Wild Waves Theme ParkA staple of the Pacific Northwest summer for nearly 50 years will permanently close after the 2026 season.
The Federal Way attraction has announced that next year (May 23-November 1) will be its final season of operation, ending an era where generations of families grew up riding bikes wooden eaglelazy river or celebrate Halloween at the Fright Festival.
In a statement, Kieran Burke, President and Owner of Premier Parkssaid the decision came down to financial conditions that never fully recovered in the years following the pandemic.
“Unfortunately, since reopening following the COVID-19 shutdown, the cost of continued operations has escalated, resulting in millions of dollars in losses, forcing us to cease operations at the end of the 2026 season,” Burke said.
He also thanked the millions of visitors and hundreds of employees who have kept the park open since it first opened in 1977.
Wild Waves is Washington’s largest theme water park, employing approximately 35 full-time employees and approximately 800 seasonal workers annually.
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The park confirmed that all 2026 season passes, group activities and ticket packages will be honored and the final season will still offer the full lineup guests have come to expect: summer water attractions, classic thrill rides and the popular Fright Fest celebration each October.
Despite the closure, park leaders say they intend to make 2026 a celebration. “In its final year of operation, the park will celebrate memory, nostalgia and family fun through themed events and special promotions,” Burke said.
Owner Jeff Stock echoing this sentiment, thanking visitors and staff while hinting at the future of the 70-acre site.
“We recognize that many residents have deep historical and emotional ties to the park, and we are committed to ensuring a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area,” Stock noted.
Plans for the redevelopment are underway, but details are still in the early stages.
For locals who have long considered wild surfing a part of their summer tradition, 2026 will be the last chance to splash, scream and soak in nostalgia before the doors close for the final time.
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This article was originally published by Parade on December 13, 2025 and first appeared in the News section. Click here to add Parade as a preferred source.
