The Disneyland Paris area: what to do nearby

Your park day is done, or you’re tacking a day or two onto your trip, and you’re wondering what else there is near Disneyland Paris? Pretty soon you realize the region surrounding the resort (that is, the parks plus the Disney hotels) offers loads of outings. Between animal parks, indoor entertainment, shopping, strolls by the water, and full-day excursions to Paris or Provins, you can fill out your vacation without traveling far.

Here’s my roundup of activities close to Disneyland Paris, sorted by what you’re in the mood for, each with the essentials: what it is, where it is, how to get there from the park, and who it suits best. When the blog has a dedicated article, I link to it so you can dig deeper.

Disneyland Paris remains the priority of your visit, and that makes sense: the parks are why you came. If you’re only staying one day, my advice is simple: spend the whole day there without trying to squeeze anything else in. Time flies on site, and the outings nearby deserve better than an hour carved out of the late afternoon. For that exact situation, check out my guide to planning your day.

Getting out makes real sense as soon as you stay several days. In the middle of intense park days, half a day or a full day away does you good, especially with young kids who need a real break.

It’s also about budget: a one-day park ticket is expensive, so alternating with a gentler outing, sometimes a free one, spreads the spending over your trip. All my tips for fitting these days in are in the guide to planning your trip.

Two other situations lend themselves to it. On rainy days, or when the park closes early in winter, a sheltered activity right next door saves the half day (to stay in the park despite the weather, see my weather guide).

And then there are your arrival and departure windows: getting in the night before or leaving at noon the next day is an easy stretch to fill without buying another park day. For each outing below, I tell you who it’s best for.

Seine-et-Marne and the surrounding area have several high-quality animal parks less than an hour from the resort. If your kids love animals, or if you want a calmer day between two days of rides, it’s a great alternative.

Parrot World is an immersive animal park in Crécy-la-Chapelle, about 20 to 25 minutes by car from the resort. The setting recreates a tropical rainforest, with macaws flying freely above your head, as well as jaguars, capybaras, giant otters, tapirs, and Humboldt penguins.

Opened in 2020, it’s one of the most carefully designed parks in the region when it comes to immersion. It even has lodges if you’d like to spend the night there.

Who it’s for: families, plus any animal fan who appreciates thoughtfully designed spaces.

The Parc des Félins, in Lumigny-Nesles-Ormeaux (about 25 to 30 minutes by car, roughly 28 km), is part of Lumigny Safari Réserve. It’s the park with the widest variety of wild cats in the world: tigers, lions, cheetahs, snow leopards, lynx, around thirty species in all. A "Terre de Singes" section rounds out the visit, with gibbons, macaques, and lemurs roaming semi-free.

A little train takes you between the enclosures, handy with kids or to give your legs a rest.

Who it’s for: families and big cat enthusiasts.

Right inside the Centre commercial Val d’Europe mall in Serris, SEA LIFE Paris Val d’Europe is an aquarium with a walk-through underwater tunnel, sharks, and several hundred kinds of sea creatures.

Few outings are simpler to reach: it’s a single RER A stop from Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station, roughly 5 to 10 minutes. Since everything is under a roof, it’s a smart choice when it rains.

Who it’s for: families with little ones and anybody wanting a quick activity out of the weather.

The Paris Zoological Park, better known as the Zoo de Vincennes, sits in the Bois de Vincennes, in Paris. Allow about 40 minutes on the RER A, then a transfer to the metro or tram.

It’s a large, modern zoo organized into biozones, where you’ll come across giraffes, lions, manatees, and many other species in settings that recreate their natural habitats. A great outing if you’re pairing a day in Paris with an animal visit.

Who it’s for: families and wildlife fans who are also spending time in Paris.

When the park closes early in winter, or when the weather doesn’t cooperate, these two spots take over right next to the resort.

Opened in 2025 at the end of the Centre commercial Val d’Europe, Imagi Park is a big indoor leisure complex just minutes from Disneyland Paris (roughly 5 to 10 minutes on the RER, 10 to 15 minutes driving). Under one roof you’ll find several businesses: go-kart racing, bowling lanes, an arcade, laser tag, karaoke rooms, a trampoline zone, a Fort Boyard-inspired obstacle course, an immersive restaurant, and even a fitness club.

