Several theme parks will shut their gates after poor performance seasons, including a beloved UK park.
In Somerset, the Brean Theme Park was assigned to liquidators at the start of this year. It is just one of several parks shutting down.
Glenwood Caverns in Colorado, US filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February amid a string of financial and reputational problems in preceding years.
Theme park giant Six Flags shared that it will be closing six “underperforming” locations in its amusement and waterpark portfolio in 2026, after posting a loss of more than $1.2 billion at the end of 2025.
View 3 ImagesAmusement park company Six Flags announced plans to sell North American theme parks (file image)(Image: Getty Images)
Another amusement park with half-a-century of history has opened for its final season in 2026.
The Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Washington State opened for what has now been confirmed to be its final season at the end of May. Its owner said that the park will close after nearly 50 years in business, due to rising operational costs.
The park, operated by Premier Parks, opened in 1977 as part of its expansion into the Pacific Northwest.
“We are thankful for our 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,” Premier Parks owner and president Kieran Burke said in a statement.
“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.”
The final season opened on May 23 and will run until November 1, when the park will close its doors for good.
The park has told guests that all of the 30 rides and water slides will operate throughout the open period, while any season passes or packages bought before the shutdown was announced will also be honoured, The Street reported.
View 3 ImagesA lifeguard watches over a wave pool (file image)(Image: Getty Images)
“In its final year of operation, the park will celebrate the memories, nostalgia, and family fun with themed events, and special promotions,” Burke said.
The amusement part will be replaced by a one-million-square-foot warehouse, according to media reports. The proposal immediately proved unpopular among local residents with memories of the theme park.
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Options previously explored by local developers and the city included a hotel and a convention centre.
“We recognize the deep history and emotional connection many residents have with the park, and we are committed to ensuring a respectful transition while planning a project that will bring meaningful, lasting benefits to the area,” park co-owner Jeff Stock said in December 2025.
“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.”