Canstruction 2014 features more than two dozen statues designed by inventive teams of architects, engineers, contractors and students. Every one is made almost entirely of cans of food (I spotted a few pasta boxes this year). Once the exhibition is dismantled, all the food is donated to City Harvest, and visitors are encouraged to bring cans of food for the charity, too. Monetary donations aren't accepted on-site but you can buy postcards of past Canstruction favorites or a coloring book if you're unable to bring cans.

Many of the sculptures are located in Brookfield Place's light-filled Winter Garden atrium, but be sure to take the escalators opposite the food court as there are more creations upstairs. As always, there were times I had trouble making out what, exactly, I was looking at, but reading the descriptions usually helped. Plus, when you look at the sculptures through a camera, the 2D flattening effect often helps the design pop. The pics above are my family's favorites (a few sculptures had fallen apart! I'd never seen that before), but there are many more, so it's really worth heading there to see them all.

After you're done gawking, there are lots of other things to do in this waterfront neighborhood. Stroll along the gorgeous Esplanade, romp in one of the nearby playgrounds, catch a flick at the Regal Battery Park Stadium 11 cinemas or grab a snack at NYC's least-crowded Shake Shack. (Unfortunately, Brookfield Place's ice-skating rink isn't yet open for the season. Seems like a missed opportunity.)

Canstruction is on view daily 10am to 6pm through Thursday, November 20 in Brookfield Place, 250 Vesey Street between West Street and North End Avenue. FREE but bringing cans of food to donate is encouraged.

Find more seasonal activities, including other ways to give back to those in need, in our Thanksgiving Fun Guide.