Saturday, July 28, is one of those summer dates in St. Louis that kids love. But, maybe parents don't.

Mighty Mud Mania is a time that kids can get as dirty as they want. Kids from 5 to 15 are invited to Jefferson Barracks Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There's a 200-foot-long obstacle course filled with gooey, slippery, oozing Missouri mud. Also, there will be 10 other fun theme areas to explore.

Thousands of area kids show up for this event, which is now in its 18th year.

The St. Louis County Parks Department also sets up showers so kids can clean up after their fun. The department also has barrels available where kids can discard the clothes they wore.

Park officials recommend kids don't wear any clothes or shoes they want to wear again. That's because good old Missouri mud doesn't wash out very well.

Mighty Mud Mania is actually a two-day event. On Friday, July 27, the park is reserved for kids attending organized day camps. Those reservations are already filled.

Reservations for the open event on Saturday are recommended to insure you get a chance to play. Park officials only allow a certain number of kids to enter every hour.

For ticket information, call (314) 894-3089. Tickets are $6 per child with advance reservation. The admission price is $7 at the gate on July 28.