Interactive children’s activities await families that attend Dowagiac Summer in the City Festival, July 26-28.

From prehistoric dinosaurs and giant bubble chambers, to princess crafts, face painting, children’s bingo, balloon-tying clowns and circus-style performers, parents will get the chance to involve their children in interactive activities.

Presented by the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, there will also be inflatable party castles to explore, children’s clothesline art and a petting zoo, along with horse-drawn wagon, train and pony rides.

The hands-on programming will be presented daily at the children’s activities tent at Front and Commercial streets, adjacent to Underwood Shoes.

Also appearing daily from 11:30 to 4:30 p.m. will be Smaxy the Clown, who will tie balloon animals.

According to Vickie Phillipson, program director of the Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) who coordinated this year’s festival, Dowagiac’s longest-running summertime event plans to produce a high-energy lineup of family entertainment, featuring approximately 78 hours of vocal and instrumental music, and dance; sporting events; children’s games and activities and interactive workshops; the new five-hour dance exhibition on July 28 and circus-style performers of the Detroit Circus.

“The Curious Kids Museum is one of the wonderful amenities we have available to us in southwest Michigan, which the Chamber of Commerce can bring to Dowagiac when grant monies and donations, such as this, are made available to the festival in order to broaden family attractions,” Phillipson said.

“This unexpected and fabulous donation from Tim’s law office was exciting news that Gina shared with us today, which, in turn, allows us to bring in some additional entertainment.”

The Curious Kids Museum, located in downtown St. Joseph, is an interactive, hands-on discovery center, which is dedicated to stimulating curiosity and awareness in the areas of science, technology, history and culture.

Through its programs and exhibits, the museum encourages people of all ages to explore themselves and the world around them in a unique and open-ended manner.

The children’s entertainment tent will also feature bingo with Miss Dowagiac Erica Greenwood and her Court of Honor from 2 to 3 p.m. July 26, presented by Dowagiac District Library.

On Saturday, July 28, Miss Dowagiac and her Court return to the tent to present the popular “All Dolled Up” children’s event from 1 to 2 p.m.

Phillipson said little girls and their favorite dolls can join Miss Dowagiac for tea, crafts and photos, hosted by the Miss Dowagiac Scholarship Pageant.

Call (269) 782-8212 for a schedule or visit www.DowagiacChamber.com.