Enjoying a staycation and stuck for ideas to keep the youngsters entertained? On a budget? We thought you ought to know about a fantastic opportunity open to you.

From 29 July to 23 August your children could enjoy up to 8 days of fun activities, enjoy a 2-course hot meal, and even the opportunity to take food home, all for free!

If you live in Hampshire more than 20 schools and community venues are part of a great “connect4summer” initiative run by Hampshire community organisation RCS and supported by Hampshire County Council and the Department of Education.

There’s a great range of free activities across the venues – sport, craft, cooking, dancing, martial arts, woodwork, circus skills and more.

Children do need to be accompanied by an adult throughout the day, between 10am and 3pm.

Remember it’s free – so it’s a great initiative to take advantage of if like many people you are on a tight holiday budget for days out and entertainment.

RCS want as many families as possible to benefit for this amazing opportunity.

Here’s the list of venues so far. If there’s one near you, you’ll need to sign up by calling RCS direct on 02392 489811 to book.

Park Community School, Havant

Acorn Centre, Wecock Farm

Woodlands Community Hall, Headley Down

Wooteys Junior School, Alton

Alderwood Leisure Centre, Rushmoor

Grange Community Junior School, Farnborough

Westside Community Centre, Basingstoke

Southview Junior School, Basingstoke

Knights Enham Junior School, Test Valley

Roman Way Primary School, Test Valley

Carroll Centre, Winchester

Hilt Community Centre, Chandlers Ford

Pavilion on the Park, Eastleigh

Romsey Community School, Romsey

Testwood School, New Forest

Itchen College, Southampton

Alver Valley School, Gosport

St. Vincents College, Gosport

Salvation Army, Portsmouth

Medina Primary School, Cosham

Hayling Island Community Centre

Keep an eye out because other venues may be added in the next couple of weeks. Don’t forget, you need to contact RCS on 02392 489811. You can also visit the school to book or contact via twitter @connect4summer, facebook.com/connect4summer. Or email connect4summer@gmail.com