Have you ever wondered where you can find interesting hobbies, creative activities, and things that make your free time more enjoyable? I know how difficult it can be to choose a hobby when there are so many options around you.
If you’re looking for A Main Hobbies Chico, you’re in the right place. You can discover ideas that match your interests, whether you enjoy collecting, building, crafting, exploring, or simply trying something new. I’ll help you understand what makes a hobby worth your time, so you can find an activity you’ll genuinely enjoy and look forward to.
A Main Hobbies Chico at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Store | AMain Hobbies Chico |
| Address | 2860 Fair St, Chico, CA 95928 |
| Phone | (530) 894-0796 |
| Store hours | Monday–Sunday, 10 AM–6 PM |
| Main focus | RC vehicles, aircraft, drones, parts, tools, accessories |
| Store type | Physical hobby retail store |
| Local specialty | RC racing and related hobbies |
| Online inventory | Available for checking local store stock |
AMain’s official store page currently lists the Chico retail location as open 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. Because store schedules and special-event hours can change, checking the official listing before making a trip is sensible.
What Is A Main Hobbies Chico?
AMain Hobbies Chico is the physical retail location of AMain Sports & Hobbies in Chico, California. The store is attached to the company’s Chico operation on Fair Street, which also serves as a distribution location. AMain maintains additional operations in Charlotte, North Carolina, while its Chico location remains an important part of the company’s retail and hobby infrastructure.
For someone interested in hobbies, the important distinction is that this is not simply a general-purpose toy store. Its strongest focus is on performance-oriented radio-control hobbies and related equipment.
That makes it especially useful for people who want to build, maintain, upgrade, race, or operate RC models rather than simply purchase a basic toy-grade vehicle.
Where Is A Main Hobbies Chico?
The AMain Hobbies retail store is located at:
2860 Fair Street
Chico, CA 95928
The official store listing gives the telephone number as 530-894-0796. The store is associated with AMain’s Chico distribution operation at the same Fair Street address.
The location is particularly convenient for RC enthusiasts because AMain’s racing facilities are also part of the Chico RC scene.
A Main Hobbies Chico Store Hours
According to AMain’s current official store listing, the retail store is open:
- Monday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
If you are traveling to Chico specifically to pick up a particular part, it is worth checking the store’s current information and confirming inventory first. AMain provides a local-store inventory feature, but the company recommends contacting the store to confirm availability before completing a purchase.
What Can You Buy at A Main Hobbies Chico?
The Chico store is primarily associated with radio-control hobbies, and its locally listed inventory illustrates how specialized the selection can be.
Depending on current stock, shoppers may find categories such as:
RC Cars and Trucks
RC cars and trucks are among the central products associated with AMain Hobbies. Options can range from smaller recreational models to more specialized vehicles designed for racing, crawling, off-road driving, or customization.
Popular RC categories include:
- Off-road trucks
- Short-course trucks
- Racing buggies
- Crawlers
- On-road cars
- Monster trucks
- Mini and micro RC vehicles
- Competition-oriented models
The appeal of this type of hobby goes beyond driving. Owners can tune suspension, replace tires, adjust gearing, change electronics, rebuild components, and gradually personalize a vehicle.
RC Airplanes
AMain also serves hobbyists interested in radio-controlled aircraft.
This can include:
- Electric airplanes
- Trainers
- Sport aircraft
- Aircraft electronics
- Batteries
- Radios and transmitters
- Replacement components
RC aircraft generally require more consideration than a simple land-based RC vehicle because pilots need to understand the aircraft’s controls, battery system, operating environment, and applicable local rules.
RC Helicopters
RC helicopters offer a different learning experience from cars and trucks because flight control requires more precise coordination.
For beginners, the practical starting point is usually understanding the difference between a relatively forgiving trainer-style model and a more demanding collective-pitch helicopter.
Drones and FPV Equipment
Drones and FPV equipment are another part of the broader AMain hobby ecosystem.
The local inventory can include components such as batteries, chargers, electronics, tools, and other RC-related equipment. AMain has also documented FPV racing activities connected with the Chico RC community.
FPV—short for first-person view—adds a more immersive element to RC flying by allowing the pilot to control the aircraft while viewing the flight from the aircraft’s perspective through compatible equipment.
RC Parts and Replacement Components
One of the biggest advantages of a specialized hobby store is access to replacement and upgrade components.
