National Yo-Yo Museum
A free museum celebrating yo-yo history with a massive wooden yo-yo and passionate owner.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Yo-yo trick classes available
National Yo-Yo Museum
Best Time
Yo-yo trick classes available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free museum celebrating yo-yo history with a massive wooden yo-yo and passionate owner.
"A delightful trip down memory lane with a passionate owner and a giant yo-yo!"
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry to the National Yo-Yo Museum is completely free. Donations are welcome!
🗣️ Chat with Bob!
If Bob, the owner, is there, ask him anything! He's a wealth of yo-yo knowledge.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
World's Biggest Working Wooden Yo-Yo
Inside the museum
Marvel at 'Big-Yo,' a 256-pound wooden wonder that once held a Guinness World Record.
Extensive Memorabilia Collection
Museum displays
Explore a vast array of yo-yos, contest awards, and historical artifacts celebrating yo-yo culture.
Yo-Yo Trick Lessons
Bird in Hand toy shop
Learn new tricks or hone your skills with beginner classes often held on Saturdays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Fun
Meet the Yo-Yo Master
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry to the National Yo-Yo Museum is completely free. Donations are welcome!
🗣️ Chat with Bob!
If Bob, the owner, is there, ask him anything! He's a wealth of yo-yo knowledge.
🛍️ Toy Store Alert!
The museum is inside a toy store, so brace yourself for impulse buys!
🪀 Learn a Trick
Check for Saturday classes to learn new yo-yo tricks.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Entry to the National Yo-Yo Museum is completely free. Donations are welcome!
🗣️ Chat with Bob!
If Bob, the owner, is there, ask him anything! He's a wealth of yo-yo knowledge.
🛍️ Toy Store Alert!
The museum is inside a toy store, so brace yourself for impulse buys!
🪀 Learn a Trick
Check for Saturday classes to learn new yo-yo tricks.
📸 Big-Yo Photo Op
Don't miss a photo with the giant wooden yo-yo, 'Big-Yo'!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the National Yo-Yo Museum for its free admission and fascinating collection of yo-yo memorabilia, including the giant 'Big-Yo'. The knowledgeable and passionate owner, Bob, is a highlight, often sharing stories and teaching tricks. Some find the shared space with the toy store a bit crowded, but most agree it's a fun, nostalgic, and educational stop for all ages.
"Visited September 26th to the museum. Its located in Chico California. Its in the back of the shop called "Bird in Hand" toy shop.
The yo you museum is impressive with some really special memorabilia! Love the largest yo yo on display!
What I didn't like is the store is taking up their memorabilia and making it crowded for the their own storage.
I love all the yo yos! Be a kid again!"
Mary P
"We saw this museum on the attractions to see in my Google app, and it did not disappoint. We met Bob, he was very helpful and knowledgeable about Yo-yos, come to find out, he was the owner of the store and museum. We also found out he is the founder of the National Yo-Yo Competition and holds training classes on Yo-Yo tricks for beginners. This is a great way to spend some time learning about a favorite pastime, and an added bonus is seeing the world's Biggest Working Wooden Yo-Yo."
Todd Allen
"It's full of things to see and I recommend it, but there's also a toy store, so it's dangerous for parents' wallets hahahaha"
harasion하라시온
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The National Yo-Yo Museum is located at 320 Broadway St, Chico, California, inside the Bird in Hand toy shop. On-street parking is available nearby.
Yes, there is on-street parking available around the museum in downtown Chico.
Chico is accessible by car, and there are also bus services. If flying, the closest major airport is in Sacramento (SMF), about a 1.5-2 hour drive away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the National Yo-Yo Museum is free! Donations are appreciated to help maintain the collection.
The museum is typically open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's always a good idea to check their hours before visiting, especially on holidays.
Since admission is free, advance booking isn't necessary. You can simply walk in during operating hours.
The museum is located within a shop, and while generally accessible, it's always best to contact the shop directly if you have specific accessibility concerns.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find the world's largest public display of yo-yo memorabilia, including historical yo-yos, contest awards, and the giant 'Big-Yo' wooden yo-yo. 
