Only two-and-a-half-hours southwest of the Metro, Quartz Mountain State Park offers a great family escape with 4,284 acres of rugged natural beauty and loads of outdoor summer fun. Here's a quick look at what you can do in this beautiful area.

What to Do
* Explore the park on foot through several nature trails. Guided hikes are available with advance notice. Experienced climbers with their own gear will find more than 50 rock climbing routes.
* Visit the park's Nature Center which features weekend nature programs, seasonal displays of wildlife, plant life and geologic history, and hands-on exhibits.
* Boat, water ski, fish, or rent a paddle boat or canoe at Lake Altus-Lugert.
* Enjoy the water chute and a double water slide near the park entrance.
* Play miniature golf, drive go carts and bumper cars, ride the Ferris wheel, and visit the petting zoo and kiddy rides.
* Bring your off-road two- or four-wheel vehicles for fun along the winding trails and wooded dunes at of The Eagle's Roost.
* Participate in activities at the resort lodge. The facility has outdoor games for all ages: croquet, bocci ball, horseshoes, volleyball, and badminton. Board games are available at the front desk. The lodge (580-563-2424) has 122 well-appointed rooms, plus an indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Summer rates range from $89-$119 per night. The park also has cabins and camping areas.

How to get there
Take I-40 west to Clinton. Turn south on Highway 44 traveling to the Quartz Mountain State Park entrance at Highway 44A. If you're headed for the lodge, turn north on Highway 44A. After crossing the bridge, turn right at the "Y" in the road. Follow the main road through the park.

For more information
Log on to www.quartzmountainresort.com or call the Quartz Mountain State Park Office at (580) 563-2238.

Katherine Leidy is a freelance writer and public relations professional based in Norman. She and her husband, Robert, have a six-year-old daughter, Allison.