Matt is dedicated to the real estate industry, focusing on revitalizing properties and transforming them into welcoming homes. He has been featured in respected publications such as Forbes, Apartment Therapy, Reader's Digest, Bob Vila, Yahoo, and Go Banking Rates, highlighting his commitment and knowledge in the field.
Matt has a genuine passion for real estate and finds joy in bringing properties back to life. Whether it's a fixer-upper needing some care or a historic home looking for a modern touch, Matt enjoys seeing the potential in every project and working hard to bring it to fruition.
In his free time, Matt loves to travel and explore new places with his family. This love for adventure not only offers a refreshing break from work but also provides new ideas and inspiration.
Share this
As fast home buyers in Tennessee, we’ve helped countless families discover the magic of downtown Knoxville, and we’ve experienced firsthand how this vibrant area captivates children of all ages. Let me share our local parent-tested guide to making the most of Knoxville’s family attractions.
1. Zoo Knoxville: A Local Parent’s Strategy Guide
Every Knoxville parent knows Zoo Knoxville is more than just a day trip – it’s an adventure that needs the right strategy to maximize fun and minimize meltdowns. Here’s what we’ve learned after countless visits:
Best Times to Visit
Early morning (9-11 AM) is feeding time for most animals
Wednesdays are typically the least crowded
Overcast days mean more active animals
Spring and fall offer perfect weather and special events
Local Parent Hacks
Pack lunch but buy one special treat (you can find dippin’ dots at Graze located in the Plaza)
Bring a change of clothes – the splash pad is irresistible to kids
Start at the back of the zoo and work forward (opposite of crowds)
Tiger Territory is best visited at 2 PM feeding time
Red pandas are most active in the morning hours
Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss
The behind-the-scenes giraffe feeding deck (separate ticket but worth it!)
The quiet picnic area at The Lawn
The lesser-known playground near the reptile house for little kids
Living near Zoo Knoxville makes these visits so much easier. Learnhow our process works to sell your current with ease so you get into your dream Knoxville neighborhood.
2. World’s Fair Park: The Local Family’s Go-To Spot
Ask any Knoxville parent about World’s Fair Park, and they’ll tell you it’s their secret weapon for entertaining kids year-round. The Tennessee Amphitheater, a historic structure from the 1982 World’s Fair, is a key feature of the park, hosting concerts, festivals, and community events. Here’s your insider guide:
Splash Pad Secrets
Best hours: 10 AM-noon before crowds arrive
Bring water shoes (concrete gets hot!)
Pack extra clothes – kids always get wetter than planned
Hidden bathroom with changing tables is in the security office building
Playground Strategy
Morning shade is on the toddler side
Afternoon shade hits the big kid equipment
Bring quarters for the vintage candy machines
Check equipment after rain – in some areas pool water
Festival Lawn Tips
Wednesday evening concerts are perfect for picnic dinners
The hill beside the amphitheater is best for sledding after rare snow
Food trucks gather near the lawn on Fridays
The secret parking spot is behind the L&N building
Tired of driving across town to reach these amazing spots?Contact us about selling your home and moving closer to the action.
STEM Sprouts and Mess Makers for Pre-K kids- Tuesdays 2-3 PM
School-Age TECH Time: Wednesdays 2 PM
Free Family Night- 4th Friday of every month, 5-7 PM
Local Parent Tips
Membership pays for itself in 3 visits
Pack socks (required for certain exhibits)
Bring change for the vintage science machines
Schedule around-school field trips (call ahead)
4. Ijams Nature Center: Your Family’s Outdoor Classroom
While tourists stick to Ijams Nature Center’s main trails, local parents know this hidden gem is one of Knoxville’s best year-round outdoor adventure spots for kids. As long-time residents, we’ve discovered all the secret spots that make Ijams special for families every season.
Hidden Trails Perfect for Kids
Jo’s Grove: A natural playground with fairy house building
Nature Playscape: Easy 0.4-mile loop perfect for toddlers
Universal: Easy 0.2-mile loop through forest and meadows
River Trail: Easy 0.5-mile walk with views of the Tennessee River
Local Parent Secrets
Free parking behind the Visitor Center
Restrooms are available at three locations (not just the main building)
Bring old shoes for creek walking
Pack bird seed for the friendly chickadees
Best Activities by Season
Spring: Tadpole watching at the quarry
Summer: Early morning nature programs before the heat
Fall: Scavenger hunts with falling leaves
Winter: Rock scrambling (less slippery than muddy trails)
Want to live within walking distance of these amazing trails?About us – we’re local experts who can help you sell your current home fast.