An RC hobbyist may need:
- Servos
- Motors
- Electronic speed controllers
- Tires
- Wheels
- Gears
- Suspension components
- Shocks
- Connectors
- Batteries
- Chargers
- Hardware
- Body components
- Radio equipment
AMain’s Chico inventory page demonstrates the depth of this parts-oriented selection, including batteries, chargers, servos, tools, connectors, and other RC equipment.
Why Buy RC Hobby Equipment Locally?
Buying locally can be useful even when the same product is available online.
You Can Inspect Products
A physical store lets you look at the size, construction, and compatibility of equipment before buying.
This can be particularly useful when comparing:
- Vehicle sizes
- Tool sets
- Chargers
- Batteries
- Replacement parts
- Accessories
You Can Ask About Compatibility
RC hobbies involve a surprising number of compatibility issues.
A battery may have the wrong connector. A servo may not fit a particular vehicle. A replacement component may be designed for a different generation or scale.
For beginners, being able to discuss these questions with a hobby retailer can be valuable.
You Can Pick Up Parts Faster
If your RC vehicle is sitting on the workbench because of one broken component, waiting for shipping can interrupt the hobby.
AMain provides local-store inventory information so customers can check whether particular products are available at the Chico location. The company recommends calling to confirm stock before purchasing.
A Main Hobbies Chico and RC Racing
The Chico location has a particularly strong connection to RC racing.
AMain operates or has operated dedicated RC racing facilities in the Chico area, including Silver Dollar RC Raceway, which combines an outdoor dirt racing surface with an indoor carpet facility. The official track information describes a 150-by-110-foot outdoor dirt surface and a 100-by-60-foot carpet racing surface.
That creates an important distinction between simply owning an RC car and participating in RC racing.
A racer can spend time:
- Practicing driving lines
- Learning vehicle setup
- Testing tires
- Adjusting suspension
- Improving consistency
- Learning race strategy
- Competing against other drivers
- Maintaining a race vehicle
For people who enjoy technical hobbies, RC racing can become as much about tuning and problem-solving as driving.
Silver Dollar RC Raceway
Silver Dollar RC Raceway is located at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico.
The facility’s official information describes both outdoor dirt and indoor carpet racing environments, along with dedicated pit areas and race infrastructure.
The facility has also hosted major RC competitions. AMain’s track information notes events including the 2013 IFMAR Electric Off-Road World Championships, the 2015 ROAR Fuel 1/8th Offroad Nationals, and the 2017 AMainhobbies Manufacturers Cup.
For a beginner, however, you do not need to start at a major competition. The better approach is to learn the vehicle, understand the track rules, practice consistently, and gradually become comfortable around other racers.
Outback RC Raceway
AMain also lists Outback RC Raceway at its Chico Fair Street operation.
The facility is described as an indoor off-road racing track with a carpet surface and a climate-controlled pit area. Its design includes accessibility features around the drivers’ stand, and the layouts are intended to provide a mixture of speed and technical driving.
Because track schedules can change, anyone planning a visit specifically to race should check the current race calendar rather than relying on an older schedule.
Is A Main Hobbies Chico Good for Beginners?
Yes, particularly if you are interested in RC hobbies and want to learn more than simply operating a ready-to-run vehicle.
A beginner can start relatively simply with a ready-to-run RC model and then learn the maintenance side of the hobby over time.
A sensible progression is:
- Choose one type of RC hobby.
- Start with a beginner-friendly model.
- Learn basic controls.
- Learn battery and charging procedures.
- Understand routine maintenance.
- Replace worn components as necessary.
- Experiment with small upgrades.
- Visit a local track or RC community.
- Learn vehicle setup from more experienced hobbyists.
Starting with too many upgrades can make the hobby unnecessarily confusing. It is usually easier to understand what changes actually accomplish after you have spent some time operating the original setup.
What Should a Beginner Buy First?
Your first purchase depends on the type of RC hobby you want to pursue.
For an RC Car Beginner
A basic setup may include:
- Ready-to-run RC vehicle
- Compatible battery
- Appropriate charger
- Basic tools
- Spare body clips or hardware
- Replacement tires when needed
A ready-to-run model can reduce the number of components you need to select individually.
For an RC Builder
If you enjoy mechanical projects more than simply driving, a kit may be more appealing.
