Each Saturday, we’re given a choice: tackle the to-do list or press pause and focus on what actually fills your cup. Saturday Lotto and 96FM’s Saturday Switch Up is all about encouraging the latter, inviting families to make time for the people that matter most.
This week’s prize prioritises connection, presence, and quality time together as a family with a day on Rottnest Island, complete with ferry transfers and a long, leisurely lunch by the sea.
The Saturday escape begins with a Rottnest Fast Ferries gift voucher to get the entire family to and from the island with ease. Once you’ve arrived at Rottnest, it’s up to you how you spend your time: hire an e-bike and cruise to the West End, snorkel through the crystal-clear waters of the Basin, or try your hand at a round of mini golf. When it’s time to eat, Isola Bar e Cibo will take care of lunch, with a gift card to spend on their rustic Italian fare (including plenty of family-friendly options).
Before the competition is drawn and you swap your slippers for sandy feet, there are plenty of other things to do in Perth to connect with your brood. Here are seven other ways you can spend your Saturday with the family.
Raise your heart rate at Adventure World
Kids climbing the walls? The non-stop excitement of Adventure World should do the trick. Perth’s iconic (and only) theme and water park is packed with more than 25 rides, waterslides, and attractions to suit both adrenaline junkies and chill chasers.
Adrenaline junkies will love the drops, dips, and twists of the Abyss roller coaster, equal parts frightening with fun; little ones can safely explore Dragon’s Kingdom, specifically designed for those under 8; and when it all gets too much, a family float down the lazy river will help regroup and reset.
With plenty of shady spots, cafes, and family-friendly picnic areas, it’s easy to enjoy an entire day at Adventure World. Grab a family pass online to save money, burn energy, make memories, and enjoy a screen-free Saturday with the whole family.
Get back to nature with a luxury picnic
If your weekends are typically a blur of sports practice or dance lessons, slowing down might just be the sweetest switch-up of all.
Let a local picnic stylist like the socially conscious Boho and Prosecco or the DIY Picnic Perth Hire set the scene in your favourite park, beach, or even your own backyard if you prefer to keep things closer to home. They can provide curated setups with rugs, cushions, grazing boards, and fairy lights to make a lazy afternoon magical. Bring card games, your kids’ favourite tunes, and a book or two, and settle in for an unplugged afternoon of connection, snacking, and sunshine.
Go wild with a Close Encounters tour of Perth Zoo
Everyone loves Perth Zoo, but Close Encounters really takes things up a notch. The immersive, behind-the-scenes experience allows the entire family to step into the shoes of a zookeeper, getting up close and personal with some of the world’s most interesting animals.
The small-group tours are designed to be as educational as they are enjoyable, with different encounters for you to pick and choose based on your family’s interests. Kids not too fond of lions? Maybe a hands-on party with the pint-sized penguins will be more their speed. Whatever encounter you go with, it’s guaranteed to spark inspiration and conversation.
Catch a wave with family surf lessons
Looking for a family activity that’s active and outdoors? Perth’s coastline is packed with friendly, qualified surf schools ready to get you on your feet.
Book a group session at Go Surf Perth at Scarborough Beach or Leighton Beach in North Fremantle, where patient, proficient instructors make getting in the water feel safe. You won’t be gunning for Pipeline here — the focus is on nailing the fundamentals at your own pace, so everyone leaves smiling (albeit a little sandy).
Saddle up for horse riding
Swap screens for stirrups and head to the hills for an afternoon adventure on horseback. Family-friendly riding school Jarrahdale Equestrian Centre offers guided trail rides that are perfect for beginners, with gentle ponies and highly experienced staff who make riders of all ages and abilities feel confident and comfortable in the saddle.
The scenic trails wind through the beautiful Darling Ranges, past local wildlife, curious kangaroos, and grazing sheep at a leisurely pace, giving you and the family space to breathe, chat, and connect.
Soar above the city with Matagarup Zip+Climb
We’ve all seen thrill seekers launching off the Matagarup Bridge and shooting across the Swan River, but it’s much more family-friendly than you think. Children as young as eight can safely share this high-flying experience, starting with a guided climb to the glass floor Sky View Platform, before launching into a 400-metre zipline to the banks of the Swan.
Fast, fun, and totally exhilarating, this shared challenge helps build confidence (and earns some serious cool-parent points in the process).
Plan a plush city staycation
Pulling off a weekend away can be a little overwhelming, but a one-night stay in the city can offer all of the refresh without any of the effort. For an easy escape, check into luxe hotels like The Westin, The Ritz-Carlton, or QT Perth. Here, you can rug up with lush robes and room service without needing petrol or a passport. Easy, fun, and zero clean-up required.
Ready to reconnect? This week’s Saturday Switch-Up gives one lucky family the chance to experience the magic of Rottnest Island. Enter now via the 96FM win page and take back your weekend.
Terms and conditions apply. Please visit 96FM.com for full details. Play Responsibly 1800 858 858.