5. Market Square: A Family Fun Hub
As local parents, we’ve mastered the art of enjoying Market Square with kids. Just a short walk away, Gay Street offers a vibrant atmosphere with its restaurants, bars, and historical sites. Here’s what you won’t find in tourist guides:
Kid-Friendly Dining Secrets
Tomato Head has a “secret” kid’s menu with better options
Free kids’ meals on Tuesdays at several restaurants
Best ice cream timing: 3 PM when lines are shortest
Entertainment Tips
Street performers schedule (usually 4-7 PM weekdays)
Kid-friendly buskers gather near the stage on weekends
Free story time at Lawson McGhee Library (One Saturday a month at 11 AM)
Interactive history walks (pick up maps at Visitors Center)
Parent Survival Guide
Cleanest family restrooms: Oliver Hotel lobby
Nursing/quiet space: Library’s third floor
Emergency snack stop: Mast General candy barrels
Stroller parking spots behind the stage during events
6. Knoxville Museum of Art: Not Your Typical Museum Visit
Looking for romantic things to do in Knoxville? The museum often tops those lists, but local parents know it’s perfect for kids too! Another key cultural venue in Knoxville is the Tennessee Theatre, celebrated for its historical significance, architectural beauty, and diverse performances.
Best Times for Families
2nd Sunday Art Activities Day
Family Fun Day (twice a year)
After-school art programs (registration required)
Summer art camps (book early, they fill fast!)
Interactive Galleries
Lower Level: Hands-on art stations
Second Floor: Kids’ art display wall
Outdoor Sculpture Garden: Perfect for energy breaks
Contemporary Gallery: Sound art installations
Parent-Tested Tips
Free admission means you can visit for short periods
Ask for family activity backpacks at the front desk
Best photo spots for family pictures
Quiet rooms available for overwhelmed kids
7. Zoo Knoxville’s Secret Spots
This section might seem redundant, but trust us – even regular visitors miss these gems:
Lesser-Known Animal Encounters
Zoo Choo Train
Keeper chats at the red panda exhibit
Petting zoo
Budgie feeding
Best Photo Opportunities
Giraffe deck during afternoon feedings
Gorilla Valley viewing window before noon
Tiger Temple during enrichment activities
Safari Splash water feature for family shots
8. Knoxville Children’s Theatre: A Hidden Gem for Young Performers
While the University of Tennessee campus draws visitors for sports, local families know the gardens are a hidden treasure. Similarly, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum offer a tranquil destination with historical significance, featuring serene walking paths and colorful display gardens.
Kid-Friendly Areas
Children’s garden with fairy houses
Kitchen garden with tastings
Rainbow Garden for color learning
Butterfly garden with identification cards
Educational Opportunities
Monthly family workshops
Season-specific scavenger hunts
Plant adoption program
Junior gardener club
Ready to plant roots near these amazing gardens?Contact us to learn about quick home sales.
13. Safety City: Knoxville’s Mini-Town
This free attraction is a local parent favorite:
What to Expect
Mini streets with working traffic lights
Child-sized buildings representing Knoxville
Bicycle safety programs
Seasonal safety events
Best Times to Visit
Weekday mornings for open play
Only open to the public in June and July
Holiday light displays
14. Urban Wilderness with Kids
South Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is perfect for family adventures: With its extensive trails and natural beauty, it offers a great escape within the city. Additionally, the nearby Smoky Mountains make Knoxville a gateway to even more outdoor adventures, providing visitors with scenic views and rich cultural and historical experiences.
Family-Friendly Trails
Baker Creek Preserve’s kids’ trail
Loyston Point easy loop
IC King Park nature trail
Adventure Tips
Bike rentals with child carriers
Guided family hikes monthly
Wildlife watching spots
Emergency rest stops
15. Market Square Farmers’ Market Kid Edition
The farmers’ market is an adventure with these local parent tips:
Kid-Friendly Vendors
Sample stations with kid portions
Face painting booth locations
Pet-friendly areas
Interactive farm displays
Best Times with Kids
Early morning for smaller crowds
Mid-morning for demonstrations
Lunchtime for food trucks
Afternoon for street performers
16. Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame: Beyond Just Sports
This iconic Knoxville landmark houses the world’s largest basketball, but local parents know it’s much more than a sports museum:
Interactive Zones by Age
Dribble Zone (ages 3-6): Oversized balls and low hoops
Skills Challenge (ages 7-12): Timed drills and games
History Hub (ages 13+): Interactive timelines
Photo Op Court: Family action shots
Local Parent Hacks
Visit during UT Lady Vols game days for special events
Thursday afternoon skills clinics
Birthday party packages include court time
Student athlete meet-and-greets monthly
Hidden Features
Virtual reality basketball experience
Vintage uniform try-on station
Recording booth for play-by-play practice
Secret viewing spot of the downtown skyline
Want to live closer to Knoxville’s amazing attractions? Understanding how our process works can help you move faster than traditional selling.