Building a vehicle gives you an opportunity to learn about:
- Drivetrain components
- Suspension
- Steering
- Differential systems
- Electronics
- Fasteners
- Vehicle setup
The trade-off is that a kit requires more time and mechanical attention before you can start driving.
For an RC Racer
A racer will eventually need to think beyond the vehicle itself.
Useful areas to learn include:
- Tire selection
- Suspension setup
- Ride height
- Shock setup
- Gearing
- Battery management
- Driving consistency
- Track conditions
It is usually better to learn these one at a time instead of changing several variables simultaneously.
How Much Does the Hobby Cost?
There is no single price for getting into RC hobbies because the range is extremely broad.
Your total cost depends on:
- Vehicle type
- Scale
- Ready-to-run versus kit
- Electronics
- Battery system
- Charger
- Tools
- Replacement parts
- Racing requirements
- Upgrade choices
The most important beginner budgeting lesson is to consider the complete system, not only the vehicle price.
A model that looks inexpensive may still require a battery, charger, transmitter, tools, or other equipment.
On the other hand, a ready-to-run package may simplify the initial purchase because many necessary components are included.
Does A Main Hobbies Chico Offer Local Store Pickup?
Yes. AMain provides local-store inventory information for its Chico retail store, allowing customers to check products associated with the local location. The company recommends contacting the store to verify availability before completing a purchase.
This is especially useful when you need a particular replacement part rather than browsing for a new vehicle.
A Main Hobbies Chico for RC Maintenance
RC ownership inevitably involves maintenance.
Even a durable vehicle can eventually need:
- Tire replacement
- Cleaning
- Bearing maintenance
- Shock servicing
- Gear inspection
- Fastener checks
- Battery care
- Servo replacement
- Electronic troubleshooting
That is one reason a specialized RC store can be more useful than a general toy retailer. The hobby involves maintaining a small mechanical and electronic system rather than simply using a finished toy.
A Main Hobbies Chico for Hobbyists Who Like Building
Not everyone gets into RC because of racing.
Some people are primarily attracted to the building and engineering side.
An RC project can combine several interests:
- Mechanical assembly
- Electronics
- Painting
- Customization
- Fabrication
- Troubleshooting
- Photography and video
- Driving or flying
This makes RC hobbies particularly suitable for people who enjoy projects where there is always another component to understand or improve.
A Main Hobbies Chico Events and Community
The Chico AMain community extends beyond retail shopping.
For example, AMain has documented a 2025 City Crawl event in Chico featuring RC crawling activities such as obstacle courses, hill climbs, tug-of-war, U4-style racing, and other challenges. The company described the event as welcoming to families and newcomers and noted that local RC clubs and hobbyists contributed course features.
Events like these demonstrate why local RC hobbies can become social activities rather than purely individual pastimes.
Instead of spending every session alone in a garage or backyard, enthusiasts can meet other drivers, exchange setup ideas, watch races, and participate in organized activities.
Who Would Enjoy A Main Hobbies Chico?
The store is particularly relevant to:
- RC car enthusiasts
- RC truck owners
- RC racers
- RC crawlers
- Drone hobbyists
- FPV enthusiasts
- RC airplane pilots
- RC helicopter hobbyists
- Model builders
- DIY enthusiasts
- Parents shopping for an RC hobby
- Hobbyists looking for replacement parts
- Experienced racers seeking specialized equipment
It is less relevant if you are searching for a general arts-and-crafts store, sewing shop, book hobby, or broad selection of non-RC crafts.
The keyword “A Main Hobbies Chico” has a much narrower intent: it primarily points toward AMain’s Chico retail and RC-hobby ecosystem.
Tips Before Visiting A Main Hobbies Chico
If you are making a special trip, a few simple steps can make the visit more productive.
Know What You Need
If you need a replacement part, bring the vehicle information, model number, or old component if practical.
RC products can look similar while having important differences.
Check Local Inventory
Use AMain’s local inventory tools to see whether the product you want is associated with the Chico store, then contact the store to confirm stock.
Ask About Compatibility
If you are uncertain about a component, identify the exact vehicle or model rather than describing it only as an “RC car.”
The more specific the model information, the easier it is to identify the correct part.
Check Track Information Separately
The retail store and RC tracks are related but are not the same thing.
If your goal is racing or practice, check the current track information and race calendar before traveling.
