Wild Waves to Close After 2026 Season: A Final Splash for a Northwest Icon
We can confirm today that Wild Waves, the theme and water park in Federal Way, will close for good after the 2026 season. The park will open on May 23, 2026 for its 50th season, then shut down on November 1, 2026. This is a farewell year for a place that shaped summers across the Puget Sound. If Wild Waves is on your family map, this is your last call.
What’s Happening and When
Wild Waves made it official. One more season, then the gates close. The timeline is set, and it gives travelers a clear window to plan a final visit.
- Opening Day 2026: May 23
- Festival de Olas Locas: August 22 to 23
- Fright Fest: October 2 to November 1
- Final operating day: November 1, 2026
The park began life in 1977 as The Enchanted Village. The water park opened in 1984 and grew into a Northwest summer staple. By the time the lights go out, the story will span five decades.
Permanent closure is scheduled for November 1, 2026. There is no extension planned.
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Why It Matters for Northwest Travel
Wild Waves is a rite of passage in this region. School’s out, the sun arrives, and families head to Federal Way. The park’s mix of coasters, wave pools, and lazy rivers set the rhythm of summer trips between Seattle and Tacoma. Hotels along the I‑5 corridor fill with kids clutching towels. Local restaurants and shops see a lift through July and August.
Its final season will shape travel patterns. Expect stronger weekend demand, longer lines, and more overnight stays. We also expect more day trips linking Wild Waves with Point Defiance Zoo, Tacoma museums, or Seahurst and Dash Point beaches. The park’s closure will leave a gap in family attractions next summer. Communities around Federal Way will feel it in jobs, traffic, and visitor spending.
How to Visit in the Final Season
Plan with purpose. Weekdays will be your friend. Mornings and evenings are best for cooling off without the crush. Federal Way sits right off I‑5, midway between Sea‑Tac and Tacoma, so it fits into many routes.
- Book tickets and parking early, then lock in lodging near I‑5 exits.
- Use the Federal Way Transit Center for bus links and rideshares.
- Arrive with a locker plan to keep phones and dry clothes safe.
- Pack layers, sunscreen, and quick‑dry gear. Northwest weather can flip fast.
Aim for the first two hours after opening, or the last two before close, to score shorter waits.
Travelers without a car can connect via regional transit to Federal Way, then take short rideshares to the gate. Families can split the day, water park first, coasters later, with a quiet break in between.
Final‑Season Highlights Worth the Trip
Opening Day Energy, May 23
The kickoff will feel like a reunion. Expect a look back at 50 years, early ride checks, and park traditions. Longtime visitors will want those first‑day photos at the entrance.
Festival de Olas Locas, August 22–23
This two‑day celebration brings music, food, and lucha libre to peak summer. It is a lively sendoff for August travel. Time your visit to enjoy the festival, then cool down in the wave pool after dark.
Fright Fest, October 2–November 1
Haunted houses, scare zones, and kid‑friendly days in Booville anchor the final month. The last Sunday night will be emotional. It will also be busy. Book early if you want a goodbye lap on the coasters.
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Capacity limits are likely on peak dates. Beware third‑party resale scams and only buy through official channels.
What We Know, and What We Don’t, About the Site’s Future
Wild Waves is focused on its farewell year. The park has not released details on future use of the property. That leaves open questions for workers and nearby businesses. For now, hotels and attractions in Federal Way are preparing for one last strong season. We will update travel guidance as plans emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is the final day to visit Wild Waves?
A: November 1, 2026. That is the last scheduled operating day.
Q: What are the key dates for the farewell season?
A: Opening Day is May 23, 2026. Festival de Olas Locas runs August 22 to 23. Fright Fest runs October 2 to November 1.
Q: How should I plan a visit without a car?
A: Use the Federal Way Transit Center for regional bus service. From there, rideshares reach the park in a few minutes.
Q: Will there be special events for the 50th season?
A: Yes. Expect Opening Day festivities, the August festival, and an expanded Fright Fest.
Q: What about jobs at the park?
A: Seasonal hiring will support the 2026 season. Plans after closure have not been announced.
The clock is ticking on a Northwest classic. If Wild Waves shaped your summers, now is the time to circle dates, gather your crew, and make one last splash. We will be on the ground all season, tracking the crowds, the memories, and the final wave goodbye. 🌊
