Climate change and the myriad other diabolical effects of the environmental crisis are continuously on our minds this year, but lately the pressing scenario has been our treatment of the seas. With the addition of serious sea-doc Seaspiracy to Netflix this year, our attentions have been turned to the need to clean our world’s waters, and the effect of our fishing industry on marine life.

Many of us adults are lucky to have a little bit of an oceanic education, but for our nippers, the deep sea – as well as its many wild and wonderful inhabitants – is mysterious and complicated. Today’s generation of little ones are beginning to understand more and more about climate change, too – and the importance of being eco-friendly.

Such an important subject needs simplification! Help your children understand the ocean and its need for us to behave sustainably, by hitting Dundrum Town Centre this summer with the tots in tow. Deep Sea Dundrum, a sweet, sea-themed adventure trail of facts, games and competitions is in situ at Dundrum Town Centre from July 1 to August 15.

What’s more, there’s a chance for the kids to get to meet some real-life sea-life. The Centre has engaged world-renowned marine biologist and owner of Seahorse Aquariums Kealan Doyle, and his colleague Eimear Manning, Environmental Education & Youth Coordinator for ECO-UNESCO.

Kealan, Eimear and their team-mate Geraldine will be hosting fun, engaging and educational talks on marine life, the nature of the deep seas and sustainability as well as the special opportunity for families to get up close with real-life deep-sea creatures. Join them on July 31 and August 14 from 12pm-3pm on Pembroke Square. Check out the Dundrum Town Centre website (www.dundrum.ie) for full information.

Meanwhile, the kids can join Captain Bart Bear and his crew on their Eco-Adventure across the sprawling Town Square and Pembroke District, learning about how best to treat our planet along the way. The sea-themed event is designed to communicate key sustainability messages to customers both old and young throughout the trail and suggest how they can get involved at home.

 There will be four photo installations, two on Town Square and two on Pembroke Square, as well as a number of interactive, but contactless, games to entertain kids big and small while following the trail!

So, gather the family and make a day of it at Dundrum Town Centre this summer. See www.dundrum.ie for more details.