It's Official: This Theme Park Is Permanently Closing After 50 Years

Time is running out to visit one of America’s most beloved regional amusement parks!

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Over the last 50 years, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park — located in the Seattle-adjacent Federal Way, Washington — has gone by many names (Enchanted Village, Enchanted Parks, Wild Waves and Enchanted Village, Wild Waves Theme Park, and Wild Waves and Enchanted Village) and been owned by several owners (including Six Flags for a period in the 2000s) but through it all it has remained a constant in the lives of coaster amusement park fans in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. However, that’s all changing this coming fall.

In a press release from December of 2025, the park’s current owners, Premier Parks, confirmed that the 2026 operating season — which begins on May 23rd — would be the park’s last, and that its closure would be effective as of November 1st, 2026.

As of the 2026 season, Wild Waves employs about 35 full-time staff and around 800 seasonal workers each year, who operate the park’s summertime water attractions, classic thrill rides, and Fright Fest in October.

@wildwavespark on Instagram

In the press release, Kieran Burke, President and Owner of Premier Parks, said that the company was thankful for “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.” Burke went on to explain that 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.”

According to Premier, all previously purchased 2026 group events, season passes, and ticket packages will be fully honored, and the “full and vibrant” 2026 season will feature all of the park’s classic rides remaining operational and even a Fright Fest in the fall, ending on the park’s final day despite the forthcoming closure. Furthermore, the company says that the park’s final year of operation will celebrate “the memories, nostalgia, and family fun” it has brought to millions with themed events and special promotions.

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As for the park’s future, Jeff Stock, owner of the property on which the park sits and a longtime partner of Premier Parks, stresses that his group recognizes the “deep history and emotional connection many residents have with the park” and is “committed to ensuring a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area… Plans for the site are currently in preliminary stages, with goals beneficial to the city and surrounding areas. Additional details will be released as the project moves through planning and community review processes.”

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After 50 years of welcoming guests in the Pacific Northwest, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park is set to make one final season of memories before closing for good this November. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the amusement park industry.

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Do you have any memories of Wild Waves Theme & Water Park? Let us know in the comments below.