It’s the perfect option to keep the evening going after the parks close, warm and out of the weather. Each activity has its own prices and hours, and I recommend booking online if you’re going on the weekend.

For everything about the activities, hours, and getting there, see my complete guide to Imagi Park Val d’Europe.

Villages Nature Paris is a Center Parcs property in Bailly-Romainvilliers, about 10 minutes from the resort. Its main draw is the Aqua Mundo, a large domed water park with slides and pools. There’s also a spa, a lake, and plenty of outdoor activities. Depending on the time of year, you can get in for the day without staying there, which makes it a good idea for a relaxing break.

Who it’s for: families who want a day of swimming and fresh air to go with the parks.

The Val d’Europe area is home to two very different shopping destinations, both easy to reach from the park.

The Centre commercial Val d’Europe, in Serris, is a big indoor mall one RER A stop from the resort, about 5 minutes away. It has around 190 stores, a hypermarket, plenty of restaurants, plus the SEA LIFE Paris Val d’Europe aquarium and the Imagi Park complex. It’s the handy spot for grocery runs, grabbing lunch, or keeping busy on a rainy day, all indoors.

Who it’s for: everyone, especially families looking for a sheltered outing.

La Vallée Village is a designer outlet village, in other words an outlet mall, in Serris, right next to Val d’Europe (about 10 minutes). It brings together over 110 big-name brand stores at reduced prices, along an open-air street. A shuttle bus runs there on certain days. It’s the place to score great deals if you love brands.

Who it’s for: shopping fans and bargain hunters.

Need a breather between park days? The area also lets you stretch your legs in the fresh air, whether on a golf course or along the water.

Golf Paris Val d’Europe is a 27-hole course in Val d’Europe, a few minutes from the resort. It welcomes every level, from beginners to experienced players, and it makes a pleasant change of pace if you want to mix things up during your trip.

Who it’s for: golfers, beginners and regulars alike.

The Marne River runs through the whole area and offers pretty waterside walks and bike rides. You can have a picnic, head to recreation areas like Jablines or Vaires-sur-Marne, or stop at a guinguette (an open-air riverside café). It’s a free outing, surrounded by nature, perfect for unwinding after the hustle of the parks.

Who it’s for: people who like to walk or bike, and anybody craving a calm break that costs nothing.

Staying for several days? Three places deserve a whole day of their own, and each one has its own atmosphere.

A direct RER A train from Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station gets you to the center of Paris in roughly 35 to 40 minutes. No day trip is easier to organize: one extra day lets you take in museums and landmarks, with no change of station and no car needed. A great fit if this is your first time visiting the French capital too.

Who it’s for: travelers who want a mix of park days and a day exploring Paris.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval town of Provins is roughly 45 minutes from the resort. Expect ramparts, tunnels beneath the town, knight shows, and a medieval market. This full-day outing takes you into another era entirely, and its history tends to win over children and grown-ups alike.

Who it’s for: history lovers and families wanting a day out that’s a little different.

Parc Astérix, in Plailly, is a theme park built around the world of the ancient Gauls, about 50 minutes from the resort. Its focus is roller coasters and shows, with a personality very different from Disneyland Paris. Watch out: it isn’t open year-round. It closes for part of the fall and winter, so be sure to check its calendar if your trip falls in the off-season.

Who it’s for: thrill seekers.

Depending on who you are and who’s traveling with you, some outings make more sense than others. Here’s my advice for each profile.

First visit: keep your focus on the parks, which will easily fill your days. These outings can wait for your next trip.

With a baby: SEA LIFE Paris Val d’Europe (quick, indoors, easy with a stroller), a walk by the Marne, and the Villages Nature pool. Real downtime.

With a child: the Parc des Félins and Parrot World to see animals, and Imagi Park when it rains.

With a teen: Parc Astérix for the thrill rides, La Vallée Village to shop, and a day in Paris.

With friends: Parc Astérix, a night out at Imagi Park, and a day in Paris.

As a couple: medieval Provins, a day in Paris, a round of golf, or a stroll by the water.

Accessibility: the easiest options are indoor and on one level, like SEA LIFE Paris Val d’Europe, the Centre commercial Val d’Europe, or Imagi Park.