Zoo Transportation Scholarship Application

Applications for 2026 Transportation Scholarships are now open.  


Thank you for your interest in our transportation scholarship program! At this time, we are accepting applications for Spring through June 2026. Awarded scholarships consist of two parts:  

  1. Busing for your group to and from the Zoo by Precious Cargo, provided with the support of the Cleveland Zoo Society
  2. Free admission to the Zoo for all members of your group 

If your group does not need transportation assistance, please apply for an admission-only field trip scholarship here: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo/tickets-attractions/school-and-youth-group-visits/field-trip-admission-scholarships You do not have to apply for a field trip if applying for a transportation scholarship. 

Successful applicants will:  

  • be from a Cuyahoga County public or private K-8 school (public or private) 
  • have 30% or more of studentseligible to receivefree/reduced lunch as documented by the State of Ohio
  • be applying for a transportation scholarshipbetween February-June 2026
  • must schedule ona Tuesday,Wednesdayor Thursday only
  • have a minimum of 30 riders per bus. Buses seat 48 passengers/2 per seat and 72 passengers/3 per seat. 
  • usea maximum of 3 buses per application(and maximum of 3 buses per school per year) 

  

If you would like to check eligibility or have questions, please contact Zoo Education & Engagement at [email protected] or 216-635-3379.  

**2026 Transportation Scholarship includes field trip – no separate field trip scholarship submission needed ** 


***Bus Capacity: Buses seat 48 passengers/2 per seat and 72 passengers/3 per seat. Wheelchair Bus holds 32 passengers/2 per seat and 48 passengers/3 per seat and room for 3 wheelchairs.

A ratio of at least 1 chaperone/ 10 youth is required. Tickets will be provided for all students and chaperones, up to a ratio of 1 chaperone/3 youth.  

PLEASE CAREFULLY REVIEW THE CANCELLATION POLICY BELOW AND CHECK THAT YOU UNDERSTAND:  

  • Once awarded, you will receive an email from a Zoo staff member confirming your bus and visit date. You must reply to this email in 7 days to confirm or your bus will be given to another group. After confirming, we will schedule your bus/buses and your group will be registered for Zoo admission.
  • PLEASE only confirm if you are sure your group can attend. There are many schools that need transportation. You will receive reminder emails approximately a month and 2 weeks before your trip.
  • If you cancel less than ten days but more than two days in advance, you will be required to pay a cancellation fee of $100 if Cleveland Metroparks is charged the cancellation fee by the bus company providing service. If you cancel less than two days in advance, you will be required to pay a cancellation fee of $560 if Cleveland Metroparks is charged the cancellation fee by the bus company providing service.

Cancellation or changes must be done 10 days prior. 

Last minute additions will be charged general admission.

Any questions, please contact [email protected]