If you’re on the fence about bringing the kids to the Austin City Limits Music Festival this fall, know that the organizers put a lot of thought into making it family friendly. At Austin Kiddie Limits in Zilker Park, little music fans will find activities and performances designed just for them during both weekends of the fest, October 2-4 and 9-11, 2026. Plus, kids ages eight and under get in free with a ticketed adult (two children per adult; different rules apply for Platinum tickets, see details here).
Please note: Kids eight and under must be registered through ACL’s Tag-Your-Kid program. It serves as their ticket and makes it easy for staff to help reunite families if someone gets separated. Get more info here.
Even if the kids are only tagging along for part of your festival weekend, you’ll definitely want to stop by Austin Kiddie Limits. It’s a slightly more chill spot for parents, with a full lineup of music and hands-on activities for kids from 12 – 6 pm daily, and we have all the details listed below.
Pro tip: Look for the designated family entrances and family lanes when you arrive. They’re stroller friendly and can be a much easier (and sometimes faster) way to get into the fest with kids.
via Austin City Limits Facebook Page
Here’s what to expect at Austin Kiddie Limits:
Once you’re inside the fest, head to Austin Kiddie Limits for a full lineup of kid friendly activities, music, crafts, and plenty of ways to take a break from the crowds. Families with babies can also stop by the Austin Doula Care Family Services tent for changing supplies, shaded seating and privacy for nursing or pumping, breast pump and milk storage, and a supervised toddler play area.
Activities:
- Lifeway Kefir Art & Play: Kids can get creative at the ProBugs Paint Station, pose with an interactive mural, and jump into games and activities throughout the day.
- Hip Hop Workshop: Hip Hop House Party is back, inviting kids to create and record their own original song alongside live artists, then send the finished track home to their parents.
- Kati’s Tattooz: Stop by for a colorful airbrush tattoo and help carry on a longtime Austin Kiddie Limits tradition started by Kati Hammet.
- Button Station: Kids can get creative with Cafe Monet Art and Clay Studios and design their own personalized AKL button to wear around the festival.
- Drum Zone: Come together at Drum Zone to create rhythms and beats together as a community. Parents and kids are invited to be part of this Austin Kiddie Limits tradition.
- Hairdooz: Pigtails & Crewcuts are back, getting kids rock star-ready with glittered, braided, spiked looks, and more.
- Rock Star Photo Booth: TK Photography brings a rock star photo booth where families can strike a pose and snap a keepsake to take home. Everyone leaves with a printed photo to remember the fun.
- Craft Station: Kids can create their own colorful beaded keychains with Leap of Joy while learning a little about the organization’s work bringing dance to underserved youth.
- GoodPop: Have a little treat with GoodPop and know you’re getting real ingredients with less sugar and nothing artificial.
- Coloring Station: Stop by Siete Foods for family friendly crafts, fun swag, and complimentary snacks to fuel up for more festival fun.
- Kiddie Limits Lounge: Take a break from the festival action with books, coloring pages, and a little downtime in the shade.
- Little Spoon: Stop by to refuel with Little Spoon snacks and goodies before heading back into the festival fun.
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Festival Crown Station: Kids can decorate their own nature inspired festival crown and take home a hand colored wildflower seed packet to plant.
Entertainment
Click here for the 2026 full ACL Kiddie Limits lineup:
- Mega Ran
- Wild Child
- Q Brothers
- Pierce Freelon
- Flor Bromley
- Sonia de los Santos
- School of Rock
- The Barton Hills Choir
Where to Take a Break:
- Refreshments: While you can certainly find plenty of delicious bites in the ACL Eats section of Zilker Park, you’ll also find GoodPop and Kefir right there in the Kiddie Limits area.
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Kiddie Limits Lounge: Kids can take a break in the shade while coloring or enjoying a book.
- Family Services Tent: This private space will be available for diaper changing, breastfeeding, pumping, and caring for family needs.
More Info: For more info, including all of the details about the rest of the fest, visit www.aclfestival.com