While primarily a display museum, you can often learn yo-yo tricks from knowledgeable staff or even the owner, Bob, especially during scheduled classes.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the collection, but you could spend longer if you engage in conversations or attend a trick lesson.
Absolutely! It's a fun, nostalgic stop for all ages. Teens might enjoy learning tricks, and younger kids will be fascinated by the giant yo-yo.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. Capturing the unique memorabilia and 'Big-Yo' is encouraged!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself doesn't serve food, but it's located in downtown Chico, which has many restaurants and cafes nearby. The Bird in Hand shop also sells candy and gelato.
Downtown Chico offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes and pizza places to more upscale restaurants. You can also find sweet treats at nearby candy shops.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo op is with 'Big-Yo,' the world's biggest working wooden yo-yo. The display cases filled with colorful and vintage yo-yos also make for great shots.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to avoid flash photography in museums to protect the artifacts. Check for any posted signage.
For 'Big-Yo,' try to get a wide shot to show its scale. For the memorabilia, focus on interesting designs or historical pieces.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your children are interested, inquire about the yo-yo trick classes often held on Saturdays – it's a fun way for them to learn a new skill and stay engaged. Be aware that the museum is located within the Bird in Hand toy shop. While this offers the opportunity to purchase a yo-yo or other fun items, it can also be a temptation for little ones (and adults!). The staff, especially owner Bob, are known for being friendly and engaging with children, making the experience educational and enjoyable for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
You can spend an hour or more exploring the unique collection of yo-yo history and memorabilia without spending a dime. While the museum itself is free, the adjacent Bird in Hand toy shop offers a wide array of yo-yos and other toys, so set a budget if you plan to shop. The museum's location in downtown Chico also means you can find affordable dining options nearby, making it easy to plan a low-cost day of exploration.
🤓 Yo-Yo Enthusiasts & Collectors
+1 The opportunity to learn directly from Bob, the founder of the National Yo-Yo Competition, is invaluable. He can provide deep insights into the history, design, and competitive scene of yo-yos. Don't miss the chance to see 'Big-Yo,' the record-breaking wooden yo-yo. If you're interested in the competitive aspect, the trophy case offers a glimpse into the achievements of yo-yo masters. The museum also serves as a reminder of the vibrant community surrounding yo-yo play, with opportunities to learn new tricks and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Yo-Yo and the Museum
The museum's most striking exhibit is 'Big-Yo,' a colossal 256-pound wooden yo-yo that once held the Guinness World Record for the largest working wooden yo-yo. This impressive piece of craftsmanship is a testament to the enduring appeal and engineering behind the yo-yo. The museum's founder, Bob, is often on hand, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for yo-yo history and culture, making the visit an educational and engaging experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Beyond the displays, the National Yo-Yo Museum also serves as a hub for the yo-yo community. It hosts training classes where visitors can learn various yo-yo tricks, from beginner basics to more advanced maneuvers. This interactive element adds another layer of engagement, allowing people to not only appreciate the history but also participate in the active culture surrounding the yo-yo.
Experiencing the National Yo-Yo Museum: Tips from Visitors
While the museum's collection is impressive, some reviews note that the space is shared with the Bird in Hand toy shop, which can sometimes make the memorabilia displays feel a bit crowded as the shop utilizes some space for its own inventory. However, this also means that if you're inspired by the exhibits, you can immediately browse or purchase a new yo-yo from the shop. The presence of the toy store is seen as both a blessing and a potential 'danger' for parents' wallets, as noted by one reviewer.
For those looking to get hands-on, attending a yo-yo education class, often held on Saturdays, is highly recommended. These classes provide a fun opportunity to learn new skills and appreciate the dexterity involved in yo-yo play. The museum's trophy case, honoring top yo-yo competitors, also offers a glimpse into the competitive side of this pastime, showcasing the dedication and mastery involved.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit