Amusement Park News

Wild Waves, the theme park located in Federal Way, Washington, will close after nearly 50 years of water park and amusement park fun.

The decision to close the well-loved park traces back to the COVID-19 pandemic. Park officials noted that since reopening, Wild Waves has endured millions of dollars in financial losses. The park is operated by Premier Parks, LLC, headquartered in Oklahoma City. The land on which the park sits is owned by Jeff Stock of EPI Realty Holdings, Inc., who was actively involved in operating the park for many years.

On December 10, Kieran Burke, president and owner of Premier Parks, announced that the 2026 season would be the final season for the popular Pacific Northwest destination.

Premier Parks operates a wide range of properties throughout the United States and Canada, including Elitch Gardens in Denver; two Hawaiian Waters parks in Texas; Wet n' Wild Hawaii; Nashville Shores in Hermitage, Tennessee; City Museum in St. Louis; and Wet n' Wild Toronto. The company is the largest independent operator of visitor attractions and experiences in North America.



Burke thanked guests, team members, and the surrounding community for supporting Wild Waves and creating lasting memories for families and friends. He explained that rising operational costs since reopening after the COVID shutdown generated millions in losses, forcing the company to discontinue operations.

The farewell will be gradual. Wild Waves will officially close on November 1, 2026. The park will open as usual in May 2026 and continue operating its amusement rides and water park attractions throughout the season, concluding with its final Fright Fest Halloween celebration. Burke added that the park will celebrate memories, nostalgia, and family fun throughout the year with themed events and special promotions.

Originally opening in 1977 as Enchanted Village, Wild Waves spans 70 acres and features more than 30 rides and water park slides. Signature attractions include the 75-foot Timber Hawk Ride of Prey, which reaches speeds of up to 50 miles per hour on a wooden track. In the water park, the Pacific Plunge Slide Complex delivers triple-tube thrills. Other favorites include the park's first roller coaster, the Wild Thing steel coaster; the Lumberjack Falls flume ride; the Soaring Eagle zip line; and family attractions such as bumper cars and the Ferris wheel. Younger guests enjoy Hook's Lagoon, a three-story treehouse play area, while thrill seekers gravitate to the Pacific Plunge and Raging River rides.



Wild Waves employs approximately 35 full-time employees and 800 seasonal workers. The park has changed ownership several times over the decades. Original owner Byron Betts operated Enchanted Village and Tacoma's Point Defiance Park merry-go-round before opening Wild Waves as an adjoining water park in 1984. Both properties were sold to Jeff Stock in 1991 for $8 million.

Stock, a former Seattle Sounders player, expanded the park by adding acreage and new attractions. In 2000, the park itself was sold to Six Flags for $19.3 million, while Stock retained ownership of the land.

Six Flags later sold Wild Waves to CNL Lifestyle Properties, which brought Stock back to operate the park in 2011. In 2016, EPR Properties acquired the park as part of a $456 million purchase of multiple theme parks nationwide. Premier Parks later assumed operations, with Stock remaining the landowner.

Stock has pledged to honor the park's legacy, stating that ownership is committed to a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area. While plans remain preliminary, Stock said more details will be shared as planning and community review progress.

Fans have expressed deep sadness over the closure, sharing emotional messages on the park's social media pages. Wild Waves is the only theme and water park in the greater Seattle area.



All season passes and tickets will be honored for the 2026 season. Planned events include August's Festival de Olas Locas, a two-day Hispanic cultural celebration featuring specialty foods, vendors, live mariachi music, dance performances, and lucha libre. The park will also host July foam parties for children at the wave pool and adults-only evening events on select dates.

In addition to Fright Fest for teens and adults, Wild Waves will again offer Booville for younger children, featuring trick-or-treating, character meet-and-greets, and festive autumn décor. Fright Fest will transform the park into a full-scale Halloween experience with haunted houses, scare zones, evening rides, and live entertainment.

Stock said he is grateful for his longstanding partnership with Premier Parks and appreciates their commitment to delivering a full and successful final season for guests and the community.