The purpose of this thesis was to create a guide for children and youth visiting the cardiac surgical intensive care unit M2A of Meilahti Tower hospital. The objective of the guide was to help children encounter the cardiac intensive care (ICU) and the patient they are going to be visiting. The aim of this thesis and the guide was to make visits to the ICU easier and safer for the children and to reduce their fears related to the visit. The cardiac surgical intensive care unit M2A initiated this thesis because they did not previously have a guide dedicated to children’s visits. The theoretical framework consisted of the psychological development of children, how children feel about a close person becoming ill, what kind of emotions can arouse from a visit to the ICU and if there are any benefits of children visiting the ICU. The thesis was executed as a functional thesis that is based on research papers. The guide was based on the theoretical framework and information proved by the ICU. The guide was reviewed by the ICU nurses and by families with children and no professional knowledge. ”Visiting the intensive care unit” guide helps children to familiarise themselves with the ICU and the ICU environment and to prepare for the visit. The guide is necessary, because there are not many similar guides in Finland. The guide is relevant because children have the right to receive information in an age-appropriate way.