If you’re going to Matawan, Keyport shouldn’t be too far. The Lawrenceville section of old bridge is on the water and has some parks/playgrounds with views on the water. Keansburg is also nice for walking around I think—it’s been a while. I forgot which one has a nice boardwalk with restaurants and shops further in—keyport maybe?? but it’s not very far at all from old bridge/Matawan. We used to go for little day trips and it was nice, even in the cooler weather. Lots of people bundled up and walking around, some guys fishing, nice cute little shops and restaurants and a fish fry take away spot.

Hopefully someone else can chime in or I’ll ask my husband which one was which. We used to drive over from old bridge and it was a 20-30 min drive. It’s right near Cheesequake park too, which I mentioned in another response.

Good luck!