Jazz, horses and festivals: 5 family-friendly weekend activities

     Head to Germantown's Maplewood Mall on Saturday for the Re-imagining Maplewood Mall festival. (Alaina Mabaso/for NewsWorks, file)

    Head to Germantown's Maplewood Mall on Saturday for the Re-imagining Maplewood Mall festival. (Alaina Mabaso/for NewsWorks, file)

    This weekend’s offerings provide two trips down memory lane, something for animal lovers, jazz enthusiasts, and community revitalizers.

    Friday: Friday Night Jazz 

    Surrounded by works of art and the music of George Gershwin? It doesn’t get much better than that. Pianist Dave Posmontier and vocalist Paula Johns will be tickling the ivories and belting out favorites like “Summertime.” Wine and refreshments are available. Kids under 12 enjoy free admission, and check out the Children’s Garden while you’re there.

    Saturday and Sunday: Pinnochio 

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    Many of us have memories of seeing Pinocchio (likely via Disney) as a kid, so why not share that experience with your children? The little wooden puppet who dreamed of being a real boy. Pinocchio is on stage at Gratz College this weekend, with half-price tickets available through Funsavers. See a matinee show for just $6!

    Friday through Sunday: Devon Horse Show 

    If your little one is gathering My Little Ponies all over the house, why not take a drive out to see some in real life? Devon is only about a 30-minute drive or train ride out of the city (the Horse Show is a block away from the train station.) Once there, you’ll find horses, competitions, shopping, and a country fair atmosphere with food and rides. A fun way to spend the day or night.

    Saturday: Re-imaging Maplewood Mall 

    With music, food, vendors, and poetry, this outdoor celebration is sure to inspire. The festival is an opportunity to re-imagine Germantown and Maplewood Mall, as “an epicenter for creativity, music, food, literature, poetry and art.” Organizers hope to, not only showcase the brilliance of our own community, but demonstrate to Philadelphia that Germantown is a gathering place for the cutting edge in culture. Noon to 5 p.m.

    Satuday & Sunday: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! (with sensory-friendly option) 

    OK, I totally remember watching this one… “Bang Bang Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Our fine four fendered friend!” (Though I totally butchered those fender lyrics as a kid.) Share the memory with your little ones this weekend. Saturday at 11 a.m. is the regular screening (dark theater, loud music, traditional expectations for moviegoers), and Sunday at 11 a.m. is the sensory-friendly screening for kids (and adults) who prefer lights on, lower volume and some room to move around when the music moves you. At the Philadelphia Film Society’s Roxy Theater.

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