Chico

Chico, California, United States

Home to the National Yo-Yo Museum, one of California's most unique attractions, Chico CA is the epicenter of yo-yoing in America. Learn more about the toy itself, the museum, and how it got its start.

320 Broadway St
Chico, CA

Every year on June 6—National Yo-Yo Day—one of Chico’s more inconspicuous treasures steps into the spotlight. Near the back of Downtown’s Bird in Hand, the National Yo-Yo Museum—the bona fide mecca of American yo-yo culture—has operated since 1993, bringing the joy of the iconic toy to kids of all ages for nearly 30 years. From this unassuming spot in Chico, founder Bob Malowney leads the long-running ode to the pastime, selling yo-yos, teaching visitors about its long history, and leading contests both locally and nationally.

320 Broadway St
Chico, CA

When Malowney started the museum in the early 1990s, yo-yoing hadn’t picked up as a major trend—but he saw it coming. He had been hosting yo-yo competitions and selling the toys locally in the late ‘80s, working with the Chico Area Recreation District to put on tests of trickery, and they were popular in town among the most enthusiastic yo-yoers

320 Broadway St
Chico, CA

In addition to collecting old items, and interpreting how toys might have been played with before, the museum provides visitors with a chance to dive into history both ancient and living.

320 Broadway St
Chico, CA

Saturday contests and lessons keep people actively engaged and encourage the next generation to get involved in the toy. Visitors can buy yo-yos in the toy shop, but visitation to the museum itself is and always has been free.

320 Broadway St
Chico, CA

The museum also oversees the competitive National Yo-Yo League, which began the same year the museum opened, and Malowney’s team oversees all the official contests across the United States, administering from the Chico location. Truly the epicenter of American yo-yo, the town holds the title quietly, despite having been a driving force behind the toy’s revered nature over the decades.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Daily finished in 4th place at the 2019 World Championship.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Stein also won the 1A division title of the U.S. National Yo-Yo Contest in 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019. You can sometimes find Stein hanging out in Bird in Hand demonstrating yo-yo tricks.

320 Broadway St
Chico, CA

It's a California hidden gem attraction that everyone should visit at least once when in Chico!