After 50 years of family fun, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park is closing at the end of this season.
I grew up visiting Wild Waves nearly every summer as a child and teenager, so I knew I needed to visit one last time. This summer our family ventured out for one last chance to build memories at this quintessential Pacific Northwest theme and water park. Read on for some tips if your family wants to fit in a farewell visit.
Wild Waves is open daily until Labor Day 2026, with additional weekend dates scheduled for their Halloween “Fright Fest” in the fall.
The water park was near empty on the overcast weekday we went. (Image: Allison Peterson / Seattle’s Child)
Tickets can be purchased online through the Wild Waves website or at the gate. Depending on how many times you plan to visit during the season or how many people are in your group, it may be more affordable to buy season tickets or a group package. Discount admission tickets are also available for members of BECU when purchased online in advance. Children ages 3 and younger are always free. Onsite parking is a flat rate of $25 per day (season passes include free parking).
We visited with a large group that included kids ages 5-17, as well as parents and grandparents. Everyone in our group found rides and attractions that they enjoyed, making this a great all-ages outing. Most rides require riders to be 48” tall to ride alone or 42” to ride with an adult. The kiddie rides require all riders to be under 42” or under 48” depending on the ride.
Rides were in and out of service on our visit. (Image: Allison Peterson / Seattle’s Child)
While the water park opens at 11:00 a.m., the theme park rides don’t open until an hour later at 12 p.m. If you don’t want your kids getting wet until the end of the day, don’t arrive before the rides open or your plans will be thrown out the window when your kids beeline to the only things open…the water! When the rides opened at noon, all were operating except the large pirate ship, but several closed for maintenance throughout the day. Some of the rides that closed for maintenance were able to reopen again after a short time, while others remained closed throughout the day. Overall, the majority of rides were in operation at all times and we never had a problem finding activities to enjoy.
The day we visited happened to be an overcast day mid-week, and it was the least busy I’ve seen in many years. We were able to ride every ride and water slide with virtually no lines for the entire day. I was also happy to discover that the park was much cleaner than the last time we had visited two years ago, and we had no problems with insects. Staff was welcoming and the ride operators and lifeguards were very attentive to guests and safety.
Wild Waves will reopen in the fall for a short time for their Fright Fest Halloween experience. (Image: Allison Peterson / Seattle’s Child)
When your crew starts getting hungry (which should be about 5 minutes after entering the park, by my experience!) there are several options for food.
While no outside food or drinks are permitted in the park, empty water bottles, baby food, and food for those with medical needs or food sensitivities are allowed. Picnics are allowed outside the park, so guests can pack a cooler for their own parking lot tailgate. Food is available for purchase in the park, but it’s on the spendy side: $13 for a soft pretzel, $18 for chicken strips with fries, and $6 for a soda. The entire park is cash-free, so bring along a credit card or a phone for mobile payment.
(Image: Allison Peterson / Seattle’s Child)
Plan ahead if you will be using the water park. Bring a towel, goggles, and sandals or water shoes for walking around the water park. Lockers are available for rent in the water park if you want to stash your valuables, with prices starting at $16/day. Life jackets are available to borrow throughout the water park, all weak- and non-swimmers are asked to wear a life jacket at all times. Keep in mind that no loose items are allowed on the water slides, so shoes and other loose items (hats, sunglasses, goggles) will need to be stored in the cubbies near the slide entrances or be held while on the water slides. Bring along a full set of dry clothes to change into for the drive home (there are changing rooms available near the park entrance).
After decades of making my own memories at Wild Waves, I was glad to have one last hoorah with my family. Make time this summer to experience Wild Waves with your family, whether it’s for the first time or for the last time–before it’s gone for good!
