For families

Animated girl with a red bow unpacking a bag on the floor, surrounded by toiletries and a small black cat sitting next to folded towels.
Still from Kiki's Delivery Service. © 1989 Eiko Kadono/Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli, N.

Family films & activities

We offer a range of cinema screenings of new film releases and family classics. Plus fun opportunities to get creative with activities for families, friends and children. 

And if you are the parent/carer of an under one year old you can see the latest releases at a Cinébabies screening.


Upcoming Family Screenings & Events

Little Shop of Horrors (Director’s Cut)

classified PG No Strings On Me
A man in a suit stands beside a large leafy plant with colourful fabric and wire decorations indoors.
Film

A shy young man working for a tyrannical florist, finds a vehicle for private and public success in the form of a man-eating plant from outer space!

Black-and-white scene of a family gathered around a decorated Christmas tree, with adults and children sharing a festive moment.
Film

Frank Capra’s Dickensian classic is a timeless story of redemption and hope that is an absolute treasure.

Two costumed performers and a green puppet perform around a vintage microphone on a rain-soaked, purple-lit stage.
Event

The Puppet Folk Experience is proud to present a “most sensational” festive tribute show, bringing acoustic mayhem, heart and humour to audiences this Christmas.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

classified U No Strings On Me
Puppets hug in front of a Christmas tree, including a green frog, a pig, and their children.
Film

The Muppets put their spin on the tale of an elder, Christmas-hating miser who is visited by spirits who foretell his future and share secrets from his past and present, which helps change his view on life.

A woman in a red sweater and reindeer antlers helps two children make a craft at a table covered with bright blue and red patterned cloths.
Workshop

This December, we’re excited to welcome young people aged 8–14 and their grown-ups to a special festive creative technology workshop.

Labyrinth

classified U No Strings On Me
A character with flowing hair holds a crystal ball, surrounded by a mystical setting with rocks and shadows.
Film

The imagination of Jim Henson, the wizardry of George Lucas, and the excitement of David Bowie combine to invite your into a world of fantasy and adventure...

The Dark Crystal

classified PG No Strings On Me
Two humanoid elf characters are having a conversations in an outdoor setting.
Film

On another planet in the distant past, the last of the Gelfling race embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal and to restore order to his world.

Visiting Watershed as a family

Family friendly facilities

  • Customer lift to our first floor cinemas, Café & Bar and events spaces
  • Baby changing facilities are available:
    • in the cinema side toilets Family Room
    • in the cinema side accessible toilets
    • in both the male and female toilets on the other side of the Café & Bar
  • Inflatable booster seats for children in the cinemas, please ask any member of staff
  • High chairs in our Café & Bar

Full visit and access details

Family friendly food & drink

  • Our Café & Bar includes a Children's Menu (meals cost £5.00 - £7.00) with delicious, freshly prepared food.
  • Free tap water is available and all drinks can be taken into the cinemas
  • You can buy popcorn, snacks, drinks and sweets at our Box Office and at our top foyer Welcome Desk

Cinébabies

Baby friendly cinema screenings on Wednesday mornings at 11:00 am for parents/carers and children under 12 months, with dedicated buggy parking.

Cinébabies enables parents/carers to see the latest releases in the safe knowledge that their babies can cry, play and babble without worrying other cinema-goers.

Find out more about Cinébabies

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What else is there for families in the area?

Photo of the exterior of Watershed in Bristol's harbourside

We are located on Bristol's historic Harbourside – perfect for strolling around. 

Free places to visit in the area include Arnolfini, MShed, Bristol Cathedral and Bristol Museum & Gallery. Parks nearby include Queen's Square, College Green and Brandon Hill, which has a play park.

We are just a five to ten minute walk from the Central Library, St Nicholas' Market and the shops in Broadmead. The Bristol Aquarium and We The Curious are located behind our building, on Millennium Square. The fountains in Millennium Square are a popular picnic spot for families – especially in warm weather.

Have a look at the Visit Bristol website for more information or ask at Box Office for a paper map of the city centre area.

Photo of a child with a clay model made at a Watershed family workshop

What's On For Families newsletter

Sign up to our What's on for families email list for notifications every month or so of upcoming films, events and activities for families.

Sign up now

And there's more...

Photo of a boy wearing 3d glasses

Birthday Parties

Hire a cinema for a private screening or computer gaming. Find out more about Birthday Party hire.