August means back-to-school for many area students, so the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday is important for St. Louis families to note. In the state of Missouri, the three-day holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 2 and runs through Sunday, August 4.
During this time period, back-to-school purchases (including clothing, school supplies and personal computers) are exempt from sales tax, so if you have a lot of shopping to do or large purchases to make, this is a great way to save. Expect large crowds in local stores that weekend – and keep in mind that items purchased online qualify for the exemption too.
Some cities and counties in the state opt out of the tax holiday, including St. Charles County, and the cities of Kirkwood, Manchester, Brentwood, Des Peres, Ferguson, Maplewood, Crestwood, Richmond Heights, Overland, Clayton, Town and Country, St. Peters, University City, Rock Hill, Webster Groves and more. For a full list of cites opting out, go here. For more specifics, go to dor.mo.gov
Your kids can enjoy a nature-themed story, a wildlife walk, and create a craft using nature's art supplies at the Nature Tots Storybook Hour.
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
Learn ways to nurture your baby's development and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environment at Baby & Me, a free class offered at the St. Louis County Library. Baby & Me classes are for parents and caregivers with pre-walking infants ages 0-12 months.
Kids can meet a friendly CHAMP Therapy Dog and read to them to enhance their reading skills!
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!