Empty Nesters of South Puget Sound

4.6

304 ratings

Lacey, WA, US

252 members · Public group

Organized by Jenn and 9 others

What we’re about

Who we are: We are a fun, inclusive group, rediscovering who we are as middle-aged adults (40 and up), getting out of the house and challenging ourselves to make friends and try new activities. Regardless of your relationship status, you are welcome to come and find connection and friendship with others. This group is for those who find themselves at a crossroads in life—kids moving out of the nest, loss of spouse, or any other reason that leads you to want to find new connections and get outside your comfort zone. We will plan a variety of fun social activities but would also like to focus on giving back to our community with volunteer activities. If you have ideas for activities or volunteer opportunities, please message the group leader or an event organizer.

Who should join: Middle-aged adults (40+) who do not have kids or whose kids are now (mostly) independent AND adults with or without a partner who are looking to extend their social circle and participate in fun, in-person activities with other adults. We expect everyone to treat all group members with respect and compassion, refraining from judgmental comments or discussions (no political, religious, philosophical, etc. debates—there are other local meetup groups for them).

Activity Disclaimer: Please note that this group is focused for those who are middle-aged adults. Please don't expect our activities to accommodate anyone under age 21 (though we may occasionally have such events).

Additional information: we ask that you please have a meetup profile picture that is clear on your face so we know who to be looking for when you join us at events. Thank you! Usually events will be open to RSVP until the event time and for an unlimited number. Occasionally, we will limit number of attendees or close RSVPs early based on event details (need for reservations, location limit, etc.) We ask that you RSVP for anything that interests you — and even bring guests if you would like — but that you please change your RSVP status if you are unable to attend. We also ask that everyone follow any specific guidelines a group leader sets forth in the description of each event (e.g. guest limit, if a certain event is or is not dog or younger child appropriate, etc.) Habitual RSVPers who no-show and anyone not following respectful guidelines outlined here or by group leaders may be removed from the group at leadership discretion.

Art credit: The group cover art is an original watercolor made specifically for this group by JBParsons.

Featured event

Sun, 31 Aug 2025, 10:30 am PDTEnd of Summer Bash!

Millersylvania State Park, Olympia, WA

Happy summer all—it’s been awesome seeing and/or hearing about all the fun events everyone has been enjoying with the group this summer. I want to send a shout out to the others in the leadership team who have hosted some very fun events while I’ve had some other things going on lately. I cannot wait to see everyone out at Millersylvania for our annual end of summer bash!

We will be at kitchen 2 starting by about 1030 and plan to be there all day—we have the shelter until 8PM but I recall we were all cleaned up and heading out before 6:30 last year. We would love to have you with us all day, but feel free to drop in/head out as best suits your schedule.

This year I created a potluck signup sheet so everyone can keep an eye on what others are bringing and have an idea of what is still needed. Here is the link to the potluck signup sheet (code 8851 if you need it):
**** https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/JVDW6046

Please bring:

whatever you would like to grill for yourself—planning on grill(s) being hot by about 1130
an item to share with the group—please sign up by following the link above
any beverage besides water (bottles will be provided) that you may want throughout the day
your sense of humor since we always have fun together and to weather any kinks that come up during the day

Please consider bringing:

any outdoor/lawn games you have
any other games that would be good to play as a large group
Kayaks, SUPs, tubes, etc if you want to enjoy time on the lake
your swimsuit (if you are interested in swimming at the lake) and towel, sunscreen, etc.

Alcohol: no kegs or alcohol in punch bowls permitted. Alcohol purchased at Lakeside Taphouse may not leave the enclosed area around the Taphouse. Please drink responsibly.

Note: no water balloons, straw bails, amplified music, or egg tosses are allowed

Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are allowed on leash in/around kitchen areas. You are responsible for maintaining control of your dog and, ahem, picking up after them.

Cleanup: User group is responsible for cleanup of area. Failure to do so will result in cleanup fees as well as loss of any use of facility in the future. Contact park staff for inspection prior to departure.

Park entry/carpooling: A WA State Discovery Pass is required to get into the park. You can check out a pass from the Timberland Library Sysrem—info here:
https://timberland.bibliocommons.com/v2/search?query=Checkout%20washington%20Discover%20pass&searchType=smart&title=Checkout%20Washignton%20Discover%20Passes

I highly suggest people meet to carpool with somebody that has a pass already and so that we can limit the number of cars that need to park as this could be a very busy weekend there. A good meeting place might be the parking lot of the Briggs YMCA at 1000. You are certainly welcome to come on your own and drop in at any time throughout the day, but we do have the shelter all day so we may as well take advantage of an early start for those interested and available.