KIDS STUFF / Fourth of July

This Independence Day, kids eat free at all Applebee's restaurants in Nassau and Suffolk. Families dining anytime Monday will receive up to two free kids' menu entrees with each adult entree purchased, valid for children ages 12 and younger. Find a participating location at applebees.com.

Have the kids plaster these temporary Patriotic Tattoos on themselves and their friends to adorn their flag-waving arms at a Fourth of July parade or as an activity at a barbecue. The red, white and blue designs come in packages of 72 -- plenty to share. Each measures from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches. $4.50 at orientaltrading.com

Sometimes a kid wants to show her colors, but in a more subtle design. Enter the Girls Red, White & Blue Patchwork Skirt from Old Navy, a lightweight cotton skirt that hits above the knee. $14.50 at oldnavy.gap.com.

There's something about flag designs on clothing that beckons on this holiday. For toddler fun in the pool, how about a Boys American Flag Bike Suit? Although not a life preserver, the swimsuit has foam inside to give children confidence in the water (to be used with adult supervision). For kids weighing from 20 pounds up to 70 pounds, $50 at bestdressed kids.com.