WeekendWatch: Free movies, fun by the water, and dads at the zoo

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It’s easy to find something to do in and around Boston if you’re willing to spend money. But even if you’re keeping a close watch on your wallet, you can find lots of options to have fun in the city. Check out these suggestions for ways to enjoy the weekend without breaking the bank.

FRIDAY
Free classic movies by Boston Harbor
Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston
Every Friday at dusk, the Boston Harbor Hotel shows classic movies on a large, outdoor screen. The series kicks off tonight with the film noir classic “Laura,” continuing weekly through a September 2 screening of “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
More info: http://www.bhh.com/special_summer.htm

Family movies along the Charles
Hatch Shell, Charles River Esplanade, Boston
The first film of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and WBZ NewsRadio 1030-sponsored “Free Friday Flicks” series, “Daddy Day Care,” starts at sunset. Bring your blanket and get a good seat under the stars at this riverside spot best known for the annual July 4th concert extravaganza. Which reminds us — the series will take a break over the 4th of July weekend, then pick back up July 15 with “Megamind.”
More info: http://boston.cbslocal.com/flicks/

SATURDAY
Free sailing on Boston Harbor
54 Lewis Wharf, Boston
Calling all sailboat enthusiasts! Sit back and enjoy a calming boat ride, or try your hand at the rudder tomorrow, when the Boston Sailing Center holds its annual open house, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
More info: http://www.bostonsailingcenter.com/news/openhouse.asp

Tour historic Jamaica Pond
Jamaica Pond Bandstand, Pond Street and Jamaicaway, Jamaica Plain
The Jamaica Plain Historical Society, which offers free tours of local sites each Saturday at 11 a.m., will offer a free 90-minute tour of Jamaica Pond tomorrow. The picturesque pond was once used for harvesting ice for homes and businesses across the city.
More info: http://www.jphs.org/2011-historic-walking-tours/

SUNDAY
Take dad to the zoo
1 Franklin Park Road, Dorchester
The Franklin Park Zoo, where the “The Zookeeper” (slated for a July 8 release) was recently filmed, is granting free admission to dads on Father’s Day. Take the whole family and make dad pay — for everyone else.
More info: http://www.zoonewengland.org/