Burbank is a fun city with a rich history and culture. Here are 43 riddles that test your knowledge about this iconic Southern California town. See how many you can get right!
Riddles about Burbank’s History
Riddle 1
I’m an aviation pioneer who helped put Burbank on the map in the 1920s by building an airport here. Who am I?
Answer: C.L. “Jack” Northrop
Riddle 2
I’m an iconic movie studio that opened my doors in Burbank back in 1926. Classic films like Casablanca were created within my walls. What studio am I?
Answer: Warner Bros.
Riddle 3
Burbank was named after this Civil War general and dentist turned real estate developer. What’s his last name?
Answer: Burbank
Riddle 4
Walt Disney opened his second theme park in 1971 in Burbank. What was the name of this original park?
Answer: The Disney Studios Theme Park
Riddle 5
Burbank became known as the “Media Capital of the World” because of all the radio, TV, and movie studios located here over the years. Which of these major media companies has never had a presence in Burbank?
Answer: CNN
Riddles about Burbank’s Geography & Climate
Riddle 6
Burbank has a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. What 3 mountain ranges help block extreme weather from reaching Burbank?
Answer: Verdugo Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and Santa Monica Mountains
Riddle 7
At 550 feet above sea level, Burbank’s elevation helps give it a subtropical climate. How many days a year on average does Burbank get any measurable precipitation?
Answer: 35 days
Riddle 8
Burbank has an average high temperature in July of 91°F but gets down to 47°F in December. What’s the average annual high temperature in Burbank?
Answer: 78°F
Riddle 9
Spanning 17 miles, this busy freeway cuts right through Burbank connecting downtown LA to the north Valley.
Answer: Interstate 5
Riddle 10
Burbank contains one of the few remaining natural rivers in Los Angeles County. What river runs through North Burbank?
Answer: Tujunga Wash
Riddles about Burbank’s Economy & Culture
Riddle 11
Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank’s economy revolves around what 5 entertainment industries?
Answer: Film, television, music, animation, and video games
Riddle 12
This Japanese electronics company makes high-tech filmmaking equipment and has its U.S. headquarters in Burbank.
Answer: Sony
Riddle 13
Completed in 1994, this wooden roller coaster at Universal Studios was the setting for a memorable scene in what hit movie franchise?
Answer: The Fast and the Furious
Riddle 14
Burbank has a rich aviation history and is home to the Bob Hope Airport. Which major airplane manufacturer operated here during WWII producing the famous B-17 Flying Fortress?
Answer: Lockheed Martin
Riddle 15
Burbank has an AM radio station playing Asian pop music and traffic reports in this language:
Answer: Korean
Riddle 16
Burbank’s multicultural population includes one of the largest communities of Armenians in the US. What percentage of Burbank residents today are estimated to be Armenian-American?
Answer: Over 10%
Riddles about Burbank’s Parks & Recreation
Riddle 17
Stretching nearly 2 miles adjacent Griffith Park, this popular equestrian trail also draws hikers and mountain bikers.
Answer: Chandler Bikeway
Riddle 18
This recreational hot spot contains an aquatic center, skate park, basketball courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas. What’s its name?
Answer: McCambridge Park
Riddle 19
Burbank has over 350 acres of parkland, including this 9 acre park downtown known for its rose garden and walking paths.
Answer: Verdugo Park
Riddle 20
True or false: The Starlight Bowl amphitheater in Burbank hosts a series of free summer concerts under the stars.
Answer: True
Riddle 21
Spanning 1,400 acres near Griffith Park, this popular area offers equestrian facilities, tennis courts, wilderness areas, and an archery range.
Answer: Stough Canyon
Riddles about Burbank’s Shopping & Dining
Riddle 22
This upscale mall in Burbank features high-end stores like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. along with a Lucky Strike bowling alley.
Answer: Burbank Town Center
Riddle 23
True or false: IKEA has its only Los Angeles-area store located in Burbank.