17. East Tennessee Historical Society: Making History Fun
Local families know the tricks to making history exciting for kids:
Interactive Exhibits
Touch-and-feel artifact stations
Historical costume trunk
Native American tools demonstration
Civil War medical kit exploration
Family Program Schedule
Monday’s Little History Lessons
Wednesday’s Lectures
Summer history camps
Holiday-themed events
Parent Tips
Ask for family scavenger hunt sheets
Best photo spots marked with stars
Quiet room available for breaks
Free parking validation on weekends
18. Knoxville Botanical Garden’s Secret Spots
While tourists stick to the main paths, local families know where the fun happens: the Knoxville Botanical Garden. Additionally, the Tennessee River offers a variety of recreational activities such as riverboat cruises, walking and biking trails along the riverbank, and opportunities for fishing and kayaking, making it a picturesque backdrop for many experiences.
Kid-Favorite Areas
Every Child Outdoors Garden (children learn about growing fruits and vegetables)
Ford Family Azalea Garden (beautiful flowers in the spring)
Paulk Peony Garden (beautiful flowers)
Pollinator Garden (best garden to see butterflies)
Best Times for Activities
Morning: Bird watching
Midday: Butterfly spotting
Afternoon: Nature craft sessions
Evening: Firefly walks (summer)
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Tadpole pond watching
Summer: Berry picking
Fall: Leaf art activities
Winter: Pine cone crafts
Ready to have these beautiful gardens in your backyard? In today’s Tennessee housing market, we can help you move quickly.
19. The Muse Knoxville’s Hidden Treasures
Beyond the main exhibits, local parents have discovered:
Lesser-Known Activities
Maker Space morning sessions
Quiet hour programs for sensitive kids
Junior scientist lab time
Rotating art station
Special Programs Worth Noting
Homeschool science days
Toddler discovery time
Teen tech workshops
Parent-child science classes
Inside Tips
Ask about sensory backpacks
Hidden nursing room location
Best times for planetarium shows
Emergency backup activities
20. Historic Ramsey House Family Experience
This historic site has become a favorite among local families:
Interactive History
Hands-on colonial games
Butter churning demonstrations
Weaving lessons
Heritage garden activities
Special Events
Colonial kids’ days
Seasonal festivals
Living history weekends
Holiday celebrations
Parent Planning
Bring water bottles (limited facilities)
Pack picnic for garden areas
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Camera-worthy spots marked on map
Bonus: Local Parent’s Seasonal Guide
Spring Activities
Cherry blossom viewing at UT Gardens
Baby animal season at Zoo Knoxville
Dogwood Arts Festival family events
Spring break camps citywide
Summer Fun
Splash pad circuit (local parents’ mapped route)
Indoor retreat spots for heat waves
Evening concerts in parks
Summer reading program activities
Fall Adventures
Pumpkin patches and corn mazes
Halloween events for different ages
Fall festival schedule
Leaf-peeping best spots
Winter Activities
Indoor play spaces
Holiday light tours
Winter wildlife watching
Rainy day backup plans
Making the Most of Knoxville with Kids
Transportation Tips
Free trolley routes
Best parking spots for each attraction
Stroller-friendly paths
Easy access points
Money-Saving Strategies
Annual pass combinations
Free admission days
Group discount opportunities
Membership sharing programs
Rainy Day Plans
Indoor backup activities
Museum rotation schedule
Library program calendar
Art center workshops
Making Knoxville Your Home
After exploring all these amazing family attractions, you might be dreaming about making Knoxville your permanent home – or perhaps you need a fresh start in vibrant Chattanooga or bustling Nashville. At Nexus Homebuyers, we understand that life’s transitions often require quick solutions, whether you’re dealing with divorce, unexpected property issues like water damage or mold, or facing foreclosure. As local experts serving East and Middle Tennessee, we’ve helped hundreds of families start their next chapter by offering fair, fast cash offers for homes in any condition. We handle all the paperwork and can close on your timeline, making the selling process stress-free so you can focus on what matters most – creating new memories with your family in Tennessee’s wonderful communities. Whether you’re looking to move closer to downtown Knoxville’s family attractions or need to sell quickly, we’re here to help with a straightforward, compassionate approach that puts your needs first.
Get an all cash offer on your home
Get a free, no-obligation offer in 24 hours.
Skip the hassle of listings, showings, and repairs.
