Thanks for all the suggestions.
Looks like before the game we'll be parking near the brewery district and going to the German village area and then the Scioto mile before going to our hotel. Is parking in Cbus similar to DC with meters you can pay by card, phone, etc?
Last question: it will be a long day but are there any kid friendly spots to hit up after games? I figure we might have energy to go to one more stop before going back to our hotel. We are staying near the arena so around there. Also what time do you recommend I get to R bar to get a table before the game?
http://www.columbusunderground.com/brewcadia
^This should be open soon - but looks like they are behind on their Late Fall opening.
http://463-n-high-street.bareburger.com/
^Bareburger just on High Street a couple blocks from the arena.
Other food places that are family friendly by the arena would be: Nada, Boston's has tables, Ted's Montana Grill, Mongolian BBQ, Rodizio Steakhouse, Gordon Biersch has some tables, and there will be some places in the Short North (stretch of High Street from Goodale up to about 5th Ave) as well.
The Convention Center is free to walk through (not sure what's going on at that time). Someone mentioned Max & Erma's - it's just a block east of the arena.
The zoo is a pretty far drive (~30 minute drive from downtown + whatever traffic is up there). I would suggest the Scioto Mile + Columbus Commons combo. They have lights there and is easily walkable (it might be a 10-15 minute walk from your hotel to get there). COSI is great for the kids if you need another activity during the day. The statehouse gives free tours if that's of any interest. Over that way (Commons and Statehouse part of downtown) is Dirty Frank's and 16-bit arcade next to it - not sure if the barcade would let the young ones in during the day or not.
There's also a movie theater near the arena if you don't have any other entertainment options. Depending on your plans, I would try North Market for a meal (a block or so from the arena) - a lot of local restaurants located in one warehouse.
My best suggestions would try to eat local if you have the time - there are a lot of great local restaurants to try in the area. Also a lot of breweries if you're into that. Easton would be another suggestion if you have time & a car to drive 15 minutes or so - dozens of shops in an indoor/outdoor mall setting. Plenty to do for the kids as well, but it is sort of a "trip" out of downtown for food, shopping, entertainment, etc. so I don't know if that fits into your schedule.
R Bar - if you want a table, maybe around 5:00ish? Someone would have to help me out here. They have a tent over the patio outdoors, but maybe your son would enjoy the tables that are "penalty boxes" in the corner? Don't know how the home crowd gets in there, but it usually looks fairly full from 6-7 from the outside. They have a lot of hockey gear and hockey-themed things inside.
Most meters can be paid by card (check the times so as not to overpay because there is free parking on the weekends I think in some areas). It also sounds like you'll be within the footprint of the CBUS - a free COTA bus line that runs from the Short North through downtown and down to German Village. That would be my suggestion for transportation if you're looking to get around in the downtown area. Skip the parking meters/garages once you arrive. Parking is typically free on the weekends after 9 or 10 I think. You could definitely take the CBUS to the Scioto Mile/Columbus area and also check out German Village (the book loft seems to be a big hit there) and take it back for the game as well. Or you could drive - it's only a couple miles away and parking rates aren't awful either.
Within the arena, almost the entire first level is filled with stuff for hockey fans - the cannon, mini-games, video games, hats thrown onto the ice, the "blue line" shop, etc. You're also welcome to walk down to the glass during warmups if there is space. They do a great job of catering to hockey fans. A "take home" glass should be available in the blue line store or at the concession stands.
Your best bang for your buck for food in the arena is probably Tim Horton's. They have some cool "hockey puck" desserts too, but I don't really eat there so I don't know what the "best" arena foods are.