chosen for their quality, the variety of styles and subjects, and their appeal to young adult readers. A special program is offered each Wednesday at 4:15 p.m. Book selections and program information are fully described in the Young Readers brochure available at the CLSC Veranda.
Young Readers Book List 1994–2010 (PDF)
Youth Tennis
Located directly behind the Turner Community Center, the Chautauqua Tennis Center provides an outstanding junior development program offering group instruction for ages 4–18 and all skill levels. Details and schedules are available at the tennis pro shop. Racquets may be borrowed at no charge during the junior programs. Private lessons and junior memberships are also available.
Swimming
There are four public swimming beaches within the grounds. The Children's Beach, located near the Miller Bell Tower, provides a shallow swimming area and beach for youth and their families to play and picnic. Pier Beach, adjacent to Children's Beach, is an adult, deep-water swimming area. Heinz Beach, located on South Lake Drive, offers bathhouse facilities, as does University Beach on North Lake Drive. Lifeguards are on duty daily at Chautauqua's beaches during posted swimming hours. The pool at the Turner Community Center will also be open daily throughout the summer for lap swimming, open family swims and classes or special events.
Babysitting
The Office of Recreation and Youth Services coordinates a babysitting list that provides information to help families with young children connect with available babysitters in Chautauqua and the local area. The list is intended as a public service and does not rate or recommend any individual. During the season the list is updated weekly and is available in many locations on the grounds. Anyone interested in placing their name on the list should contact the office, 716.357.6290.
Youth Sailing
The Chautauqua Sailing Department presents a summer-long curriculum of sailing courses for youth ages 8 and up, including Beginner Optimist Sailing, 420 Sailing, Intermediate Sailing, and Saturday morning races. Registration is through the Special Studies program. Early registration is strongly recommended. Private lessons may also be arranged. All Sailing Department programs are conducted from the John R. Turney Sailing Center.
Youth Activities Center
Junior high and high school students are invited to visit the Youth Activities Center (YAC), located on the south lakefront at Heinz Beach. The YAC features a friendly staff, music, television, games, a snack bar, table tennis and pool tables. Weekly "Yactivities" include tournaments, food specials, and the popular weekly dances. There is no membership fee. The YAC is open Monday through Friday and all are welcome.

