An integral part of the Lakeside Chautauqua experience is choosing from hundreds of weekly programs that nurture mind, body and spirit – from Rhein Center art classes and recreation activities to lessons and field trips. Many of these experiences require advanced registration and a fee.
Lakeside utilizes the online registration platform ACTIVE, which continues to improve usability and simplifies the guest experience. In 2025, complementary software was added for private lessons, watercraft rentals and ticketed events. Based on ongoing guest feedback, we continue to make refinements in partnership with our software provider.
“Anytime you alter a highly used guest system, there are growing pains,” said Kathy Mural, Lakeside Registration Coordinator. “Overall, feedback has been positive, and we continue working to remove friction and make the process as seamless as possible for our guests.”
For summer 2026, several enhancements will further improve usability, flexibility and access.
System Enhancements
When online registration goes live on May 13, guests will notice a refreshed, more intuitive design with improved navigation and a modern layout. Updates include:
- A cleaner, mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go registration
- Improved filtering to help locate programs faster
- A search bar for quick program lookup
- A convenient floating cart for easier checkout
The checkout process itself remains familiar, ensuring continuity for returning users.
Registration Age Calculation Update
Many Lakeside programs are designed for specific age groups to ensure safety and provide age-appropriate experiences based on children’s developmental stages.
To improve access and reduce the need for manual exceptions, Lakeside is updating how program ages are determined.
Historically, age eligibility was calculated based on the program date. Beginning in 2026, most programs will use a seasonal cutoff date of September 7.
This means a child who turns the required age by September 7 will be eligible to register, even if their birthday occurs after the program date. This change improves flexibility while maintaining safety and program quality standards.
This update applies only to program registration and does not affect onsite age requirements, such as pool supervision rules or programs requiring parent participation.
Updated Transfer, Cancellation & Refund Policy
Effective April 1, 2026, Lakeside is simplifying its Transfer, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
Guests may now self-manage transfers and cancellations through their ACTIVE account up to two days prior to the program start date with no penalty.
Program fees will be credited to the guest’s ACTIVE account for future use through March 31, 2027. ACTIVE processing fees are non-refundable.
If Lakeside cancels a program, guests receive a full refund minus the ACTIVE processing fee.
Optional Program Cancellation Insurance Available
For added flexibility, Lakeside now offers optional cancellation insurance through ACTIVE during checkout.
For a fee equal to 20% of the total registration, guests may cancel for any reason up to two days before the program and receive a refund of program fees (excluding non-refundable processing fees).
This option is ideal for guests who register early or plan flexible summer schedules. Insurance is not available for all offerings; excluded are watercraft rentals, private lessons and select ticketed events.
NEW! Registration Concierge Service
Guests needing assistance will find help at the newly named Recreation & Registration Hut (R&R Hut), located alongside Mini Golf. Hours will be posted at lakesideohio.com/hours.
Additional in-person assistance will be available at the Rhein Center on Mondays, June 15-Aug. 17, from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Questions may be directed to Kathy Mural at [email protected] or (440) 589-0180.
