Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Federal Way has announced it will permanently close following its 2026 operating season, bringing an end to nearly fifty years as one of Washington’s most recognizable summer attractions.
The announcement was made in December by Premier Parks LLC, the company that operates Wild Waves. Park leadership cited ongoing financial challenges as the primary reason for the closure, pointing to rising operating costs and revenue that never fully rebounded after the pandemic shutdown. According to the operator, the park has sustained millions of dollars in losses in recent years, making continued operation unsustainable.
Wild Waves will remain open through the 2026 season, with plans to operate normally from late May through early November. This includes the full lineup of rides, water attractions, and seasonal events such as summer programming and the park’s popular fall Halloween festivities. All previously purchased 2026 season passes and tickets are expected to be honored, giving visitors one final year to experience the park.
The closure will have a significant local impact. Wild Waves employs dozens of full time staff and hundreds of seasonal workers each year, many of whom are students or young workers from the surrounding area. The park has also long served as a regional draw for families across the Puget Sound, contributing to local tourism and nearby businesses during the summer months.
Originally opened in 1977 as Enchanted Village, the park later expanded to include its water attractions in the mid nineteen eighties and was rebranded as Wild Waves. Over the decades, it became a rite of passage for generations of Washington families, school trips, and summer camps, known for its combination of roller coasters, water slides, and family friendly rides.
The land itself is owned separately from the park operations, and while ownership has indicated that future redevelopment plans are being explored, no specific proposals have been formally announced. Any redevelopment would be subject to city planning processes and community input.
For many in the region, the news marks the end of an era. Wild Waves has been a fixture of Pacific Northwest summers for nearly half a century, and its final season in 2026 is expected to draw longtime fans hoping to say goodbye to a landmark that shaped countless childhood memories.