Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Federal Way, Washington, will close permanently after its 2026 season, the park’s operator announced on Dec. 10. The park, which opened in 1977, will reopen for a final season from May 23 to Nov. 1, 2026, including its Fright Fest event. Premier Parks cited rising operating costs and "millions in losses" since reopening after the COVID shutdown as the reason for closure. The land is owned by Jeff Stock of EPI Realty Holdings, and any redevelopment plans are preliminary and subject to community review.
Beloved Wild Waves Theme & Water Park to Close After Final 2026 Season
google mapsWild Waves Theme and Water Park
Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Federal Way, Washington, will permanently close after the 2026 season, the park's operator announced in a press release on Dec. 10. The longtime Pacific Northwest attraction, which opened in 1977, will reopen for a final run beginning May 23, 2026 and will close to the public on Nov. 1, 2026.
Final Season and Farewell Plans
Kieran Burke, president and owner of Premier Parks, said the park will mark its final year with special events and promotions meant to celebrate its history and the memories made by generations of guests. The park’s summer operations will include its waterpark offerings, amusement rides and the popular Fright Fest Halloween program.
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park/FacebookWild Waves Theme and Water Park
"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," said Burke.
Ownership and Future Plans
Wild Waves is operated by Premier Parks, LLC, headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The land beneath the park is owned by Jeff Stock of EPI Realty Holdings, Inc., who said the owners "recognize the deep history and emotional connection many residents have with the park." Stock added that plans for the site are in preliminary stages and will undergo community review as officials explore redevelopment options intended to bring "meaningful, lasting benefits to the area."
Officials encouraged guests to visit wildwaves.com for details about the 2026 calendar, operating days, special events and guest information. The park thanked its visitors, team members and the Federal Way community for decades of support and memories.
