Making Couple Friends Without Kids: A DINK’s Guide to Building Your Circle

One of the perks of being a DINK (dual income, no kids) couple is that we don’t spend weekends corralling toddlers at trampoline parks or gossiping on the sidelines of a 7 AM soccer game. The downside? We don’t get handed a built-in social circle of “our kids’ friends’ parents.”

So if we want couple friends, we’ve got to get creative. Luckily, having no children chasing us around means we have the time and energy to do just that. Here’s how to build your grown-up friend group, no playdates required.

1. Treat hobbies like friend-dating.

Take that cooking class, join a running group, or try pickleball even if you have no idea what the rules are (stay out of the 'kitchen'!). Shared activities give you a natural conversation starter and make it easier to spot other couples who might vibe with you.

💡 Tip: Pick hobbies that meet regularly (book clubs, leagues, weekly yoga, language lessons), consistency turns acquaintances into friends.

2. Don't be Afraid to Make the first move (yes, like DINK dating).

If you meet a fun DINK couple at trivia night or a concert, don’t just say, “We should hang out sometime!” and let it fizzle. Exchange numbers or social handles right then, and actually follow up.

💡 Tip: Suggest a low-stakes double date, like a happy hour or brunch. Nothing says “we might be couple-friend material” like bottomless mimosas.

3. Use your free evenings to your advantage.

Without bedtimes and babysitters, you can be the couple that says “yes.” That flexibility makes you fun to hang out with. Spontaneous Tuesday tacos? Weekend day trip? Game night that runs past midnight? You’re in.

💡 Tip: Be the instigators. Host a casual gathering — game night, backyard cocktails, themed dinner. People love showing up to something easy.

4. Lean into your niche.

Parents bond over carpools; you get to bond over…literally anything else. Love travel? Find other couples in a travel Meetup. Obsessed with wine? Join a tasting group. Dog people? The dog park is full of other DINKs with “fur babies” — instant common ground. Volunteer regularly? That is perfect! You’ll be around like-minded people who share your values and might just turn into the kind of friends you grab brews with after saving the world one Saturday at a time.

💡 Tip: Build friendships around shared values and passions, not just proximity. Those friendships tend to last.

5. Remember: you don’t need 100 couple friends (if you can find 100 DINK Couples to be friends with, I'm jealous)

This isn’t summer camp. You don’t need to be besties with every couple you meet. Look for quality over quantity — the people you can laugh with, vent to, and travel alongside without secretly Googling “how to cancel a group trip.”

💡 Tip: Protect your energy. Not every couple is a match, and that’s okay.

6. Put Yourself Where the Fun Is — Real-Life Examples That Worked for this DINK Couple

If you’re wondering where to actually meet other couples, here’s what’s worked for us. My husband and I have joined a few social leagues that have turned into genuine friendships — not just one-off game nights. We’ve played in a craft-brewery bocce league, shuffleboard nights, co-ed softball, and kickball, and even joined a Topgolf league (which turned out to be way more social than competitive).

These kinds of activities make it easy to bond over shared laughs, light-hearted competition, and post-game drinks. The key isn’t being good — it’s just showing up regularly and saying yes to the after-match hangs. That’s where the friendships start to take off

Bottom line: 

Being a DINK couple means you don’t automatically get the built-in social circle that comes with parenthood — but that’s actually your superpower. You have the freedom to curate friendships intentionally, choosing couples who match your vibe, your values, and your lifestyle. When you make couple friends as a DINK couple, you end up with genuine connections and unforgettable memories that feel 100% you.

Grabbing coffee with other couples is a super low-stakes and casual way to get to know one another

Additional Resources: Websites That Make Couple-Friending Less Awkward

Okay, I thought I should provide some actual, clickable resources at which you can start searching for activities & find these mythical like-minded couples? Here are a few DINK-approved places to start clicking (and mingling):

• Meetup — Search for hobby groups, social nights, or even “couples meetups” in your area.

• Eventbrite — Great for discovering classes, concerts, tastings, and other local happenings.

• Local Facebook Groups — Try searching “[Your City] couples social” or “[Your City] game nights.” You’d be surprised what’s out there.

• ZogSports – Great for social sports leagues (kickball, volleyball, etc.).

• Topgolf Leagues – Casual competition meets happy hour energy.

• Nextdoor — Sure, it’s 50% “who stole my Amazon package,” but it’s also a handy way to discover neighborhood events and local couples nearby.

• Heylo App – Organizes communities around shared interests.

• Volunteer.gov — Outdoor and community projects that double as natural friend-makers.