Wild Waves Theme & Water Park in Federal Way is opening for the 2023 season with new changes and a few exciting milestones to celebrate.

This season, the park opens Saturday, May 27. Wild Waves will now only accept card payments. The on-site restaurants, retail stores, games, ticket windows and parking booths will accept credit cards, cash-free cards and mobile payments. Visitors with cash can convert their payments to debit cards at kiosks throughout the park, which can be used inside and outside of the park.

Attractions celebrating milestones this year include the 20th anniversary of the Timberhawk: Ride of Prey, a wooden roller coaster standing over seven stories tall and reaching 50 miles per hour. Another fan favorite, the Timber Axe, is celebrating 21 years of launching riders 70 feet into the air.

In the coming months, the park features several new special events. The World’s Largest Coaster Ride in conjunction with the American Coaster Enthusiasts is held Friday, June 16 and the World’s Largest Swim Lesson in partnership with the World Waterpark Association is Thursday, June 22.

The park is hosting a July 4th Celebration Weekend, along with Blast from the Past throwback weekends July 21 to July 30 with live entertainment, music, prizes, and special guests. A Wags N’ Waves dog swim event with “yappy” hour specials is set for Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Returning this season are Dive-In Movies every Thursday from June through August, and Fright Fest weekends in October.

For new eats on the menu, Wild Waves is now offering savory tacos, cool aguas frescas and creamy, new fudge flavors this season.

The park is also hiring for the summer season. Interested candidates can apply at WildWaves.com

Wild Waves opens for weekends and select days beginning May 27, and begin daily operation June 16 (exclusions apply, please visit the operating calendar). Wild Waves is at 36201 Milton Road S. in Federal Way.

For more information and park hours, visit wildwaves.com.