Answer: True
Riddle 24
This family-owned Burbank bakery since 1968 draws long lines for its famous strawberry, guava, and pineapple pastries. What is it called?
Answer: Porto’s Bakery
Riddle 25
Food critics rave about the Pollo ala Brasa (peruvian roasted chicken) at this hip Burbank eatery. What’s the restaurant’s name?
Answer: Urbana
Riddle 26
Calling all chocoholics! This Burbank confectionery creates artisanal bonbons and handmade chocolate bars sold around the world.
Answer: Compartés Chocolatier
Riddles about Burbank’s Architecture & Attractions
Riddle 27
This craftsman-style bungalow from 1887 is Burbank’s oldest remaining residence, famous for the movie stars that lived here over the decades.
Answer: The Kingsbury House
Riddle 28
True or false: The Avon distribution center in Burbank is the largest cosmetics facility in the Western Hemisphere.
Answer: True
Riddle 29
This castle-like mansion built in 1919 features secret passages, hidden rooms, and ancient artifacts. What’s it called?
Answer: The Magic Castle
Riddle 30
Burbank City Hall contains this historical aviation exhibit focused on the Lockheed Martin “Burbank Builders” who contributed to aviation history.
Answer: The Burbank Aeronautical Museum
Riddle 31
This downtown Burbank alleyway features colorful murals by local artists that have helped revitalize the neighborhood.
Answer: Artists’ Alley
Riddles about Burbank’s Transportation & Infrastructure
Riddle 32
True or false: The Bob Hope Airport in Burbank offers nonstop flights to over 20 destinations.
Answer: True
Riddle 33
Spanning 134 miles from Burbank to San Bernardino, this interstate freeway is a major transportation artery in SoCal.
Answer: Interstate 5
Riddle 34
At 34.2 MW, this natural gas power plant provides electricity to 130,000 Burbank residents. What’s it called?
Answer: Burbank Power Plant
Riddle 35
Traveling over 20 mph, these public transportation vehicles serve Burbank and surrounding communities.
Answer: Metrolink commuter trains
Riddle 36
True or false: A new 14-mile light rail system is slated to connect Burbank to North Hollywood upon completion in 2024.
Answer: True
Riddles about Burbank’s Education & Government
Riddle 37
Founded in 1901, this private university located in Burbank focuses on media, business, law and technology education.
Answer: Woodbury University
Riddle 38
Burbank’s main public school district educates over 16,000 students across 22 elementary, middle and high schools. What’s it called?
Answer: Burbank Unified School District
Riddle 39
True or false: Burbank has been led by a City Manager rather than a mayor since 1916.
Answer: True
Riddle 40
Burbank’s five member city council holds meetings open to the public in these downtown municipal buildings.
Answer: Burbank City Hall
Riddle 41
Providing firefighting, rescue and EMT services, this Burbank city department operates 5 neighborhood fire stations.
Answer: Burbank Fire Department
Riddles about Burbank’s Sports & Recreation
Riddle 42
Home to the Burbank Bulldogs, this 5,000 seat stadium opened in 1958 and hosts football games and track meets.
Answer: Burbank High School Stadium
Riddle 43
Burbank supports youth sports including football, soccer, baseball and more through this nonprofit organization.
Answer: Burbank Youth Football League (BYFL)
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles about Burbank’s history, culture, attractions and more? This iconic Southern California city has been an entertainment hub for decades thanks to pioneering aviation developers, movie studios, and TV networks that set up shop here over the past century. From the Media Capital studios to family-filled parks, Burbank’s many charms make it a popular place to live, work, and play.
Next time you’re in the LA area, take a trip to explore Burbank’s palm tree-lined streets, fascinating aviation and Hollywood history, diverse dining scene, and wealth of recreational opportunities for all interests. Whether you’re an entertainment insider or new visitor, Burbank is sure to captivate and delight.
