Wild Waves Theme & Water Park in Federal Way, Washington, will permanently close its doors Nov. 1, ending nearly five decades of summertime thrills for Pacific Northwest families.
The 70-acre park, which opened in 1977, announced last December that the 2026 season would be its last. The closure will conclude with the park’s annual Fright Fest celebration.
Kieran Burke, president and owner of Premier Parks, blamed rising post-pandemic operating costs for the decision.
“We are thankful for our guests, team members and the community of Federal Way for supporting Wild Waves and creating so many thrills and great memories with families and friends,” Mr. Burke said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the rising cost of ongoing operations since reopening after the COVID shutdown has generated millions in losses, which forces us to discontinue operations at the end of our 2026 season.”
The park features more than 30 rides and slides, including its signature Timber Hawk-Ride of Prey wooden coaster, which stands 75 feet tall and reaches speeds of 50 mph.
Fans have been sounding off on the park’s Facebook page in the months since the closure was announced, many expressing hope that a new buyer could still step in to save it.
“I hope we can find a new owner to help save the park,” one user wrote. “We don’t want it to close. I do hope there is a buyer real quick,” wrote another. A third lamented: “Lots of fond memories to remember. Such a fun place to go. … Sad to see it closing down permanently.”
The park employs 35 full-time workers and approximately 800 seasonal employees, according to Premier Parks. All previously purchased season passes, group events and ticket packages will be honored through the final season, which began May 23.
The land on which Wild Waves sits is owned by Jeff Stock of EPI Realty Holdings, Inc. Mr. Stock said the property owner is “committed to ensuring a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area,” though no details about future plans for the site have been disclosed.
The closure comes as theme parks across the country grapple with the loss of beloved attractions. This spring, Universal Orlando began demolishing its decades-old Lost Continent area at Islands of Adventure to make way for a new themed land. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World has been dismantling longtime Frontierland attractions — including Tom Sawyer Island and the Rivers of America — as part of a major expansion tied to a new Cars-themed land called Piston Peak National Park.
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