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
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch is hosting its annual Spring Fling for families on April 18. The fun includes an up-close look at the Longmeadow Rescue Ranch horses, wagon rides through the 165-acre state-of-the-art horse farm and animal rehabilitation facility, and lots more.
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, meet the wonderful bird ambassadors of the World Bird Sanctuary up close and much more.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Young artists and their families are invited to complete a fun craft activity in the galleries at the St. Louis Artists Guild. This program is designed for Pre-K to elementary-age children and their families.
The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.