A lot of Nationals competitors are kids and teens, and plenty of families make a trip of it. Here’s what parents usually want to know before heading to Las Vegas.
Where the contest happens
Nationals is held at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, just off the Las Vegas Strip. The contest runs in the resort’s ballroom event spaces, not on the casino floor, though you’ll likely walk past gaming areas getting around the property. The Westgate is also the contest hotel, so you can stay steps from the competition room. Group rates and booking details are on the Travel page.
Supervising kids during the weekend
Our staff and volunteers are busy running the contest and can’t supervise children, so a parent or a trusted adult should be responsible for any competitor under 18 throughout the weekend. If your child is traveling with a coach, club or another family, make sure that adult knows they’re in charge.
Kids, casinos and curfews
- Casino floors: under Nevada law, anyone under 21 can’t gamble or hang around in gaming areas (NRS 463.350). Walking through to get somewhere is normal; just keep moving and don’t let kids linger by the tables or machines.
- Curfew: Clark County has youth curfew rules for anyone under 18, including a stricter 9pm curfew on the Las Vegas Strip on Friday and Saturday nights. Check the county’s current rules if your plans include the Strip after dark.
Watching your competitor
Parents are welcome to watch from the audience all weekend. Spectator passes cover the competition room and vendor area on the days you choose, and 2027 pass details are coming soon on the Spectators page. The freestyle order is posted on compete.yoyocontest.com and kept up to date through the weekend, so you can plan around your child’s time on stage.
Making a trip of it
- Getting there: Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is about 10 minutes from the Westgate.
- Getting around: the Las Vegas Monorail has a station right at the Westgate, so you don’t need a car during the contest.
- Room tips: check the Travel page for the group rate, resort fee and extra-guest charges before you book.
- Plan for long days: contest days can run long, so bring water, snacks and something to keep younger siblings busy.
First time competing?
If your child is new to contests, start with First Time at Nationals. Sport Freestyle divisions are grouped by age and designed for newer players, with no negative clicks or major deductions.
Questions?
Email Contact@NYYL.org. Everyone at the contest, including parents and spectators, is expected to follow the NYYL Code of Conduct.