We LOVE Austin City Limits Music Festival for the amazing bands and performers, the fun festival vibes, the great local food trucks, and some of the best people-watching ever. If you’re planning to take the entire family along to this awesome festival in Zilker Park, we’re here to help you plan for a smooth experience.

— Take the kids for FREE! First up, take note that kids eight and under get in FREE with adults who have wristbands! (two kids per adult). This year, parents are required to register kids 8 and younger with ACL’s Tag-Your-Kid Program, which serves as your child’s ticket. Get more info here.

Additionally, for Platinum Passes, kids 2 and under are free, kids 3 – 8 require a child’s ticket, and kids 8 and up require a regular Platinum Pass. More info here.

— Get to Know Austin Kiddie Limits: The festival organizers go to great lengths to make sure kids have some music and activities geared just for them in the Austin Kiddie Limits section of Zilker Park. Kiddie Limits will keep everyone in your group happy — providing a respite from festival crowds, plenty of hands-on fun for the little ones, and a great place for moms and dads to take a break. Last week we shared our rundown of what to expect at Austin Kiddie Limits 2024, and you can check here for all the details! This section of the park will be your best resource if you’re attending with kids under age 12.

— Plan Your Schedule: We all know that it’s really hard to “wing it” with toddlers in tow. ACL Fest can be pretty overwhelming and crowded, and it’s almost impossible to run from stage to stage without a game plan. Know the schedule before you arrive. What bands are most important for you to see? It’s great to prioritize your must-see list so that you can make sure the kids have had time for potty breaks and food before you ask them to be cooperative when it’s time to see your favorite musicians.

— Get to Know the Lay of the Land: Be sure to study the Festival Map before you arrive so you know the layout of the park. Look for water filling stations, bathrooms, and where to track down snacks in the ACL Eats area. There are also tons of photo ops, free swag, special activities, and giveaways.

— Plan How You’ll Come & Go: Think through your game plan for getting to Zilker Park. While you can’t park at Zilker, there are drop-off areas, bus routes, shuttles, and plenty of ways to get to and from the festival. On the ACL Fest website, you can find details about all of the transportation options, including the FREE shuttle service at Republic Square on 4th and San Antonio. Take note of the dedicated Family Friendly Entrance on Barton Springs (by East Entrance), with a lane just for families! There will also be stroller-friendly lanes at both main entrances.

— Get There Early. Now that you’ve figured out how you are going to get there, think about when to arrive. The park is going to be much easier to navigate early in the day when it’s less crowded. You might be less familiar with some of the musicians performing early sets, but this gives you and the kids a chance to listen to something new to you. Plus, the kids will have more room to spread out and run around. Festival gates open at noon on Friday and 11 am on Saturday and Sunday both weekends.

— Tag-a-Kid Service is Mandatory for 2024: Children eight and under must be registered with ACL’s Tag-Your-Kid Program, which serves as your child’s ticket. Kids eight and under are required to have their Tag-Your-Kid wristband before going through security, and you can register for them and pick up their wristbands pre-festival at Palmer Event Center, or any of the box offices. Get more info here.

– Pack Smart:
Be sure to review this list of Allowed & Prohibited Items on the ACL Fest website (take note of their bag policies). It may feel like you’re bringing a lot of stuff with you when you attend the Fest with kids, but you want to be sure you’ve got all that your kids will need. Here’s what we suggest:

• Empty water bottles (plastic or aluminum) — there are free water refilling stations all around the park for you to use. It’s going to be hot out there, and you all want to stay hydrated.
• Strollers — Even if your kid is starting to out-grow the stroller, keep in mind that there is a lot of walking. And they will get tired. Plus, the strollers can help you carry all your stuff around. (Take note though that red wagons are not allowed)
• Sunscreen (non-aerosol containers, 3.4 ounces or less)
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Antibacterial wipes & small hand sanitizer
• Tissues
• Blanket or sheet — To sit on or as a sun cover over the stroller during baby’s nap
• Binoculars to help see the stage from a distance
• Mini first aid — You never know when a boo-boo will happen
• Earplugs or sound-blocking headphones — In case the sound gets to be too much for the kids (or you)
• Stuff that might make it more fun for kids, such as inflatable beach balls or glow sticks for when the sun sets.
• Patience. For real. While you can be that cool parent with the kids at a festival, you’re likely going to need to call upon your most inner chill vibes to relax. If/when the kids get tired, hungry, or cranky, just go with the flow. Enjoy the experience together. Know that you won’t get to see ALL the bands or rage like a college kid. But you can still have an awesome time!

Looking for more info about the Austin City Limits Music Festival? Visit their website, and Facebook page and follow on Twitter for all the latest updates. While tickets are selling fast, you can check here to see what’s still available.