Described are systems and techniques configured to control physical access to items in a materials handling facility (facility). In one implementation, an age of a user in the facility and a predicted path through the facility may be determined. Physical access controls may be initiated at inventory locations along the predicted path and adjacent to the user. The physical access controls may include deployment of physical barriers, activation of locks, and so forth. As another user who is permitted access approaches a particular inventory location, the physical access controls may be deactivated.