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

Editor’s note: The forecast for Weekend 1 is looking VERY rainy. We just ordered lightweight rain jackets and are planning on comfy walking rain boots!

 

— Take the kids for FREE! Kids eight and under can attend ACL Fest for FREE when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult, with a limit of two kids per adult. This applies to all ticket types except Platinum.

Platinum has a different kids policy: children 2 and under are free with a ticketed adult, kids ages 3–8 need a Platinum Kids ticket, and ages 9 and up need a regular Platinum ticket. Proof of age is required for kids entering with a Platinum Kids ticket. Get more info here.

— Get to Know Austin Kiddie Limits: Austin Kiddie Limits is basically your home base for doing ACL with younger kids. There’s always a great lineup of music, activities, and treats, plus a little break from the bigger festival crowds. Open from noon – 6 pm daily, you won’t want to miss the annual Drum Zone, Hairdooz, or the Hip Hop Workshop. There’s also a shaded lounge and a Family Services tent with changing supplies, a private space for nursing or pumping, and a place to take a break with little ones. Check out our full guide to Austin Kiddie Limits.

 

— 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 ACL shuttle that boards at Sand Beach Park at Walter Seaholm Dr. & Electric Dr., starting at 11:30 am each festival day.

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. Plus, the kids will have more room to spread out and run around.

 

– 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 outgrow 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
• 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, like inflatable beach balls or glow sticks, for when the sun sets.
• Patience is key. Bringing kids to a festival can be a blast, but it also means rolling with the ups and downs. They might get tired, hungry, or cranky, and that is okay. Take breaks, grab snacks, and focus on enjoying the moments together. You may not catch every band or stay out late, but you will still make some pretty awesome memories as a family.

Looking for more info about the Austin City Limits Music Festival? Visit their website,  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.