8 Eerie Washington Amusement Parks Slowly Being Reclaimed
Echoes of joy still linger in places where crowds once gathered and lights once shimmered against the night sky. Wooden coasters stand quiet, their frames weathered by time, and laughter that once carried on the wind has faded into whispers.
Across Washington State, forgotten amusement parks tell stories of summers long past – where families came for wonder and left with memories that now belong to the forest and the rain. Each abandoned ride, each cracked ticket booth, holds the quiet beauty of what remains after the music stops.
1. Lollipop Park – Bellevue (1960s–1980s)
Tucked away in Bellevue, this charming little park catered to younger children with gentle rides and colorful attractions. The whimsical name matched its candy-themed decorations that delighted kids throughout the 1960s and 70s.
As shopping centers expanded, the park gradually faded from memory. Today, few traces remain of the cheerful destination that once offered birthday party packages and weekend family outings in the growing suburb.
2. Luna Park – Seattle (1907–1913)
Built on pilings over Puget Sound, this spectacular destination featured elaborate towers and thousands of electric lights. Visitors arrived by streetcar to experience thrilling rides, dance halls, and a breathtaking view of Elliott Bay.
A devastating fire in 1911 damaged portions, leading to closure just six years after opening. The waterfront location made reconstruction challenging, and the park vanished, leaving only photographs and stories.
3. Natatorium Park – Spokane (1892–1968)
Spokane’s premier entertainment venue boasted a heated indoor Olympic pool, roller coasters, and even a baseball stadium. Families traveled across the region to spend weekends swimming and riding attractions throughout its 76-year run.
When streetcar service ended and television became popular, attendance dwindled dramatically. The park closed in 1968, and crews dismantled everything, though the grounds still whisper tales of splashing swimmers and roaring crowds.
4. Santafair – Federal Way (1960s–1970s)
Imagine a Christmas wonderland operating year-round with Santa’s village, festive displays, and holiday-themed attractions. Children met Santa regardless of season and explored winter scenes even during hot summer months.
The novelty eventually wore thin as tastes changed and larger theme parks emerged. After closing, the property transitioned to other uses, but older residents fondly remember visiting Santa in July and riding reindeer-decorated carousels.
5. Playland (Bitter Lake) – Seattle (1930–1961)
Located near Bitter Lake in north Seattle, this park offered affordable entertainment during the Depression era and beyond. The wooden roller coaster became famous for its thrilling drops, drawing crowds from throughout the city on weekends.
Economic pressures and changing neighborhoods contributed to its closure after three decades. The land eventually became residential, though some longtime neighbors claim they occasionally hear phantom screams from phantom riders on foggy nights.
6. The Rides At Long Beach – Long Beach (1970s–2019)
This coastal attraction brought classic carnival fun to Washington’s southwestern shore for decades. Bumper cars, arcade games, and miniature golf kept vacationing families entertained between beach walks and kite flying sessions.
Operating until 2019, it represents one of the most recently closed parks on this list. The rides stood silent as beach towns evolved, and visitors now find empty lots where laughter once mixed with ocean breezes and seagull calls.
7. White City – Bellingham (1906–1912)
Named for its distinctive white-painted buildings, this early twentieth-century park brought sophisticated entertainment to northern Washington. Electric lights illuminated the grounds at night, creating a magical atmosphere that seemed impossibly modern for its time.
Financial difficulties ended operations after just six years. The structures were torn down, and the land repurposed, though historians continue researching this brief but fascinating chapter in Bellingham’s recreational history.
8. Fun Forest Amusement Park – Seattle (1962–2011)
Right next to the Space Needle, this beloved attraction entertained generations before closing its gates. Families rode the Wild Mouse roller coaster and wandered through mirror mazes for nearly five decades.
After shutting down, the site transformed into public space, though memories linger. Locals still recall the smell of popcorn and the sound of delighted screams echoing through Seattle Center on summer evenings.
