Within an easy drive, our state parks offer outdoor enthusiasts a wide variety of activities, such as riding bicycles or all-terrain vehicles, hiking easy or difficult trails, or simply viewing the beauty of the state's draw-dropping elk herd. During July, I used this space to describe state parks you can visit to do these things.

That's all well and good, you might have said, but I just dropped a week's pay on school clothes and supplies. Places that are within "an easy drive" aren't in the budget, because they involve an overnight stay. A vacation just isn't in the plans this summer.Sometimes just getting away for a few hours will help you and your family make memories that last a lifetime. Schuylkill County is home to two state parks and one county park that are absolute gems.When I first moved back to the area from Maine, Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks offered solace from the unaccustomed noise of even small-town life. The parks have similarities and also unique features making them both the perfect choice for a "stay-cation."Both Tuscarora and Locust Lake have sand beaches which are open 8 a.m. until sunset. Both parks offer rentals of rowboats, canoes and paddleboats for a nominal fee. Both lakes are stocked with trout, but both lakes also contain healthy populations of small-mouth bass for some consistent warm-water fishing. Both parks have marked hiking trails which range in difficulty from easy to challenging.A unique feature of Tuscarora State Park is its ADA accessible fishing pier, which is located in the boat launch area. From the parking lot, a paved path leads to the pier, which is good-sized with railings. Tuscarora also boasts 250 picnic tables - rarely are all of them taken. A unique feature of Locust Lake is the paved path that goes around the lake - flat, easy, and great for youngsters.The two parks are only six miles apart. You could start at Locust Lake, walk around the lake, and cool off at the beach. Pack up and head to Tuscarora, where you rent a boat and then enjoy a picnic before heading home. And from either park, you're not far from ice cream - Heisler's Dairy Bar or the newly-opened Skipper Dipper's at the Tamaqua Train Station complex.Sweet Arrow Lake Park, Pine Grove, is a Schuylkill County Park with a beautiful clubhouse. It has a "disc" golf course and also rentals of canoes, kayaks and rowboats (from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., reserve by calling 570-345-8952). From mid-August until Labor Day there are activities for all ages:Aug. 13, Saturday, 2 p.m. - "Indian Artifacts" archaeological dig for children.Aug. 17, Wednesday, 6 p.m. - Wild Edibles program, guided walk around the park learning about edible wild plants and roots.Aug. 20, Saturday, 6-9:30 p.m. Blue Moon Clambake and Night Float. When there are two full moons during one month, the second is called a Blue Moon. Bring your own boat or rent one (570-345-8952) for the night float. Boats must bring their own personal flotation devices and lights. You must pre-register for the clambake by Aug. 10 (570-624-3018).GETTING THERETuscarora State Park, 687 Tuscarora Park Road, Barnesville 18214Locust Lake State Park, 220 Locust Lake Road, Barnesville 18214Sweet Arrow Lake Park, 108 Clubhouse Road, Pine Grove 17963