Get ready for Mural Arts Program’s 2015 tour season

Now that spring is seemingly on the horizon, it's time to weigh our options in terms of outdoor entertainment. There's no better way to get your fix of outdoor art than to hop on one of the Mural Arts Program's tours, this year beginning on Saturday, April 11 and extending through November.

New this year, all Mural Arts tours will leave from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts' Hamilton Building (128 N. Broad St.) — save for one that departs in Old City — and will feature a $5 discount to the museum.

Other new additions include an opening day scavenger hunt and reception at PAFA (128 N. Broad St.) on Saturday, April 11 and two new versions of the "Masterpieces" tour, now divided into "Masterpieces East" and "Masterpieces West," with the option of doing a double and taking the two trolley tours back-to-back.

Two-hour trolley tours, led by guides who'll share info on the murals, history, artist facts and more, are offered at 10 a.m. on Saturdays throughout the season and on Fridays during the summer. The rotating schedule features a Center City tour, Masterpieces East and West and Reimagined Landscapes. A special Second Sunday tour will also be offered at 11:30 a.m.

Walking tours, consisting of a mile stroll taking visitors either south or north of Market Street, depart at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. On Wednesdays in the summer, an 11 a.m. tour, leaving the Philly Tour Hub (229 Arch St.), will also be offered.

The newness continues with a 10 a.m. walking tour on the last Saturday of the month April through July and October through November concluding with a private visit to Philadelphia's Magic Gardens and a segway tour through Northern Liberties leaving from the Philly Tour Hub (229 Arch St.).

Also picking up again in April are the subway-bound "Love Letter" train tours, continuing through May on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m.

For more Things to Do, check out our calendar for the most up-to-date happenings.