Consider Taking an Edu-Vacation at Chautauqua Institution
“Edu-vacations,” AKA educational vacations, are getaways with a focus on learning new things and the opportunity to be fully immersed into a destination. They provide so much more than just an escape from daily life – they offer guests a chance to improve themselves, explore different interests, and take valuable lessons with them when they head home.
Chautauqua Institution is the epitome of an edu-vacation. It’s a community that will restore your soul, stimulate your thinking, and fill you with hope and gratitude. For nearly 150 years, it has been CHQ’s mission to make learning fun, with the bonus of a gorgeous leafy landscape on 750 acres along Chautauqua Lake. Get ready to make incredible memories with all the amazing education-based activities we have to offer and consider following the tips below to make the most of your experience.
Attend a Lecture
Imagine starting your morning with a delicious cup of coffee at one of our outdoor cafés, then walking across our beautiful grounds to hear some of the brightest minds of our generation give life-changing lectures and discussions about timely topics. CHQ lectures are broken up into six different categories: morning lectures, interfaith lectures, heritage lectures, Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle Authors, Visiting and Resident Artists lectures, and special lectures. Each type has a bit of a different structure and focus, and most don’t require additional admission. From notable religious leaders to politicians and professors, Chautauqua is the modern gold standard for expanding one’s understanding of the world.
Take a Class at Chautauqua
Want to learn more about environmental sustainability? How about cooking stellar farmers’ market meals? Or taking Tai Chi for health? Whether you’re on the Institution grounds or looking for the best online learning platform, Chautauqua creates distinct educational experiences for the 10,000 lifelong learners that enroll in our many classes each year. The 2023 experience offers courses for youth and adults ranging from art, music, photography, culinary arts, religion, dance, literature and beyond. There are unique and inspiring classes for everyone at CHQ!
Engage in Recreation
With a healthy lifestyle at the center of the Chautauqua experience, we offer plenty of sports and recreation classes centered on how to learn new skills and activities. The Chautauqua Golf Club has a variety of junior clubs and clinics, the Sailing Department presents a comprehensive curriculum of one-week sailing courses, the Tennis Center provides private lessons, and the Chautauqua Health & Fitness Center offers group exercises and personal training to help you crush your fitness goals.
Explore Through Play CHQ
Children explore the world through play, and our Play CHQ program invites families to come together through games, crafts, STEM activities and more throughout the 2023 season. You can join the fun at pop-up locations across the grounds. Come create balance, challenge, and flow!
Education Wednesdays
On Wednesdays during Weeks 1–8 of the Summer Assembly Season, Chautauqua County education professionals (teachers, staff, administration) and K–12 students are invited as our guests to enjoy CHQ! Education professionals will be provided opportunities for networking, relaxing and engaging in enriching discussions based on the morning lecture series each day. Attendees will receive a complimentary Parking and Traditional Gate Pass for the day which includes access to events at the Amp and across the grounds.