Don't know about the children's prices but if you're sure you're going to make the trip you can save a buck or two if you order tickets ahead of time off of the website. In addition to saving a buck there is always a pretty sizable line when they open the box office to get tickets the day of, and the line forms outside. Southern Illinois can be somewhat brisk and breezy in mid December.
This event is traditionally an extraordinarily good show. One of the best A-mains we've ever witnessed was the year T-Mez and BC went at it like gangbusters for the last 1/2 of the race. BC pulled it out at the very end. It was one of those deals where the stats show the winner and 2nd place but there really wasn't a loser in that one.
If the racing finishes up in time and for those who enjoy Christmas light display's the drive through the adjacent Du Quoin State Fairgrounds is well worth the time and cost to look it over. It only takes about 20 minutes and costs around $7 per car.
Also, for those who will be staying in the Du Quoin area Saturday night and heading East Sunday morning towards home there is a good and clean place to stay reasonably priced (less than $78.00/night tax and all) 1/4 mile East of Interstate 57 exit 77 at the junction of Ill. Rt. 154 and Ill. Rt. 37 near Whittington, IL. It's called Lake Cove Hotel due to it's relatively close proximity to Rend Lake. Obviously December is their off-season thus the reasonable rates. Link to their website:
http://www.lakecovehotel.com/index.html
If any of you enjoy craft beers and have some time to kill before hot laps Saturday afternoon the St. Nicholas Brewing Company (
http://www.stnicholasbrewco.com/) micro brewery in downtown Du Quoin has pretty darned good food and they offer a very nice variety of some tasty craft beers. The brewery is in the completely renovated building that was once the St. Nicholas Hotel and back in the day the racers stayed and hung out there while in town for the Ted Horn Memorial Championship races on The Du Quoin Magic Mile back in the 50's, 60's and into the '70's. It's a cool place and a popular spot for race fans both for the indoor shows and the mile races during the fair. St. Nicholas Brewing Company is located across the street to the East of the Du Quoin Amtrak passenger train depot. Our group will definitely be there for lunch and a beverage the afternoon of race day.