We're headed to WDW and plan on taking a day trip to Cocoa Beach & maybe the Space Center. My question is two fold.
1. How much time (approx) should one alocate to tour the museum and center property?
2. Are there things to see do that a 5 & 10 year old would enjoy?

ttt

Check the website, it's good: www.kennedyspacecenter.com
We are going in April. I think it depends on the kids. If they like studying space in school, they should like it. I do hear some people say their kids were bored; maybe that is because they are coming from Orlando where they know they could be in a park instead, I don't know. With the 2 IMAX films, and Mad Mission to Mars and other atractions along w/seeing the shuttle area up close (we are doing that extra tour), and option to eat lunch w/an astronaut, I can't see how we would be bored! Because we are adding on those extras, we will definitely be there all day. I don't know about how much time it takes if you are just doing the basic ticket stuff.

The trip is an annual one for many mid-high schoolers in Florida. I went with my son's class and they all enjoyed it immensely. It's the real thing, no Disney recreation. And that's what they liked. Spend a day there, and you'll have spent a day well spent.

Re-reading your post, if you are also going to Cocoa Beach in one day, then I think you should arrive early at the Space Center, then head to the beach about 3P. That will give you plenty of time for enjoying both.

Don't forget to stop at RonJons Surf Shop. The kids probably won't be big on the shopping thing, but the place is bright and fun to wander around in.

Arriving by 10 am, by the time you take the circle bus tour (couple hours), see the movies (couple hours), photo op with an astronaut, walk through the spacecraft "garden", lunch, and then their very extensive gift shop (kids will love their freeze-dried food!), you're looking at mid-afternoon to finish.
Happy travels!

Your admission to the space center will cover the Astronaut hall of Fame also, which you drive by on your way out of the Space Center. With the ages of your kids, I would opt for the regular bus tour, NOT the "guided" bus tour (which is extra$$). All the bus drivers will give good commentary. At the two stops on the bus tour are plenty of space vehicles and rockets on display that the kids will like seeing up close, and you can spend as much time as you want exploring. There is an IMAX theatre presentation, a funny robot presentation, some outdoor talks, lots to see. At the Astronaut Hall of Fame, we were short on time and skipped the intro video - we just told the attendant we were on a schedule, and he let us through. There are quite a few interactive exhibits designed for kids, my 9 yo loved it last year. There is a virtual space ride too, very gentle and aimed at the kids. Get to the space center at opening time (9 or 10?), you should be able to do everything in a day. Space Center I think closes at 5 and Astronaut Hall of Fame closes at 6, IIRC. If you are AAA members they sell discount tickets, you need to purchase at AAA. Many of the free local attraction guides have a Space Center ad with discount coupon, too.