A Main Hobbies Chico vs. Buying Everything Online
Online shopping is convenient, especially when you already know the exact part number.
A physical Chico store offers a different advantage: local access to an established hobby ecosystem.
| Option | Best For | Main Advantage |
| Chico retail store | Local hobbyists | In-person shopping and local access |
| Online store | Known products and parts | Broad selection and convenience |
| Local RC track | Drivers and racers | Practice and competition |
| RC community events | Beginners and enthusiasts | Social learning and shared experience |
For an experienced hobbyist who knows exactly what part is needed, ordering online may be easiest. For a beginner trying to understand which vehicle, battery, charger, or replacement component fits, visiting a specialized store can be more useful.
Safety Considerations for RC Hobbies
RC hobbies are generally accessible, but some equipment deserves careful handling.
Batteries
Rechargeable lithium-based batteries used in RC models require appropriate chargers and handling. Use equipment designed for the specific battery chemistry and follow the manufacturer’s charging and storage instructions.
Do not treat an RC battery like an ordinary disposable battery.
High-Speed Vehicles
Fast RC cars can cause injury or property damage if operated in unsuitable areas. Keep spectators, pets, roads, and other hazards away from the operating area.
RC Aircraft and Drones
Flying models require additional attention to surroundings, other people, property, and applicable aviation rules. Choose an appropriate location and learn the operating requirements that apply to your aircraft or drone.
Tools
RC maintenance often involves small tools, sharp components, soldering equipment, and mechanical parts. Work in a stable, well-lit area and use appropriate protective practices for the task.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Main Hobbies Chico
What is the address of A Main Hobbies Chico?
The AMain Hobbies Chico retail store is at 2860 Fair Street, Chico, California 95928. The official store telephone number is 530-894-0796.
What time does A Main Hobbies Chico open?
The official AMain listing currently shows the Chico retail store opening at 10:00 AM every day and closing at 6:00 PM.
What does A Main Hobbies in Chico sell?
The store focuses heavily on RC hobbies, including RC cars, trucks, aircraft, drones, parts, batteries, chargers, tools, electronics, and accessories. Current local inventory demonstrates a substantial selection of RC components and equipment.
Can I check whether a product is in stock at the Chico store?
Yes. AMain provides a local-store inventory feature for its Chico retail store. The company recommends calling the store to confirm availability before making a purchase.
Does A Main Hobbies Chico have RC racing nearby?
Yes. AMain is connected with RC racing facilities in Chico, including Silver Dollar RC Raceway and Outback RC Raceway. Silver Dollar includes outdoor dirt and indoor carpet racing facilities, while Outback is an indoor RC racing facility.
Is A Main Hobbies Chico suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners can start with relatively straightforward ready-to-run RC models and gradually learn maintenance, setup, and racing. The store is particularly useful for people who want to develop an RC hobby rather than simply buy a toy.
Can I buy replacement RC parts at A Main Hobbies Chico?
Yes. Replacement parts and accessories are a major part of the AMain RC ecosystem. Local inventory can include items such as servos, batteries, chargers, tools, connectors, and other components.
Should I call before visiting A Main Hobbies Chico?
If you need a specific product or replacement part, calling first is a good idea. AMain itself recommends contacting the store to confirm local product availability.
Final Thoughts
A Main Hobbies Chico is best understood as a specialized destination for RC and performance-oriented hobbies rather than a general hobby store. Its Fair Street retail location gives Chico-area hobbyists access to RC vehicles, aircraft, drones, parts, tools, batteries, and accessories, while the surrounding AMain racing infrastructure adds an important community and competition component.
For a beginner, the easiest entry point is usually a manageable RC model followed by hands-on learning. For experienced hobbyists, the greater attraction may be replacement parts, upgrades, tuning, racing, and connecting with other enthusiasts.
If you are visiting for a particular item, check the local inventory and confirm stock before traveling. If you are interested in racing, check the current track schedule separately because racing and practice times can change.
I’m Olivia Bennett, a passionate writer who loves exploring ideas, learning new concepts, and sharing knowledge in a straightforward way. I write for Cognivoora with the goal of making useful topics easier to understand without unnecessary complexity. My approach combines research, clarity, and a reader-first perspective.
Books:
- Think Clearly, Live Better
- The Curious Reader’s Guide